USCIS may cancel immigration applications even after they are processed if they find copied and pasted signatures.
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a temporary rule on how requests can be rejected if officers deem certain signatures invalid. The rule was published in the Federal Register on May 11, 2026, and gives USCIS broader authority to deny or deny applications for immigration benefits if problems with the signature are identified, even after the application has been accepted for processing.
The interim rule is now open for public comment and will go into effect on July 10, 2026.The rule is not new, but DHS said it had previously been applied inconsistently and applicants did not clearly understand how USCIS handles missing signatures.
New signing rule: Dos
- The handwritten signature remains the gold standard.
- Scanned copies of the original wet ink signature are also accepted.
- Faxing photocopies of originally signed documents is fine.
- Some electronic signatures are only valid in limited online filing situations authorized by USCIS.
Don’t do that
- Copy and paste signatures
- Digitally generated signatures
- Signature stamps
- Signatures of anyone other than the applicant (yes, including an attorney)
- Automatically generated signatures
- Signatures generated by the program
Small base but big impact
This is a small rule, but immigration experts brought this simple change to applicants’ attention because it would have a big impact if USCIS denies the case after processing has begun.
Applicants run the risk of losing their application fees, and if they have to apply again, their appointments will be delayed. The agency explained that there is no “remedy” for the missing signature other than re-registration, which may delay the case.
Who does the new signature rule apply to?
Everyone who falls within the immigration framework is subject to the new signature rule. Experts warned that for cases with a statutory deadline, such as PERM-backed H-1B, I-140 cap cases, if a refusal to sign is discovered after 18 months, the entire filing window will expire.
5 things employers should do
Immigration attorney Kirsten Crovello said employers should follow these five things going forward:
- Verify all required signature fields before submitting
- Maintain records of original signatures in wet ink
- Avoid signature programs unless explicitly stated
- Carefully review the USCIS form instructions for each filing type
- Train employees on signing compliance standards
