USCIS to reject old I-539 and I-765 forms after September 15, 2026

US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a notice that, as of September 15, 2026, only the 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 will be accepted for processing. The older 08/28/24 edition of I-539 and the 08/21/25 edition of I-765 may be used only if they are postmarked or submitted electronically before that date; any later submissions will be denied. No transitional grace period is provided because the new forms are required to implement a final rule governing fixed admission periods for non-immigrant students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.

USCIS has released preview versions of the updated forms along with instructions, but cautions applicants not to file them prematurely. The I-539 form is used to extend or change non-immigrant status, while I-765 is for obtaining an Employment Authorization Document; both are commonly used by H-4 dependents and other visa categories, though not typically by primary H-1B workers.