Confusion over New USCIS Forms and Acceptance of Old Forms Resolved

On December 23, 2016 USCIS issued new versions for many, many of its form, including the I-129, I-140, etc.  Unfortunately, USCIS also stated that as of that date it would no longer accept prior versions of ANY of the new forms.  This is despite the fact that no notice was given prior to the 23rd that there were to be new versions or that old versions would not be accepted.

After much protest by Immigration Attorneys and others, USCIS has finally relented.  USCIS will accept old versions of ALL forms EXCEPT the N-400 (that form was first published on December 12, 2016, so some prior notice was given) until February 21, 2017.

It is certainly good to see USCIS correct this grave error.  However, it would have been even better had USCIS realized the fundamental unfairness of this type of edict to begin with.

Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.

Author: Adam Frank, Esquire

I am an immigration attorney with over 20 years of experience. I was graduated from Brandeis University undergrad in 1990 and then spent a year traveling around Central America. In 1991 I began attending the University of Baltimore School of Law and was graduated in 1994. I began working in Immigration Law in 1998 when I joined a small law firm and, in 2000 opened my own firm with my law partner Ed Leavy. Sadly, Ed passed away in 2011. I am still a partner in my own firm with my current partner Brendan Delaney. Our firm is Frank & Delaney Immigration Law, LLC. View all posts by Adam Frank, Esquire