WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will introduce updated editions of two key immigration forms Sept. 15. The change will affect many nonimmigrants, including F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and foreign media representatives.
The agency will replace the current editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765. Applicants must use the correct form edition when they submit their applications. USCIS also said it will not offer a grace period during the transition.
USCIS announced the change Aug. 14. The agency said the revised forms will help implement a new federal rule that changes how certain nonimmigrants receive and extend their stay in the United States.
Starting Sept. 15, USCIS will accept the new 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
The new editions will replace the 08/28/24 version of Form I-539 and the 08/21/25 version of Form I-765.
Importantly, USCIS said applicants must not submit the new editions before Sept. 15. The agency has released preview copies of the revised forms and instructions. Therefore, applicants can review the changes before the new editions take effect.
At the same time, applicants should check the edition date before filing. Using the wrong edition could create problems with an application.
The form changes connect to a recent Department of Homeland Security that establishes fixed admission periods and new extension-of-stay procedures for certain nonimmigrant groups.
Previously, many F-1 students and some other nonimmigrants entered the country under “duration of status,” often shown as D/S on immigration documents. Under the new system, many affected individuals will instead receive a fixed period of admission.
As a result, some people may need to file extension requests to remain in the United States legally. The change could make Form I-539 more important for eligible applicants who need additional time in the country.
The new process may also affect employment authorization requests. That makes Form I-765 another important part of the transition.
Because the rules involve different immigration categories, applicants should review their individual circumstances before filing. In particular, they should check whether the new fixed admission rules apply to them.
USCIS has encouraged applicants to prepare for the Sept. 15 transition. However, they should not file the new forms before that date.
