The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce revised versions of two key immigration forms from September 15, 2026, bringing changes that could affect H-1B visa holders, international students, exchange visitors and other non-immigrant visa holders in the United States. Applicants who submit older versions of the affected forms on or after the effective date could have their applications rejected, making it important for applicants and their families to check that they are using the correct forms before filing. USCIS has released a preview of the revised forms along with their instructions so applicants can familiarise themselves with the changes before the new versions take effect.

The agency’s update is particularly relevant for foreign nationals who need employment authorisation or are seeking immigration benefits through the affected applications. Using the correct edition of a form is an important part of the filing process because USCIS can reject applications submitted on outdated versions when a new edition has become mandatory. One of the forms being revised is Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The form is used by eligible foreign nationals to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly referred to as a work permit. The document allows qualifying applicants to work legally in the US during the period for which their employment authorisation is valid.

USCIS will introduce a new edition of Form I-765 dated September 15, 2026. The new edition will replace the current version dated August 21, 2025. Applicants filing Form I-765 on or after the effective date will therefore need to ensure that they use the revised edition rather than continuing to rely on the older form. Filing the wrong edition could result in the application being rejected, potentially causing delays for applicants who need employment authorisation. The change can be particularly significant for international students and other non-immigrant visa holders who may be eligible for employment authorisation under specific immigration programmes.

Also Read: US Immigration Debate Intensifies After ICE Detains Johns Hopkins Researcher With Permit

H-1B workers and their family members can also be affected by USCIS form and filing requirements depending on the immigration benefit they are seeking. Applicants should therefore determine which form and edition applies to their specific immigration category before submitting an application. USCIS has advised applicants to review the revised forms and accompanying instructions ahead of the September 15 implementation date. Checking the edition date is especially important for people who prepare applications in advance, as a form completed using an earlier version may no longer be accepted once the new edition becomes mandatory. Applicants should also ensure that they meet any other filing requirements applicable to their particular immigration benefit.

The revised forms are part of the broader administrative process through which USCIS updates its immigration paperwork and filing requirements. Such changes can affect applicants across several visa and immigration categories, even when the underlying eligibility rules for a benefit remain unchanged. For applicants already in the US, keeping track of USCIS form updates can help prevent avoidable processing delays or rejections. For H-1B holders, international students, exchange visitors and their families, the immediate takeaway is to pay attention to the September 15 deadline.

Anyone planning to file an affected form on or after that date should use the new edition released by USCIS. Applicants who are unsure which form or version applies to them should review the official USCIS instructions or seek qualified immigration advice before filing. With the new forms taking effect on September 15, applicants have a limited window to familiarise themselves with the changes. USCIS has made the revised forms and instructions available in advance, allowing applicants, employers, educational institutions and immigration professionals to prepare before the new filing requirements become applicable.

Also Read: Florida Governor Candidate Targets H-1B Workers, Warns Firms Against Hiring Foreign Employees