Immigrants filing to extend work authorization or change nonimmigrant status must use newly revised forms starting September 15, 2026.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reject older versions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) if they arrive at USCIS on or after that date, with no transition or grace period.
The agency is updating both forms to comply with new federal regulations governing admission time periods and visa extensions for international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives. USCIS has released preview copies of the new editions so filers can prepare, but it will reject applications submitted with old versions after September 15.
USCIS will accept the older Form I-539 (dated 08/28/24) and Form I-765 (dated 08/21/25) only if they arrive by mail or electronically before September 15.
Starting September 15, the agency will only accept the new editions, dated 09/15/26, for both forms.
If you plan to file either form, the timeline is absolute. USCIS will return any application postmarked or submitted electronically after September 15 using the old form version as rejected. USCIS will not grant extensions because the form changes are necessary to implement new regulatory requirements—USCIS has no discretion to accept outdated versions.
USCIS is being explicit about the rejection rules: it will accept old editions through September 14, reject them from September 15 forward, and accept only the new 09/15/26 editions after that date.
The change affects anyone seeking to:
- Extend or change nonimmigrant status (Form I-539)—including students, temporary workers, family visa holders, or others on valid visas who need to remain in the United States longer or change to a different visa category
- Apply for work authorization (Form I-765)—including asylum applicants, refugees, and others eligible to work while their immigration cases are pending
Students and exchange visitors are particularly affected, as the new regulations specifically address admission procedures for these populations. Individuals currently in the United States on F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visas, or similar nonimmigrant status who plan to extend their stay or adjust their status should review the new requirements immediately.
Where to Find the New Forms
USCIS has posted preview versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765, along with instructions, on the agency’s website. Filers should download the 09/15/26 editions directly and carefully follow the updated instructions before submitting applications. The forms and detailed instructions are available on the USCIS Form I-539 and Form I-765 webpages.
Do not submit the 09/15/26 forms before September 15—USCIS will reject applications using the new form if submitted prior to that date. The agency will accept them only if postmarked or electronically filed on or after September 15.
Immigrants with pending nonimmigrant visa cases should act now if planning to file either form. Those with deadlines before September 15 must use the current edition and plan to file well before the cutoff. Those with deadlines after September 15 must obtain and use the new edition and should download the preview versions immediately to review any changes in instructions or requirements.
Delays in receiving or filing these forms can affect immigration status, work authorization, and the ability to remain in the country legally. Missing the deadline with an outdated form could result in rejection and lost time—potentially affecting employment, student status, or visa extensions applicants were counting on.
This article is not legal advice. Immigrants with questions about whether they need to file Form I-539, Form I-765, or how to complete either form should consult with a lawyer licensed in their state or an immigration representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice. USCIS also provides forms and instructions on its website at www.uscis.gov.
https://ctninfo.com/uscis-changes-fo…ed-after-sept-15/
This article was originally written in English. Other language versions are produced using AI translation software, and errors are possible — the English version is authoritative. CTN also uses AI to convert text into audio.
