US to mandate new visa forms from mid-September with no grace period

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce revised versions of Forms I-539 and I-765 effective September 15, marking a significant change for visa applicants and employers managing extension requests and work authorizations.

Form I-539 is used for applications to extend or change nonimmigrant status, while Form I-765 is submitted by applicants seeking employment authorization documents. The agency has determined that only the new versions will be accepted from the specified date, leaving no grace period for submissions using older iterations of the forms.

Indian nationals and employers sponsoring workers in the United States should ensure they are prepared to use the updated forms when submitting applications on or after September 15. The USCIS has made these revised forms available on its official website to allow adequate time for familiarization.

The transition aligns with USCIS's periodic updates to immigration forms to incorporate procedural changes and clarifications. Applicants and immigration practitioners are advised to review the updated forms thoroughly to ensure compliance and avoid potential rejections or processing delays.

For individuals with pending applications or those planning to file extensions, consulting with immigration counsel regarding the changeover is recommended to navigate the transition smoothly.