New USCIS 2026 Rule: Invalid Signatures Can Now Cost You Green Card Approval

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new rule on May 11, 2026, that formally codifies the agency's authority to deny previously approved immigration petitions if an officer later finds a signature to be invalid. While immigration officers already had the ability to reject petitions for signing errors under existing policy, this rule provides clearer regulatory backing for such denials. The rule targets deficient signatures on immigration filings, meaning petitions that were accepted and even initially approved could still be denied at a later stage if a signature is found to be missing, forged, or otherwise invalid. This formalizes a practice that had been carried out under internal USCIS guidance. For EB-3 applicants and their sponsoring employers, this rule underscores the importance of ensuring all petition documents — including I-140 petitions, labor certifications, and supporting forms — are signed correctly and by the appropriate authorized parties. A missing or improper signature could jeopardize an otherwise approvable case. Applicants and attorneys should carefully review all signatures on filed documents, including those submitted by employers or legal representatives, to ensure compliance. Any errors discovered should be addressed proactively with USCIS before an officer flags them during adjudication.