USCIS Signature Rule Update 2026: H1B & Green Card Applications at Risk July 10

USCIS is tightening enforcement of signature requirements across all immigration form types, with a critical policy change taking effect on July 10, 2026. Under the new rule, any application — including H1B petitions and Green Card filings — that contains an invalid, incorrect, or improperly executed signature may face outright rejection or denial, regardless of whether the case was previously accepted. For EB-3 applicants, this change is particularly significant. Green Card applications involve multiple forms at various stages — from I-140 immigrant petitions to I-485 adjustment of status filings — each requiring precise signatures from both the applicant and, in some cases, the petitioning employer or attorney. A single oversight could result in a costly denial. Applicants and their representatives are advised to carefully review all forms before submission to ensure signatures are handwritten (wet signatures) where required, placed in the correct designated fields, and completed by the appropriate party. Electronic signatures may not be accepted on certain form types. This update reflects a broader USCIS trend toward stricter procedural compliance. Immigration attorneys recommend auditing any pending or soon-to-be-filed applications before the July 10, 2026 effective date to avoid unnecessary rejections.