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DHS to Propose End of 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Visa Holders
USCIS said older versions will be rejected without a grace period as a DHS rule shifts some students and exchange visitors to fixed admission periods.
- On Friday, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced revised versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 taking effect September 15, 2026, with no grace period for older editions.
- These form changes implement a Department of Homeland Security rule replacing the open-ended "Duration of Status" system with fixed admission periods, generally capped at four years for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders.
- Applicants use Form I-539 to extend or change nonimmigrant status, including H-4 dependent categories, while Form I-765 serves as an "Application for Employment Authorisation" for work permit seekers, such as OPT extensions.
- Higher education institutions warn the requirements could increase administrative burdens, costs, and paperwork; Northwestern University Provost Erik Luijten noted the policy affects international students, scholars, and academic support operations.
- Because USCIS will reject outdated editions submitted on or after September 15, the agency provided preview versions online and urged applicants to verify edition dates before filing to avoid rejection.
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New US visa rules from September 15 affect H-1B holders, international students
H-1B families, international students and other nonimmigrants will face new immigration filing requirements beginning Sept. 15, when the U.S. government introduces revised forms and implements broader changes to the rules governing the length of stay for certain visa holders. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require applicants to use new editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 29%
C 43%
R 28%
Factuality
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