U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun taking a closer look at how forms and supporting documents are signed. In recent cases, USCIS has issued Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) when signatures appear inconsistent with agency requirements.
These issues are avoidable, but only if applicants and petitioners understand what USCIS expects.
Why Signatures Matter More Than Ever
A signature confirms that the person signing a form has reviewed the contents and is attesting to its accuracy. USCIS regulations require signatures to be genuine, intentional, and attributable to the individual signer.
USCIS is now flagging signatures that appear:
- Too uniform across multiple filings
- Digitally stamped or copied
- Automatically generated
- Reused in a way that suggests they were not personally signed
In some cases, USCIS has questioned whether the signer actually reviewed or approved the filing.
Common Signature Issues USCIS Is Raising
USCIS has raised concerns where:
- The same signature image is used repeatedly across filings
- Signatures appear identical on different documents or dates
- Digital signature stamps are used instead of a handwritten signature
- Forms are signed by someone other than the authorized individual
- The signature format does not comply with USCIS instructions
Even when the information in a petition is otherwise correct, a signature issue alone can delay or jeopardize a case.
What USCIS Expects
USCIS generally expects:
- AÂ handwritten (wet) signature, signed by the appropriate individual
- The signer to personally review the form before signing
- Each filing to have its own signature, not a reused image
- Clear authorization when someone signs on behalf of an entity
Scanned copies of handwritten signatures are typically acceptable, but only if the original signature was actually written by the signer.
Best Practices for Petitioners and Applicants
To avoid delays or RFEs, applicants and petitioners should:
- Sign each form individually using a handwritten signature
- Avoid using signature stamps or copied images
- Ensure the correct person signs each form
- Confirm signatures are dated appropriately
- Follow specific USCIS form instructions carefully
For employers, this includes ensuring that authorized signatories are properly identified and that internal processes do not rely on automated signature tools.
What Happens If USCIS Questions a Signature
If USCIS determines that a signature does not meet requirements, it may:
- Issue an RFE requesting a new, properly signed form
- Delay adjudication of the petition
- In more serious cases, issue a NOID
Responding to these requests takes time and can disrupt employment start dates, travel plans, or work authorization timelines.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
NPZ Law Group assists clients with:
- Reviewing filings before submission
- Identifying potential signature compliance issues
- Responding to RFEs or NOIDs related to signatures
- Advising employers on compliant signing procedures
Proactive review can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Final Takeaway
Signature requirements may seem minor, but USCIS treats them seriously. Small mistakes—such as reused or automated signatures—can lead to avoidable complications.
Taking a careful, compliant approach to signing immigration filings can help ensure smoother processing and reduce the risk of delays.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.