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USCIS updates I-539, I-765 forms effective Sept. 15
USCIS has released preview versions of both revised forms and their instructions to help applicants prepare for the change.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 17, Aug 2026
- 03:36 EDT
- 34
USCIS / AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce new editions of two important forms on Sept. 15, including the application to extend or change nonimmigrant status, to align them with a new federal rule establishing fixed periods of admission and new extension-of-stay procedures for certain nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors and representatives of foreign information media.
The new editions will replace the current 08/28/24 edition of Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status) and the 08/21/25 edition of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
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USCIS said there will be no grace period for the transition because the revised forms are necessary for the agency to implement the new final rule.
Applicants should therefore ensure they use the correct edition based on when their application is submitted.
“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 said Aug. 14.
The forms have been revised to align with the recently published Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media final rule, it said.
USCIS has released preview versions of both revised forms and their instructions to help applicants prepare for the change. However, the agency cautioned that the new 09/15/26 editions must not be filed before Sept. 15, 2026.
The Department of Homeland Security recently finalized a rule establishing fixed admission periods and formal extension-of-stay procedures for F-1 academic students, J-1 exchange visitors and foreign information media representatives.
Under the new framework, many affected individuals will receive fixed periods of stay rather than admission for duration of status (D/S), making extension filings increasingly important for maintaining lawful status.
The transition may affect F-1 students seeking extensions of stay, J-1 exchange visitors, dependents filing change-of-status requests, individuals applying for employment authorization, universities and exchange program sponsors, and immigration practitioners and employers, Erickson Immigration Group said.
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