USCIS Releases New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765
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USCIS announced that new editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, will take effect on September 15, 2026.
What is changing
Beginning September 15, USCIS will require the new 09/15/26 editions of both forms. There will be no grace period, and older editions filed on or after the effective date will be rejected.
The dates that matter
- Before September 15, 2026: the current editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 are still accepted.
- From September 15, 2026: only the 09/15/26 editions are accepted, and older editions are rejected.
Why the forms were revised
The new forms were revised in connection with the recently published rule establishing fixed periods of admission for certain international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
What this means if you are filing
If you are preparing to file Form I-539 or Form I-765 around September 15, make sure you are using the correct edition of the form. The edition date is printed at the bottom of the form pages.
If a filing is rejected, it has to be submitted again using the correct edition. For anyone whose status or work authorization is close to expiring, that lost time is the real risk in this change, not the paperwork.
Check the edition date printed on your form before you file. From September 15, 2026, there is no grace period for older editions of Form I-539 or Form I-765.
Source: USCIS Form I-539 and USCIS Form I-765