USCIS to Reject Old EAD, Extension Forms Starting Sept. 15

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce new editions of two commonly used immigration forms, with no grace period for applicants using the older versions.

Form I-539 — used by eligible foreign nationals to extend or change their temporary immigration status; and Form I-765 — used to apply for work authorization — are set to change starting Sept. 15.

USCIS will publish new versions of the forms with a version date of September 15, 2026.

The changes are intended to align the forms with a recently published final rule establishing fixed periods of admission and procedures for extensions of stay for certain foreign national students and exchange visitors.

What Applicants Need to Know

USCIS will accept the existing August 28, 2024, version of Form I-539 if it is postmarked or electronically submitted before Sept. 15. If submitted on or after Sept. 15, it will be rejected.

The agency will accept the August 21, 2025, version of Form I-765 if it is postmarked or electronically submitted before Sept. 15, and any applications sent on the older form on or after the deadline will be rejected.

Applicants have been specifically advised not to file the Sept. 15 versions before Sept. 15 or they will be rejected.

USCIS cautioned that filing a request on the wrong form can result in rejection or denial and that filing fees will not be refunded if a case is denied.