Chicago – May18, 2026
The United States has introduced new immigration filing rules that significantly increase the consequences of signature errors on applications, including H-1B petitions and green card cases.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the changes will take effect from July 10, 2026, under an interim final rule titled “Signatures on Immigration Benefit Requests”, published in the Federal Register on May 11.
Under the new policy, USCIS will have the authority to reject immigration applications at the intake stage if they are missing valid signatures. In some cases, applications may also be denied later during review if signature issues are identified.
Unlike previous practice, the agency may now retain filing fees even if an application is rejected or denied due to signature defects, making the consequences financially significant for applicants.
US immigration officials said the rule responds to rising concerns over improper signature methods, including copied or digitally generated signatures and filings submitted by unauthorized individuals.
However, USCIS confirmed that handwritten signatures remain the standard requirement. Scanned copies, faxed signatures, and clear photocopies of original wet-ink signatures will still be accepted.
