Immigration Form Updates Attorneys Need to Remember in 2026

Every year brings its share of immigration updates, but last year felt different. 

Instead of a slow drip of revisions, USCIS rolled out roughly 85 immigration form updates in a single year, with nearly 50 landing in March alone. Legal teams were hit with a series of changes that impacted everything from how clients prepare for naturalization to how firms accept payments.

For immigration attorneys, nonprofit caseworkers, and administrative teams, keeping up became a full-time job layered on top of already demanding caseloads.

In the current landscape, form changes are no longer occasional disruptions. They’re a constant. And understanding what changed, why it matters, and how to stay prepared is essential to running a sustainable immigration practice. 

This guide covers the most significant USCIS immigration form updates since the start of 2025, along with their practical implications and patterns you should expect to continue. 

3 system-level immigration changes reshaping your workload

Before getting into individual form updates, it’s worth calling out three system-level changes reshaping workflows for every immigration firm, regardless of size or specialty.

1. A new naturalization civics test

USCIS introduced a new version of the Naturalization Civics Test intended to standardize evaluation. In practice, it created new layers of client education and preparation. Immigration attorneys reported spending more time managing anxiety, especially for older applicants and those with limited English proficiency.  

The change reinforced a recurring theme: even when updates are framed as administrative improvements, they still translate into more client communication, more prep work, and more emotional labor for legal teams. 

2. Mandatory electronic payments

USCIS also accelerated its move away from paper payments, introducing new authorization requirements and forms to support ACH and card transactions. 

As of October 28, 2025, USCIS began phasing out checks and money orders in favor of electronic payments supported by new authorization processes. The most visible change has been the rollout of Form G-1650, required for both ACH and card transactions (more on this below).

3. Fee schedule changes and the impact of H.R. 1

Multiple fee adjustments forced firms to revise retainers, recalculate budgets, and recalibrate client expectations. This poses the greatest challenge to nonprofits forecasting grant funding and metrics tied to cost-per-case projections. 

See the Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill Compliance Guide for a breakdown of the new mandatory fees. 

Immigration form updates: What changed, when & what you need to do about it

To support these broader policy updates, USCIS released a series of new form editions throughout 2025. Some changes are minor, but the consequences of using outdated editions are not. Firms can expect rejections, delays, and frustrated clients.

Several themes emerged across these updates:

• Implementation of the new administration’s preferred language, even when it reduced clarity for applicants
• Structural simplification of forms paired with more detailed instructions
• Greater emphasis on electronic processing and verification
• Less tolerance for outdated editions, even when changes appear minor

For immigration law teams, the cumulative effect has been more version control, more staff retraining, and more risk exposure for missing updates. Firms that experience the least disruption are those using immigration forms software that ensures forms stay up to date in accordance with government mandates.

USCIS Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) + I-485A and I-485J supplements 

Extensive updates were released for Form I-485 and its supplements (I-485A and I-485J). These changes ultimately increased the risk of internal inconsistencies when re-entering data manually across related forms.

What changes were made to Form I-485 + I-485A and I-485B supplements?

• Includes more detailed questions on entry/exit history, specific eligibility basis, income, assets, education, and public benefits.
• Changed the Gender/Sex Marker field to Biological Sex, which only has male and female options.
• Requires a Form I-693 (Medical Exam) to be submitted with the I-485.
• Eliminated the I-864W and updated the I-485 to include exemption requests.
• Added clearer navigation and instructions.

When were Form I-485 + I-485A and I-485B supplements updated?

• December 10, 2024 (release date)
• February 10, 2025 (mandatory usage date)

What do you need to do about changes to Form I-485 + I-485A and I-485B supplements?

• Review all adjustment-of-status workflows to ensure updates are reflected consistently across I-485, I-765, and I-131 filings.
• Audit internal form libraries to eliminate outdated PDFs.

Download the most recent edition of Form I-485 and filing instructions directly from USCIS. 

USCIS Form I-129 (Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker)

Form I-129 underwent a major edition update affecting nearly all non-immigrant worker categories. USCIS offered no grace period, meaning everyone had to switch to the newest edition of the form immediately.

What changes were made to Form I-129? 

• USCIS revised several data fields to standardize employer information, clarify beneficiary worksite details, and reduce ambiguity around concurrent employment.
• Formatting updates altered page numbering and field placement. This caused compatibility issues for firms relying on saved PDFs or legacy templates.
• Instructions were also updated to reflect evolving adjudication standards, particularly for specialty occupation and temporary worker classifications.

When was Form I-129 updated?

January 17, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Form I-129?

• Transition all petitions filed using prior editions to the new version immediately to avoid rejection.
• Review internal intake questionnaires and employer document checklists to ensure they align with the updated data requirements.
• Practices handling high volumes of I-129 filings should confirm that their software or form libraries automatically pull the current edition.

Download the most recent edition of Form I-129 and filing instructions directly from USCIS here.

USCIS Naturalization and Citizenship Forms N-400, N-600, N-600K and N-565

Forms N-400, N-600, N-600K, and N-565 all received updates early in the year. The new editions include several structural changes, explicit guidance on acceptable photos, and new requirements for the Naturalization Civics Test.

What changes were made to Forms N-400, N-600, N-600K and N-565?

• All forms replaced "gender" with "sex," providing only male and female options.
• Applicants can now request social security numbers on the N-400.
• Only photos taken by the USCIS or authorized entities are acceptable for the N-600 and N-600K.
• The new edition of the N-600, released on January 20, 2025, became the only accepted version after May 30, 2025.
• The new edition of the N-600K, released on January 20, 2025, became the only accepted version after July 3, 2025.
• The new edition of the N-565, released on February 27, 2025, became the only accepted version after May 29, 2025. 
• All N-400 filings submitted on or after October 20, 2025 must take the new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test with more questions and significantly higher passing criteria. 

When were Forms N-400, N-600, N-600K and N-565 updated?

• January 20, 2025
• February 27, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to N-400, N-600, N-600K, and N-565?

• The filing date, not the interview date, determines which version of the Naturalization Civics Test applicants take. Prepare your clients accordingly.
• Firms handling citizenship applications for children abroad should update intake questionnaires and evidence checklists.
• Clients may require additional education and preparation to meet revised documentation expectations.

Download the most recent edition of Form N-400, N-600, N-600K and N-565, along with filing instructions directly from USCIS.

USCIS Forms I-765 and I-765V (Employment Authorization)

Employment authorization forms I-765 and I-765V were subject to numerous changes throughout the year, with updates beginning in January 2025 and still ongoing. 

What changes were made to Forms I-765 and I-765V?

• New editions of both forms were released on January 20, 2025.
• Form I-765 was updated again on August 20, 2025. This newest edition will be the only version accepted as of March 5, 2026. 
• Automatic extensions for renewal applicants ended on October 30, 2025.
• Applicants must have their EAD card in hand to work. The receipt notice is no longer sufficient of authorization.
• The maximum EAD validity was reduced from 5 years to 18 months for several categories, including pending adjustment of status, refugees, and asylees. This change went into effect on December 5, 2025.
• Additional fee adjustments went into effect on January 1, 2026.

When were Forms I-765 and I-765V updated?

• January 20, 2025
• August 20, 2025
• January 1, 2026

What do you need to do about changes to Forms I-765 and I-765V?

• Ensure you set up alerts 180 days before work authorizations expire.
• File renewals as early as possible.
• Check the current fee for your specific I-765 category on the USCIS website when filing in 2026.

Download the most recent versions of the I-765 and I-765V on the USCIS website.

USCIS Humanitarian, Waiver, and Special Program Forms I-589, I-821, I-821D, and I-601

A group of humanitarian and waiver-based forms—including asylum, TPS, DACA, inadmissibility waivers, and special relief petitions—received updates at the beginning of the year. This represented one of the largest single-year synchronized updates across humanitarian pathways. 

Here are the affected forms:

• Form I-589 | Application for Asylum  
• Form I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status 
• Form I-821D | Application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Form I-601 | Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility 
• Special Relief Petitions

What changes were made to Forms I-589, I-821, I-821D, and I-601?

While most changes were structural and administrative, enforcement deadlines tightened, increasing rejection risk for firms managing large humanitarian caseloads.

• Replaced the term “citizen” with the formerly archived term “alien” across all forms.
• Removed the “another gender identity option,” leaving only male and female across all forms.
• New annual fees were introduced for form I-589. 
• USCIS stopped processing or approving new Form I-821D applications. It is currently only processing DACA renewals. 
• Form I-601 has reorganized instructions and formatting.
• Additional fee increases for all forms went into effect on January 1, 2026.

When were Forms I-589, I-821, I-821D, and I-601 updated?

• January 20, 2025
• January 1, 2026

What do you need to do about changes to Forms I-589, I-821, I-821D, and I-601?

• Archive all form versions in your forms library prior to the new January 20, 2025. 
• If you submit new DACA applications, be sure to inform clients that these applications are not currently being processed. 
• Always check the USCIS fee schedule for current fees before filing.
• Double-check all documents to avoid even minor discrepancies. 

Download the most recent editions of Form I-589, Form I-821, Form I-821D, and Form I-601 on the USCIS website.

USCIS Investor Forms I-526 and I-526E 

The USCIS updated investor forms I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor) and I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) to enforce consistent edition usage across related filings, reducing discrepancies between standalone and regional-center investor petitions.

What changes were made to Forms I-526 and I-526E? 

• New form editions went into effect on January 20, 2025. These are the only editions allowed after May 28, 2025.
• Replaced the term “gender” with “sex” and removed “they” pronoun options, leaving only “he” and “she.” 
• Reinstated lower fees (pre-April 2024) for I-526/E and other EB-5 forms. There’s currently a proposed rule to change this again.
• Processing times for applications in rural and high unemployment areas became significantly shorter.  

When were Forms I-526 and I-526E updated?

• January 20, 2025
• November 18, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Forms I-526 and I-526E?

• Always double check fee structures with the official USCIS fee schedule.
• Meticulously document source of funds. 
• Be prepared for fast processing time in rural adjustications and prepare investors to take timely action.

Download the most recent versions of Form I-526 and Form I-526E from the USCIS website.

USCIS Adoption-Related Forms I-800 and I-800A

Two adoption-related forms—Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative) and Form I-800A (Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country) were updated to reduce discrepancies between domestic and international adoption processes.

What changes were made to Forms I-800 and I-800A?

• The new form edition, dated January 20, 2025, must be used as of May 28, 2025.
• Form I-800, Supplement 1, was introduced to allow filers to consent to USCIS disclosing case information to adoption service providers or other entities.
• Replaced the term “gender” with “sex,” and updated response options to include only “male” and “female.”
• The Spousal Citizenship Information field I-800A was updated to include specific categories for US nationals who are not citizens.

When were Forms I-800 and I-800A updated?

January 20, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Forms I-800 and I-800A?

• Audit your forms library to archive any versions released before January 20, 2025.
• Be sure to carefully document spouse citizenship/national status on I-800A.
• Double check all forms for data consistency. Even minor discrepancies can cause issues.
• Anticipate more thorough background checks. 

Download the most recent versions of Form I-800 and Form I-800A from the USCIS website.

USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records)

The USCIS included Form I-131 with the mass updates that took place in January 2025. Changes were made to fields, fees, and allowed filing methods.

What changes were made to Forms I-131?

• Must use newest edition, released January 20, 2025, for all filings starting April 4, 2025.
• Replaced "gender" with "sex" and limited options to “male” or “female” based on birth certificate.
• Removed the requirement to explain travel needs.
• Introduced the ability to file Form I-131 online for advance parole.
• Additional fee increases went into effect on January 1, 2026.

When was Form I-131 updated?

January 20, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Form I-131?

• Audit your forms library to archive any previous versions.
• Start filing Form I-131 electronically for faster processing.
• Make sure that the sex entered on the form matches the sex on the applicant’s birth certificate.

Download the most recent version of Form I-131 from the USCIS website.

USCIS Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)

The USCIS released some minor but significant changes to the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. 

What changes were made to Form I-9? 

• The fourth citizenship checkbox in Section 1 now reads “An alien authorized to work,” instead of “A noncitizen authorized to work.” While subtle, this change reflects USCIS’s broader effort to change terminology across employment-related forms to suit its agenda.
• Descriptions for certain List B documents were revised to reference a person’s “sex” rather than “gender” to match the government’s new federal document standards.
• The instructions were condensed from 15 pages to 8, while adding clearer definitions and expanded guidance on remote document examination procedures.
• Structurally, Sections 1 and 2 were consolidated onto a single page. The Preparer/Translator Certification (Supplement A) and Reverification/Rehire (Supplement B) are now separate, optional supplements rather than embedded sections.

When was Form I-9 updated?

April 2, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Form I-9?

• Switch to the new form as soon as possible. While you may use the Form I-9 with an 08/01/23 edition date until its listed expiration dates, it’s always best to use the most recent version. 
• Begin using the January 20, 2025 edition of Form I-9 immediately for all new hires and reverifications.
• Review electronic systems to ensure they reflect the correct expiration date (May 31, 2027).
• Fully archive older editions of the I-9 form.
• Ensure the new checkbox is correctly completed when documents are examined under a DHS-authorized procedure.

Download the most recent edition of Form I-9 and official filing instructions directly from USCIS here.

USCIS Form G-1055 (Fee Schedule)

Form G-1055 was revised multiple times throughout 2025, reflecting USCIS’s evolving fee structure and payment requirements. 

New editions were released repeatedly—sometimes weeks apart—as USCIS adjusted filing fees, clarified fee applicability across form types, and synchronized the schedule with broader payment modernization efforts.

What changes were made to Form G-1055?

• USCIS introduced charges for filings that were previously free, like asylum, new employment authorizations, and asylum EAD renewals.
• It raised costs for other filings, such as humanitarian parole, TPS registration, asylum green cards, and appeals. 
• It also limited fee waivers and removed waiver eligibility for certain types of requests.

When was Form G-1055 updated?

• July 14, 2025
• October 2, 2025
• October 28, 2025
• December 31, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Form G-1055?

• Don’t rely on a single annual fee table. 
• Confirm the current edition and fees at the time of filing, particularly during high-change periods in March, July, and October. 
• Add fee validation as a recurring compliance task to your case processes and workflows. 

Download the most recent edition of Form G-1055 and official filing instructions here.

USCIS Form EOIR-29 (Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals)

USCIS issued a new edition of Form EOIR-29 in mid-2025. 

It continued to accept multiple legacy editions dating back more than a decade. While this flexibility reduced immediate rejection risk, it increased procedural ambiguity for filers determining which version to use.

What changes were made to Form EOIR-29?

• Significant fee increases went into effect for BIA appeals and motions to reconsider or reopen cases.
• A Policy Memo was issued directing adjudicators to be wary of potential fraud in fee waiver applications.

When was Form EOIR-29 updated?

July 17, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Form EOIR-29?

• Always confirm the most recent fees before filing.
• Thoroughly document all payments made—including amounts, dates, and method of payment—to reduce risk of denial on the basis of suggested fraud.

Download the most recent edition of Form EOIR-29 and filing instructions directly from USCIS here.

USCIS Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver)

The new edition of Form I-912 is nearly identical to the previous edition. However, several notable updates were made to the instructions. 

What changes were made to Form I-912?

• Applicants must list income for all household members and dependents.
• Explicitly stated that fees created by OBBBA, H.R. 1 can’t be waived.
• Instruction updates clarified documentation expectations, particularly for nonprofit-supported applicants.
• Replaced the term "noncitizen" with "alien" throughout the instructions.

When was Form I-912 updated?

July 22, 2025

What you you need to do about changes to Form I-912?

• Update intake screening processes to reflect the revised eligibility framework.
• Retrain staff to ensure accurate calculations and document submission.

Download the most recent edition of Form I-912 and filing instructions directly from USCIS.

USCIS Forms G-845 and G-845 Supplement (Verification Requests) 

USCIS updated both the primary verification request form and its supplement, updating fields, revising instructions, and addressing new policies. 

Immigration law professionals and applicants were given a short window to switch to the new versions.

What changes were made to Forms G-845 and G-845 Supplement?

• Changed the term "USCIS Account Number" back to "Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
• Reduced gender options to only “male” and “female.”
• The new edition, dated August 12, 2025, is the only version accepted after October 27, 2025.

When were Forms G-845 and G-845 Supplement updated?

August 12, 2025

What do you need to do about changes to Forms G-845 and G-845 Supplement?

• Review your forms library to ensure you archive older editions. 
• Advise clients immediately to only use the latest version.

Download the most recent edition of Form G-845 and Form G-845 Supplement directly from USCIS.

New immigration forms you need to bookmark

In addition to the many form updates, USCIS released three new forms in 2025 that immigration attorneys should save to their form libraries. 

USCIS Forms G-1650 and G-1651 (Payment Authorization & Paper Fee Exemptions)

New payment-related forms, G-1650 and G-1651, were introduced to align with Executive Order 14247, which requires electronic payment of all federal fees. 

Key implications of Forms G-1650 and G-1651

• Form G-1650 was released to allow applicants to electronically pay their filing and other fees via ACH payment from a US bank account.
• Mandated that checks and money orders would no longer be accepted after October 28, 2025.
• Form G-1651 allows applicants to request an exemption for electronic payment if they do not have access to banking services.

When Forms G-1650 and G-1651 went into effect

August 29, 2025

What you need to do about changes to Forms G-1650 and G-1651

• Consider asking clients during the intake process if they have a US bank account, and advising those who don’t to open one promptly.

Download the most recent edition of Form G-1650 and G-1651 and filing instructions directly from USCIS.

USCIS Form I-140G (Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program)

Form I-140G was introduced as part of the Gold Card Program rollout, with a new edition dated November 19, 2025. This marked the formalization of a new immigrant pathway. 

Key changes to Form I-140G 

• USCIS introduced clarifications to the employer attestations and beneficiary eligibility fields, with increased emphasis on consistency between Form I-140 and supporting labor certification documentation.
• Several instruction updates clarified evidentiary expectations for multinational managers and advanced degree professionals.

When Form I-140G changed

December 10, 2025

What you need to do about changes to Form I-140G

• Immigration law professionals must familiarize themselves with the new petition structure, eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation requirements.
• Petitioners should closely review employer attestations to ensure consistency across filings.
• Firms should retrain staff responsible for employment-based petitions to account for revised evidentiary guidance.

Download Form I-140G and filing instructions directly from the USCIS website.

Manual immigration form tracking is no longer sustainable

Individually, most of these changes are manageable. Collectively, they add hours of invisible labor every week—monitoring USCIS updates, checking expiration dates, rebuilding templates, and double-checking filings.

This is why many immigration practices have moved toward systems that automatically surface new editions, retire outdated forms, and notify teams when changes occur. Automation removes the burden of chasing updates so attorneys can focus on strategy and client care.

Take it from immigration attorney Jeraline Singh Edwards. 

 

There’s no indication that the pace of change will slow. If anything, form updates are becoming more frequent, more technical, and less forgiving. Staying prepared means tightening workflows, centralizing form management, and ensuring teams aren’t relying on manual tracking to stay compliant.

Thousands of immigration law professionals choose eimmigration’s forms management software to stay ahead of USCIS updates. See why.