F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
As fixed stay limits take effect on September 15, 2026, USCIS will require updated forms to extend your status or apply for an EAD (work permit). If you need to apply, check with your school's international advisor or a legal representative to make sure you submit the newest form editions.
Who this applies to & what you could do
F-1 Academic Student
- New form versions required for OPT work permits and extension applications starting Sept. 15, 2026
- No grace period for older form editions submitted on or after the deadline
- Filings postmarked or submitted online on or after Sept. 15, 2026, must use the 09/15/26 edition of Form I-539 or Form I-765.
- USCIS will reject older editions of these forms if submitted on or after Sept. 15, 2026.
- Review the preview versions of the forms on the USCIS website, double-check your form edition date before filing, and consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) for assistance.
- Review the preview form editions on the official USCIS website, double-check edition dates at the bottom of your paperwork before submitting, and consult a qualified immigration representative.
M-1 Vocational Student
- New form editions required for vocational practical training and extension requests
- Rejection of older form versions submitted on or after Sept. 15, 2026
- Applications postmarked or submitted electronically on or after Sept. 15, 2026, must use the 09/15/26 form editions.
- Older form editions will be rejected by USCIS starting Sept. 15, 2026.
- Verify the edition date on your application form right before mailing or submitting online, and talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) to keep your legal status secure.
- Review the preview versions of the forms on USCIS.gov, verify that your paperwork lists the 09/15/26 edition date before submitting, and get help from a qualified immigration service provider.
I Media & Journalist
- Updated extension application required for media representatives starting Sept. 15, 2026
- Immediate rejection policy for older form versions submitted on or after the implementation date
- Applications postmarked or submitted electronically on or after Sept. 15, 2026, must use the 09/15/26 Form I-539 edition.
- Older editions of Form I-539 will be rejected starting Sept. 15, 2026.
- Examine the preview edition of the extension application, gather required employer support documentation early, and seek advice from an immigration lawyer before submitting.
- Check the preview form instructions published by USCIS, verify your form edition date prior to filing, and seek guidance from a licensed attorney or legal service provider.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
- Updated forms mandated for exchange visitor status extensions and employment authorization
- Zero grace period for applications postmarked on or after Sept. 15, 2026
- Filings postmarked or submitted online on or after Sept. 15, 2026, must use the 09/15/26 edition of Form I-539 or Form I-765.
- USCIS will reject older form versions postmarked or submitted online starting Sept. 15, 2026.
- Check the preview forms provided by USCIS, verify your filing dates with your program sponsor or Responsible Officer (RO), and confirm you are using the correct form edition.
- Examine the preview form instructions on the USCIS site to prepare required documents, double-check form dates before mailing, and consult a qualified legal advisor.
Timeline — newest first
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new versions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). USCIS will reject older form editions postmarked or submitted online on or after that date without any grace period. Guidance around these updated forms is still developing as USCIS prepares for the transition.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an employment authorization document, or EAD work permit). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any older edition of these forms postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026. USCIS has released preview versions of the updated forms so applicants can prepare before the final implementation date.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). USCIS will reject older editions of these forms if they are postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 15, 2026, with no grace period. Preview versions of both forms are available before the official start date.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing new editions of Form I-539 (to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 for an EAD (work permit), taking effect September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject older editions of these forms submitted on or after that date. These form updates reflect new federal rules for foreign academic students, exchange visitors, and media representatives.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) form editions starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is requiring updated editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for an EAD, or work permit). USCIS will reject any older editions of these forms postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, preview versions of the new forms are available on the USCIS website so you can prepare before filing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing new editions of the standard forms used to extend nonimmigrant status and apply for work permits, taking effect Sept. 15, 2026. Because the agency will not grant a grace period, any filings postmarked or submitted online on or after that date using older form versions will be rejected. Because updates related to fixed periods of admission are still developing, staying aware of filing timelines will help prevent processing delays.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the official paper and online forms used to extend nonimmigrant status and apply for work permits, taking effect on September 15, 2026. Starting on that date, immigration officials will immediately reject older editions of these applications without a transition grace period. Because these changes are tied to new regulations on stay periods that remain subject to ongoing updates, filing procedures may continue to evolve.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I Visa Holders Must Use Updated Forms for Status Extensions and EAD (Work Permit) Applications Starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is publishing new editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) on September 15, 2026. Because USCIS will not offer a grace period, any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, using older form editions will be rejected. Preview versions of the new forms are available online so applicants can review the changes ahead of time.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting Sept. 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is requiring new edition dates for Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization for an EAD work permit). USCIS will reject older editions of these forms if they are postmarked or submitted electronically on or after Sept. 15, 2026, with no grace period. Preview versions of the 09/15/26 editions are available online now so applicants can prepare ahead of the deadline.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for a work permit) on September 15, 2026. Starting on that date, the agency will immediately reject older editions of these forms without a grace period. This update is designed to align with new federal rules regarding fixed stay periods for students, exchange visitors, and media representatives, a policy process that is still developing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the application forms used to extend nonimmigrant status (Form I-539) and request an EAD (work permit, Form I-765). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject older versions of these forms if they are postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 15. As implementation details develop ahead of the transition date, USCIS has made preview versions of the new forms available so you can prepare your paperwork in advance.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new 09/15/26 editions for Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for employment authorization). USCIS announced there will be no grace period, so any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 using older editions will be rejected. As details around this transition continue to develop, USCIS has made preview versions of both forms and instructions available online so applicants may prepare in advance.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I Visa Holders: USCIS Will Reject Older Status Extension and EAD (Work Permit) Forms Starting Sept. 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated versions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for work permits) starting September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, older form versions postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 will be rejected. This situation is still developing as USCIS publishes official previews and final rules, so applicants should verify form edition dates closely before filing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will require new editions of its forms for requesting work permits and extending or changing visa status, starting September 15, 2026. Any applications postmarked or submitted online on or after that date using older form versions will be rejected, as USCIS is offering no grace period. Because this policy transition is still developing, additional updates or instructions may follow before the September deadline.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (for work permission) on September 15, 2026. Starting on that date, USCIS will reject older versions of these forms because no grace period is being offered. As this transition process is currently developing, preview copies of the new forms are available online so applicants can review them before filing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for work authorization). The agency updated these forms to match a final rule on fixed stay periods, and any older editions postmarked or filed online on or after September 15 will be rejected without a grace period. This policy transition is currently unfolding, so it is important to check for updates before you file.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for work authorization). Applications postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, using older form editions will be rejected because there is no grace period. This process is still developing as USCIS prepares to officially publish the final form editions on September 15.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated versions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an EAD, or work permit) on September 15, 2026. Starting September 15, USCIS will reject any older edition of these forms that is postmarked or submitted online on or after that date, with no grace period allowed. Preview versions of the new forms are available online now, but you must not submit them until September 15.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will require updated editions of Form I-539, used to extend or change nonimmigrant status, and Form I-765, used to apply for an EAD (work permit). Because the agency is not providing a grace period, any application submitted on or after September 15 using older form versions will be rejected. This implementation is currently developing, and applicants can preview the new forms online before filings open.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated editions of forms used to extend nonimmigrant status and apply for work permits. Older editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) will be rejected with no grace period if postmarked or filed electronically on or after that date. Because this story is still developing, specific filing instructions and court challenges could continue to shift.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of applications used to extend stay, change status, or apply for work permits. The agency will reject older form versions postmarked or submitted on or after that date because there is no grace period. Preview versions of the updated forms are available online now so you can review them before the change takes effect.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated versions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) starting September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject older editions of these forms if they are submitted on or after that date. As USCIS implements this transition, filing guidelines and preview forms may continue to develop.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is requiring updated editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for EAD (work permit)). Applications postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, must use the new September 15, 2026 editions, as USCIS will reject older versions with no grace period. These revised forms align application procedures with new federal rules establishing fixed periods of admission.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing new editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for a work permit). Because there is no transition period, USCIS will automatically reject older form versions postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026. What this means for you is that you must carefully check your filing date to ensure you submit the exact form edition required.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is requiring updated editions of the forms used to extend or change nonimmigrant status and to apply for work authorization. USCIS will automatically reject older versions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 15, 2026, because there is no grace period. Preview versions of the new forms are available on the USCIS website so you can prepare your application in advance.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) applications starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the application forms used to extend or change nonimmigrant status and to apply for an EAD (work permit). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will immediately reject older form editions postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15. This rule is tied to broader immigration policy updates that are still developing, so additional instructions may follow.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for a work permit). USCIS announced that older editions will be rejected immediately starting on that date without a grace period. Because this policy transition is still developing, applicants should monitor official updates before filing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is requiring updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (used for work permits). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any application postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 15 that uses an older form edition. These new editions align application forms with updated rules for students, exchange visitors, and media representatives.
USCIS requires new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms for F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders starting September 15
Starting Sept. 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reject older versions of the forms used to extend nonimmigrant stay or apply for work permits. The agency is releasing new editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 with no transition grace period. If you submit your application on or after Sept. 15, you must use the new Sept. 15, 2026 edition or your package will be sent back.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of the applications used to extend nonimmigrant status and request work permits. The agency will reject older form versions submitted on or after this date without any transition period, though implementation guidelines and final rules are still developing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that updated versions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an EAD work permit) will become mandatory on September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 that uses an older edition. These form updates are connected to rules on fixed stay periods, and because guidance around filing procedures is still developing, you may want to monitor official announcements before filing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used for work permits). Because there is no grace period, any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 using an older form version will be rejected. This guidance is still developing as USCIS provides preview versions of the forms and updated instructions.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the official forms used to apply for an extension of stay and an EAD (work permit). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject older form editions that are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 15, 2026. This situation is still developing as USCIS has published preview versions of the forms ahead of the effective date.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of the forms used to extend stay and apply for an EAD (work permit). USCIS will reject older editions of these forms if they are postmarked or submitted electronically on or after that date, with no grace period provided. As details regarding the rollout of these form updates are still unfolding, applicants should monitor official guidance before submitting.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an EAD work permit), starting September 15, 2026. Beginning on that date, USCIS will reject older editions of both forms with no grace period. If you submit either application electronically or by mail on or after September 15, 2026, you must use the new edition dated 09/15/26.
USCIS requires new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms for F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders starting Sept. 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (application for employment authorization). USCIS will reject older editions of these forms postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 15, 2026, because there is no grace period. Preview versions of the 09/15/26 editions and instructions are available now on the USCIS website so applicants can prepare.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing new editions of the applications used to extend or change status (Form I-539) and apply for a work permit (Form I-765), effective September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will automatically reject any older form versions submitted or postmarked on or after that date. You can view preview versions of the new forms on the USCIS website now so you are prepared to file correctly.
F-1, M-1, J-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765. These updated forms align with new rules governing fixed stay periods for foreign students, exchange visitors, and media representatives. Any applications postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 using older form editions will be rejected without a grace period.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is requiring updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for a work permit). USCIS will reject any older editions of these forms postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, as there is no grace period. You can preview the updated form versions online now, but you must wait until September 15 to file them.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an EAD, or work permit) effective September 15, 2026. Because USCIS is offering no grace period, the agency will reject any older form versions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 15. As this policy update develops ahead of the deadline, USCIS has released preview versions of the new forms so applicants can prepare.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for an EAD (work permit)) on September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any of these applications postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, if they use older form editions. This situation is still developing, but USCIS has posted preview versions of the new forms online so applicants can review them in advance.
F-1, M-1, J-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin rejecting older versions of the forms used to extend nonimmigrant status and apply for work permits. Because the government is not offering a grace period for this change, any application submitted on or after September 15 must use the newly published edition. As guidelines for these forms continue to develop, applicants should carefully review their filing dates to avoid rejections.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing new editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) starting September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any application submitted on an older form edition that is postmarked or filed electronically on or after September 15, 2026. Preview versions of the new forms and instructions are available online so applicants can prepare ahead of time.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is requiring updated editions of official forms used to extend status and apply for work permits. The government will reject older form versions submitted or postmarked on or after September 15, 2026, with no grace period. This change aligns application forms with federal rules for academic students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is introducing updated versions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (application for an EAD, or work permit). If you submit or postmark an older edition of either form on or after September 15, USCIS will reject your application immediately because no grace period is being provided. This transition process is currently developing as the agency has made preview versions available online to help applicants prepare.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require updated versions of applications used to extend nonimmigrant status or apply for an EAD (work permit). Because there is no grace period, any paperwork postmarked or submitted online on or after that date using older form editions will be rejected. As these form changes are tied to broader policy updates that are still developing, it is important to double-check your filing materials right before submitting.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
If you need to extend your stay or apply for an EAD (work permit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is releasing updated application forms on September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, any application sent on or after September 15 using an older form edition will be rejected. This situation is still developing, but you can preview the new forms online now to see what will change.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use new status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is releasing updated editions of Form I-539 (used to extend or change nonimmigrant status) and Form I-765 (used to apply for a work permit) on September 15, 2026. Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15 that uses older form editions. Preview versions of the new forms are available online now so you can prepare, though final implementation details are still developing.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require new editions of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization, or work permit). Because there is no grace period, USCIS will reject any older editions postmarked or submitted electronically on or after September 15, 2026. Preview versions of the new forms are available online now so you can prepare your submission in advance.
F-1, J-1, M-1, and I visa holders must use updated status extension and EAD (work permit) forms starting September 15
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish new editions of Form I-539 (application to extend or change status) and Form I-765 (application for a work permit) on September 15, 2026. Because USCIS is not providing a grace period, any application postmarked or submitted online on or after September 15, 2026, must use the new edition or it will be rejected. This situation is still developing as the agency releases preview versions and updated instructions ahead of the deadline.
Fixed admission periods for F, J and I visa holders take effect September 15, 2026
Starting September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is ending open-ended stays for international students and exchange visitors, replacing them with fixed expiration dates. Under the old rules, you could remain in the U.S. as long as you maintained your student or exchange status, but under the new rule, your arrival record will show an exact date when your stay ends. If you need additional time to finish your degree or program beyond that date, you will need to apply for a formal extension.
Summaries are AI-generated from public government sources and news coverage. This is not legal advice.