USCIS Signature Rule Is Now Effective

DHS/USCIS’s interim final rule on signatures on immigration benefit requests took effect on July 10, 2026. For filings submitted on or after that date, if USCIS later determines that a benefit request lacks a valid signature, USCIS may reject or deny the filing; the rule also allows USCIS to retain the filing fee and treat the request as fully adjudicated. This is important for all paper-heavy immigration practices, including family, employment, humanitarian, and naturalization filings. Signatures on Immigration Benefit Requests

The practical point: use original handwritten signatures or clearly compliant reproduced handwritten signatures; avoid typed names, pasted digital signatures, unauthorized e-signatures, or signature-process shortcuts unless USCIS specifically permits them for the filing type. The current eCFR version of 8 CFR 103.2 confirms that benefit requests must be signed with a valid signature, properly executed, filed under the applicable regulations, and submitted with the correct fee. 8 CFR 103.2

DHS/USCIS Regulatory Agenda Signals More Immigration Rulemaking

The 2026 Unified Agenda shows DHS/USCIS planning or advancing several immigration rules, including H-1B reform, employment authorization reform for asylum applicants, discretionary EAD reform for certain populations, credible-fear / reasonable-fear procedures, naturalization fee adjustments, enhanced naturalization educational standards, public-benefit status verification, and Affidavit of Support sponsor reimbursement / deeming rules. 2026 Unified Agenda

For employment-based practice, the key watch items are H-1B reform and DOL’s planned labor-market-test changes for PERM and H-2 programs. Fragomen’s summary of the agencies’ 2026 agendas flags DOL plans to modernize the PERM labor market test and anticipated H-2A/H-2B program changes.