On March 19, 2021, USCIS updated its Forms Updates page to alert the public that it updated several immigration forms, including some that may be frequently encountered in the higher education context, such as Form I-129, Form I-539, and Form I-485. Other forms have been updated as well. Consult the USCIS Forms Updates page for the full list of updated forms and usage deadlines. The updated Forms I-539 and Form I-485, with edition date 03/10/21, must be used starting April 19, 2021. On March 24, 2021, USCIS updated the Form I-129 page to specify a July 1, 2021 deadline, rather than April 19, 2021, to begin using the 03/10/21 edition of Form I-129. The other updated forms with edition dates of 03/10/21 continue to be required as of April 19, 2021. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
- Update to Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. New Edition Dated 03/10/21. "Edition Date: 03/10/21. Starting July 1, 2021, we will only accept the 03/10/21 edition. Until then, you can also use the 09/30/20 and 01/27/20 editions."
- Update to Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. New Edition Dated 03/10/21. "Edition Date: 03/10/21. The current edition date for Form I-539 and Form I-539A is 03/10/21. Starting April 19, 2021, we will only accept the 03/10/21 edition. Until then, you can also use the 10/15/19 edition."
- Update to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. New Edition Dated 03/10/21. "Edition Date: 03/10/21. Starting April 19, 2021, we will only accept the 03/10/21 edition. Until then, you can also use the 10/15/19 edition."
- Update to Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j). New Edition Dated 03/10/21. "Edition Date: 03/10/21. Starting April 19, 2021, we will only accept the 03/10/21 edition. Until then, you can also use the 10/15/19 edition."
- Update to Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. New Edition Dated 03/10/21. "Edition Date: 03/10/21. We will also accept prior editions (or a written request)."
The forms were revised to remove questions related to the public charge ground of inadmissibility for adjustment of status applicants and the public charge condition for change of status and extension of stay applicants, to implement the vacatur of the January 2019 public charge rule (see NAFSA's page for background on that vacated rule). Other forms have been updated as well. Consult the USCIS Forms Updates page for the full list of updated forms and usage deadlines.