New USCIS signature error rules warn H-1B, green card applicants

According to the interim final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, immigration office If a signature is later found to be invalid, broader powers will be given to refuse or refuse an immigration application, even if the application has been accepted for processing.

The new regulations were published in the Federal Register on May 11 and will take effect on July 10, 2026.

The policy also allows the agency to retain filing fees after a denial and treat the case as fully adjudicated.

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This means applicants could lose thousands of dollars in filing fees while also jeopardizing immigration benefits associated with their application.

The rule applies to applications for immigration benefits filed on or after July 10.

USCIS clarifies that in most cases, a handwritten signature remains a standard requirement. Scanned copies, facsimile versions and photocopies of the original wet ink signature are still generally accepted.

However, the agency warns that several commonly used formats may be deemed invalid, including:

Electronic signatures remain valid only in limited online application systems authorized by USCIS.

Previously, many applicants thought acceptance meant the technical signature issues had been resolved. Under the new rules, officials can later re-examine the validity of a signature and deny the petition if problems are found.

The National Law Review notes that such denials may affect:

Legal experts recommend that employers and human resources departments carefully review filing procedures, verify all required signature fields, and preserve records of original wet-ink signatures whenever possible.