USCIS Updates Documentation Requirements for Temporary Stay Programs

Thousands of applicants for temporary stay programs in the United States should review changes to required documentation. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated key form submission requirements as of September 15.

Form Updates

USCIS announced updates to Forms I-539 and I-765, rejecting older versions from September 15. These changes relate to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule adjusting the previous admission system. Instead of an open-ended ‘duration of status’, certain groups will now have fixed admission periods.

The updates affect those seeking to extend a stay, change dependent status, or alter their visa category. This includes students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives with F-1, J-1, and I visas. H-1B applicants and recipients won’t be directly affected but may be impacted through family relations and education-to-employment pathways.

Newsweek reached out to USCIS for comment but hasn’t received a response yet.

Details of the Change

Form I-539 helps in extending or altering nonimmigrant status for students and other visa holders. Form I-765 authorizes employment. From September 15, USCIS will only accept new versions of these forms, rejecting older versions after this date. No grace period applies in this case. Preview copies have been available for applicants to prepare, but submission should only occur when they become official.

Reason Behind the Change

The new rule establishes a ‘fixed time period of admission’ and new extension processes for certain nonimmigrant categories like international students and media representatives.

Previously, visas like F, J, and I allowed ‘Duration of Status’, permitting stays as long as compliance with program terms continued. DHS noted a significant increase in admissions under these programs, with data showing a rise from 260,000 F-status admissions in the 1980-81 academic year to over 1.8 million in fiscal year 2024. J-status admissions grew from 141,213 to over 500,000.

Under the new rule, fixed admission periods now require formal extensions for staying longer. DHS aims to improve oversight and facilitate monitoring of lawful status. The old system provided insufficient federal oversight, allowing prolonged stays without direct interaction with authorities.

Impact on Educational Institutions

Higher education facilities and immigration advocates express concern over administrative and financial burdens imposed by new requirements. Students and exchange visitors may face higher filing fees and administrative expenses. Universities might need more staff and resources to assist international students with stay extensions.

Erik Luijten, Northwestern University’s provost, stated in a letter to university members that the policy impacts both international scholars and administrative operations.