United States Processing Times
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
- People who apply using Form I-539
- People who apply using Form I-765
- Nonimmigrants who want to extend or change their status
- People who ask for permission to work
- Immigration lawyers and representatives
What changed in the latest version
Before
Before 15 September 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepted Form I-539 with the edition date 08/28/24. USCIS also accepted Form I-765 with the edition date 08/21/25.
After
On or after 15 September 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only accept Form I-539 and Form I-765 that have the edition date 09/15/26. USCIS will reject older versions of these forms starting on this date.
This change is important for people who apply for immigration benefits. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reject older versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 starting 15 September 2026. They will do this right away, with no extra time given. The new forms are needed to follow the recently published final rule. This rule is called '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.' Applicants must make sure they use the correct new forms. If they do not, their application will be rejected. This could cause delays in their immigration process. People can see preview versions of the forms now to help them get ready.
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
- v4Effective 18 Sept 2026EffectiveCritical impactUSCIS 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 release new versions of two forms. These are Form I-539, which people use to extend or change their nonimmigrant status, and Form I-765, which people use to apply for permission to work. This will happen on 15 September 2026. After this date, USCIS will only accept the new versions of these forms, marked 09/15/26. If someone mails or sends forms online on or after 15 September 2026, and they use the older versions (Form I-539 from 08/28/24 or Form I-765 from 08/21/25), USCIS will reject them. This rule affects people who want to extend or change their temporary status in the U.S. and those who are asking for work permission. There is no extra time allowed to use the old forms after 15 September 2026.
- v3Effective 5 Aug 2026EffectiveCritical impactUSCIS to Reduce Frivolous Immigration Benefits Requests by Reinforcing Evidence Standards
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed its policy. This change makes evidence standards stronger for requests for immigration benefits. Officers can now choose to deny applications completely. They can do this without first sending a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). This happens if people do not provide initial evidence or show they qualify when they first apply. This new policy stops an older policy that told officers to ask for evidence even for incomplete applications.
- v2Effective 11 Aug 2026EffectiveHigh impactMandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a temporary, final rule. This rule makes electronic filing mandatory for some benefit requests. It explains how to put this rule into practice and how people can ask for exceptions. The goal is to change from paper to digital work. This will make things work better, keep the system safe, and improve security.
Timeline
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.
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.
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
Takes effect
11 Aug 2026
USCIS may now require mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for certain benefit requests. The rule specifies the process USCIS will follow to designate a benefit request as e-filed and establishes a mechanism for individuals unable to file electronically to request a waiver.
Announced
11 Aug 2026
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented an interim final rule (IFR) enabling USCIS to require mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for specific immigration benefit requests. This rule outlines the procedures for implementing e-filing requirements and for individuals to request waivers if they are unable to file electronically. The change is designed to modernise USCIS oper
Takes effect
5 Aug 2026
USCIS officers now have full discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) if the requestor fails to establish eligibility or provide all required initial evidence at the time of filing. Requestors must demonstrate eligibility and provide all required evidence when they initially file their request.
Announced
5 Aug 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy regarding immigration benefit requests, effective immediately for applications pending or filed on or after 5 August 2026. The agency will now allow officers full discretion to deny requests that do not establish eligibility or include all required initial evidence at the time of filing, without first issuing an RFE or NOID.
goborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.
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