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USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15

🇺🇸 United StatesProcessing Times1 recorded versionLast change 14 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Only the 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 will be accepted for submissions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026. The form has been revised to align with the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule.

Overview

USCIS updated internal policy to reduce the categories eligible for interview waivers, adding in-person interviews for a range of adjustment and employment-based filings.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • I-539 applicants
  • I-765 applicants
  • Nonimmigrants extending or changing status
  • Applicants requesting employment authorisation
  • Immigration attorneys and representatives

What changed in the latest version

Before

The 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 was accepted.

After

Only the 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 will be accepted for submissions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026. The form has been revised to align with the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule.

This change is significant because it mandates the use of a specific form edition, ensuring all applications for permanent residence or adjustment of status comply with current regulatory requirements, particularly those related to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule. Applicants submitting Form I-485 must switch to the new 09/18/26 edition by 18 September 2026, to avoid rejection, as there is no grace period for acceptance of the older form. This directly affects the administrative process for filing and could lead to delays or rejections for those who do not adhere to the new edition requirement.

Explained simply

Imagine you're turning in a homework assignment, but your teacher suddenly changes the blank paper you need to use. Starting 18 September 2026, if you're trying to get a Green Card in the U.S., you'll need to use a brand new version of the main application form, called Form I-485. If you use the old version of the form on or after that date, they won't accept it, and you'll have to start over. So, always make sure you're using the most current form when you apply!

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v4Effective 18 Sept 2026EffectiveCritical impact
    USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a revised edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with an edition date of 09/18/26. This new edition will replace the 01/20/25 edition and becomes mandatory for all submissions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after 18 September 2026. USCIS explicitly states that the older 01/20/25 edition will be rejected if received on or after this date. The form revision aims to align with the recently announced Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    15 Sept 2026

    USCIS will only accept the 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765, if postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 15, 2026. Older editions will be rejected from this date.

  2. Action deadline

    15 Sept 2026

    Familiarise yourself with the new 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 and their instructions by visiting the USCIS website.

  3. Announced

    14 Aug 2026

    Effective 15 September 2026, USCIS will mandate the use of new editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765. This change means all submissions postmarked or electronically sent on or after this date must use the 09/15/26 editions of these forms, otherwise they will be rejected. The update is necessary to implement a recently published final rule concerning nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visito

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