AIMA Restructures Residence Appointment and Renewal Procedures to Reduce the Immigration Backlog

What changed

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.

What changed

Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) has again shared rules for renewing paper residence cards. These cards are for people from European Union (EU) countries and their family members who are not EU citizens — legally called third-country nationals. The main rule is still to remove the first zero when you type the card number into the online system. For example, if your card number is 011641, you should type 11641. If you cannot send your application online, you must send an email to geral@aima.gov.pt. The email subject line must be specific. You must attach your personal details and a copy of your card. AIMA also published a new article on 14 August 2026. This article talks about the documents needed for third-country national family members of EU citizens. It specifically covers marriage certificates and applications for children.

What changed

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.

What changed

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.