Now Reading: Indian students, workers must use new US forms from Sept 15
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Indian students, workers must use new US forms from Sept 15
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will release new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 on September 15, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. Form I-539 is used by…
The Story in Brief
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will release new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 on September 15, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. Form I-539 is used by nonimmigrants to extend or change their temporary status, while Form I-765 is for applying for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) to work in the US.
Indian nationals filing on or after September 15 must use the revised editions dated September 15, 2026. Older editions will be accepted only if postmarked or submitted electronically before that date. USCIS warns that using the wrong form or edition can lead to rejection and loss of fees. The changes align with a new final rule on fixed admission periods for certain students, exchange visitors and media representatives.
The Indian Opinion
Some may paint this as the US tightening rules on Indians, but it is a routine administrative update tied to a new rule on admission periods. The real concern is the zero buffer period, which can trip up applicants who miss the deadline. Whether USCIS will show leniency for first-time filers who accidentally use old forms after September 15 will be the test of how user-friendly this change really is.
Sources (2): ndtvprofit.com, livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
