Things to consider on your next immigration application

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a temporary rule setting out how it will deny applications if officials believe certain signatures are invalid. The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 11, 2026, gives USCIS broader authority to deny or reject requests for immigration benefits if signature issues are discovered, even if the application has been accepted for processing. The interim rule is now open for public comment and will take effect on July 10, 2026.The rule is not new, but the Department of Homeland Security says it has been applied inconsistently before, leaving applicants unclear about how USCIS handles defective signatures.

New signature rule: Dos

Things not to do

Small rules but big impact

This is a small rule, but immigration experts draw the attention of applicants to this small change because it can have huge consequences if the USCIS rejects a case after processing has begun. Applicants risk losing their application fees and having their dates pushed back if they have to submit their application again. The agency clarified that there is no “cure” for signature flaws other than resubmission, which can delay cases.

Who do the new signature rules apply to?

Everyone who falls under the immigration framework is subject to the new signature rules. Experts warn that for cases with statutory deadlines, such as H-1B cap cases and PERM-supported I-140 cases, if signatures are found to be denied after 18 months, the entire application window disappears.

5 things employers should do

Immigration attorney Kirsten Crovello says that from now on, employers should follow these five things: