What changed
USCIS says it will publish new editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 on Sept. 15, 2026. Form I-539 is used to ask to extend or change nonimmigrant status. Form I-765 is used to ask for work authorization. USCIS says the new versions were revised to match a final rule tied to certain students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
Who is affected
This change matters for anyone filing Form I-539 or Form I-765 near the Sept. 15 date. USCIS says it will accept the older I-539 edition only if it is postmarked or sent online before Sept. 15, 2026. It will accept the older I-765 edition only if it is postmarked or sent online before Sept. 15, 2026. On or after Sept. 15, older editions will be rejected.
What is still unknown
USCIS did not say in this alert whether any other forms will change because of the same rule. It also did not change the basic filing purpose of either form. The alert only says the new editions are needed so USCIS can apply the final rule.
Useful next step
People who plan to file soon should check the edition date on the form before mailing or uploading it. USCIS also says preview versions of the new forms and instructions are available on the I-539 and I-765 webpages. If a filing date is close to Sept. 15, use the correct edition for that filing date.
Check the sources
USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15 · 2026-08-14
General information, not advice about an individual case. Rules and court orders can change.