USCIS has announced that it will publish revised editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, on September 15, 2026. The updated forms are being issued to implement DHS’s recently finalized rule replacing “Duration of Status” (D/S) with fixed admission periods for certain F, J, and I nonimmigrants.
The revised forms will have an edition date of 09/15/26 and will replace the current editions of:
- Form I-539 (08/28/24 edition)
- Form I-765 (08/21/25 edition)
No Grace Period for New Forms
USCIS has confirmed that there will be no grace period for either form.
As a result:
Form I-539
- USCIS will accept the 08/28/24 edition only if it is submitted before September 15, 2026.
- USCIS will reject the 08/28/24 edition if it is filed on or after September 15, 2026.
- USCIS will accept the new 09/15/26 edition only if it is filed on or after September 15, 2026.
Form I-765
- USCIS will accept the 08/21/25 edition only if it is submitted before September 15, 2026.
- USCIS will reject the 08/21/25 edition if it is filed on or after September 15, 2026.
- USCIS will accept the new 09/15/26 edition only if it is filed on or after September 15, 2026.
Why USCIS Is Updating the Forms
The revisions are tied directly to DHS’s recently finalized rule establishing fixed admission periods and formal extension-of-stay procedures for:
- F-1 academic students
- J-1 exchange visitors
- I 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.
Because the new forms incorporate these regulatory changes, USCIS has stated that use of the revised editions is mandatory beginning September 15, 2026.
Preview Versions Available
To help applicants, employers, educational institutions, and legal representatives prepare, USCIS has released preview versions of the new forms and instructions in advance.
However, USCIS emphasized that applicants must not file the 09/15/26 editions before September 15, 2026. Early submissions using the new editions will not be accepted.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
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
- Immigration practitioners and employers
Organizations that regularly prepare Forms I-539 or I-765 should review the preview versions now and update internal processes before the September implementation date.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.