Updated September 7, 2026.

Will USCIS Reject My I-765 or I-539 After September 15? Yes, Older Editions Are No Longer Accepted

What is the September 15, 2026 form deadline?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reject Form I-765 and Form I-539 filings that use editions dated before September 15, 2026, starting on that date. Per Arias Villa Law's September 7, 2026 analysis, the agency will accept only the September 15, 2026 edition of these forms after the cutoff. Any package with an older edition will be returned with the filing fee.

Think of it like a driver's license that expires. After the expiration date, the old card does not work. The same rule applies here: after September 15, the old form does not work.

Which forms does this deadline affect?

This deadline applies to two forms. Form I-765 is the application for employment authorization. Form I-539 is the application to extend or change nonimmigrant status. Per Arias Villa Law's September 7, 2026 notice, both forms have a September 15, 2026 edition that becomes mandatory on that date.

If you are preparing an I-765 to apply for a work permit, or an I-539 to extend your visitor or student status, download the September 15, 2026 edition from uscis.gov/forms before you file.

Why does USCIS update forms?

USCIS updates forms when the agency changes the questions, adds new fields, or adjusts instructions. Each edition has a date printed in the lower-left corner. That date tells you which version you have.

Think of it like a textbook edition. When the publisher adds new chapters or fixes errors, they print a new edition. You need the current edition to follow the current rules. The same principle applies here.

How do I know which edition I have?

Look at the bottom-left corner of the first page. You will see a line that says "Edition" followed by a date. If that date is earlier than September 15, 2026, you have an old edition. If it says September 15, 2026, you have the current edition.

Think of it like checking the expiration date on milk. The date is printed right on the carton. If the date is old, you do not use it.

What happens if I file the old edition after September 15?

USCIS will reject the package and return your filing fee. Per Arias Villa Law's September 7, 2026 analysis, the agency will not process a filing that uses an outdated form. The rejection means you lose weeks or months while your package is returned.

Think of it like a concert ticket. If you show up with a ticket for last month's show, the venue will not let you in. You need the right ticket for the right date.

Where do I download the new form?

Go to uscis.gov/forms. Search for I-765 or I-539. Click the form title. The agency posts the current edition as a PDF. Download that file, print it, and fill it out by hand or type into the fillable fields.

Think of it like downloading a job application. The company posts the current version on its website. You download it, fill it out, and submit it.

What if I already prepared my filing on the old form?

Re-prepare the filing on the September 15, 2026 edition. Do not mail the old version. Per Arias Villa Law's September 7, 2026 notice, only the new edition will be accepted after September 15. If you work with an attorney, ask them to re-prepare the package on the new form before you sign and mail it.

Think of it like a recipe. If the chef updates the ingredient list, you need to follow the new list. Using the old list will not produce the right dish.

If you are preparing an I-765 or I-539 filing, visit our intake page to review your documents and timeline. If you need attorney help, use our attorney directory to connect with licensed practitioners who can prepare your filing on the current form edition. Both tools offer general educational information; consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance on your individual case.