- Form I-539 and I-765 new editions dated 09/15/26
- Older editions rejected starting Sept. 15, 2026
- No grace period for form changes
- Preview versions available before Sept. 15
- Submissions must use 09/15/26 editions on or after Sept. 15
What is changing
USCIS is updating two key forms for nonimmigrant status changes and employment authorization. Starting September 15, 2026, only the latest editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 will be accepted. These revised forms align with new rules about fixed time periods of admission and extension of stay procedures for academic students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
Form submission deadlines
If you file Form I-539, the 08/28/24 edition will be accepted only if postmarked or submitted electronically before September 15, 2026. After that date, USCIS will reject this version. The new 09/15/26 edition must be used for submissions on or after September 15. The same rule applies to Form I-765: the 08/21/25 edition is valid only before September 15, 2026. You cannot use older versions after the deadline.
Preview versions available
USCIS is providing preview versions of the 09/15/26 forms with instructions. These previews are for reference only and cannot be submitted before September 15. The agency emphasizes that filings with the new editions must have a postmark or electronic submission date of September 15 or later to be accepted.
Why this change matters
The update ensures USCIS can apply the final rule about fixed admission periods and stay extensions. There is no transition period, so applicants must use the correct form edition based on their filing date. Check the official Form I-539 and I-765 webpages for the latest versions and instructions.
"On Sept. 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish revised editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (edition date for both: 09/15/26)." USCIS announcement
For background on the categories these changes affect, see our guides to the employment-based routes.
Sources
All accessed 2 September 2026.
- USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15. The announcement this post summarises.
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Form I-539.
- Form I-765.
- USCIS Newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new forms take effect?
The new 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539 and I-765 take effect on September 15, 2026.
Can I use old forms after September 15?
No. USCIS will reject all older editions of Form I-539 and I-765 submitted on or after September 15, 2026.
Where to get preview versions?
Preview versions of the 09/15/26 forms with instructions are available on the Form I-539 and Form I-765 webpages.
Green Card Guide AI is not a law firm and this article is not legal advice. It describes evidence-building strategy in general terms; your attorney determines what belongs in your petition and how it's argued.
