The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new Interim Final Rule that could significantly impact immigration applicants, employers, attorneys, and petitioners filing cases with USCIS. The new rule formally codifies USCIS authority to deny immigration benefit requests if the agency later determines that a filing contains an invalid signature.
The rule becomes effective on July 10, 2026.
Why This Rule Matters
For years, USCIS has required valid signatures on immigration filings. However, DHS states that USCIS has increasingly encountered questionable or improper signatures on immigration applications and petitions.
According to the agency, problematic filings have included:
- Copied and pasted signatures
- Signatures created through software programs
- Typewritten signatures
- Stamped signatures
- Filings signed by unauthorized individuals
USCIS explained that these practices raise concerns involving fraud, unauthorized filings, and integrity issues within the immigration system.
Current USCIS Signature Requirements
USCIS policy already requires immigration benefit requests to contain valid signatures. The USCIS Policy Manual states that USCIS may reject improperly signed filings and may deny filings if the signature issue is discovered after acceptance.
A valid signature generally includes:
- A handwritten signature
- An original handwritten mark
- A scanned copy of an original handwritten signature
- Certain authorized electronic signatures in limited filing systems
USCIS specifically does not accept signatures created by a typewriter, word processor, stamp, auto-pen, or similar device.
What the New DHS Rule Changes
Under the new rule, USCIS officers will have express authority to either reject or deny a filing if USCIS later determines that the application was not submitted with a valid signature.
The distinction is important.
Rejection vs. Denial
A rejection generally means:
- The filing is returned
- The case is not fully adjudicated
- Filing fees may be returned
- The applicant may refile if eligible
A denial may mean:
- USCIS fully adjudicates the filing
- Filing fees may be retained
- Appeal rights may apply
- The applicant could lose important filing deadlines or immigration benefits
DHS noted that USCIS may retain filing fees associated with denied requests in order to recover adjudication costs.
USCIS Says Invalid Signature Cases Are Increasing
DHS reported a significant increase in denials involving signature-related issues in recent years. The Federal Register notice states that signature-related denials increased from 300 in Fiscal Year 2021 to 2,953 in Fiscal Year 2025.
The agency also described situations involving:
- Thousands of immigration petitions using copied signature images
- Employers signing blank pages for reuse
- Unauthorized preparers submitting filings without proper signatures
Important Risks for Applicants and Employers
This rule may create serious risks for immigration filings involving:
- PERM labor certifications
- H-1B petitions
- I-140 petitions
- Adjustment of status filings
- Family petitions
- Naturalization applications
- Asylum applications
- Employment authorization requests
USCIS warned that applicants may lose filing dates, visa availability, or immigration benefits if filings are denied because of signature defects discovered later in the process.
Best Practices Moving Forward
Applicants, employers, and attorneys should carefully review all filings before submission.
Important precautions may include:
- Avoiding copied or pasted signature images
- Using proper handwritten signatures where required
- Verifying signatory authority for employers and corporations
- Reviewing all forms carefully before filing
- Maintaining original signed copies of submitted forms
Final Thoughts
The new DHS Interim Final Rule reinforces USCIS scrutiny of immigration filing signatures and reflects the agency’s growing focus on filing integrity and fraud prevention. Even technical signature mistakes may now carry serious consequences, including denial of immigration benefits and loss of filing fees.
Because immigration filings often involve strict deadlines and limited visa availability, careful preparation and compliance with USCIS signature requirements are increasingly important.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new USCIS signature rule take effect?
The rule becomes effective on July 10, 2026.
Can USCIS deny a case for an invalid signature?
Yes. USCIS may reject or deny a filing if the agency determines that the signature is invalid.
Are copied signature images allowed?
USCIS has raised concerns about copied and pasted signatures and may treat them as invalid.
Does USCIS accept scanned signatures?
Yes, scanned copies of original handwritten signatures are generally accepted under existing policy.
Can USCIS keep filing fees after denial?
Yes. DHS stated that USCIS may retain fees when denying requests involving invalid signatures.
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. Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C. – VISASERVE.