The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that starting September 15, 2026, any applications for status extensions or work permits using old form versions will be automatically rejected.

  • Starting Sept 15, 2026, only new versions of Form I-539 and I-765 will be accepted.
  • No grace period will be provided for submissions using outdated formats.
  • The move aims to eliminate 'Duration of Status' (D/S) for certain visa holders.
  • Impacts F, J, and I visa categories directly.

In a significant administrative overhaul, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will invalidate all filings that do not utilize the newly mandated form versions. The federal agency stated that any request for an extension of stay or employment authorization submitted in obsolete formats will face automatic rejection.

Effective September 15, 2026, USCIS will exclusively accept the latest editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). This measure eliminates any transitional grace period, meaning applicants must ensure their paperwork aligns perfectly with the new requirements to avoid legal complications.

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Who is Affected by This Change?

The update primarily targets non-immigrants who rely on these specific documents to maintain legal presence and livelihood in the United States. The categories most heavily impacted include:

  • Academic Students (F-Visa)
  • Exchange Visitors (J-Visa)
  • Foreign Media Representatives (I-Visa)

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this policy shift is deeply intertwined with a broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mandate to eliminate the concept of "Duration of Status." Previously, certain visa holders could remain in the U.S. indefinitely as long as they maintained their status (e.g., being enrolled in school). The new framework enforces fixed admission periods, requiring periodic formal reviews and extensions.

"The transition from indefinite status to fixed periods is a cornerstone of the government's effort to modernize immigration oversight."

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the reform, noting that the obsolete system had compromised national security for nearly half a century. The administration argues that these changes will prevent the abuse of student visas as a means for covert long-term employment and will allow for better monitoring of individuals within U.S. borders.

Did You Know?: The recent policy changes stem from a DHS final rule published on July 16, aimed at restructuring how non-immigrant oversight is conducted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my application is mailed on September 14 using an old form?
If the postmark or digital registration occurs after the deadline using the old version, the application will be returned, potentially causing a gap in your legal status.

2. How can I ensure I am using the correct form?
Always download forms directly from the official USCIS.gov portal to verify the edition date.