Signature rules for U.S. immigration applications are changing. Starting July 10, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new signature policy for all immigration forms, including H-1B visa and green card applications.
In a statement, the agency said that to protect the integrity of the system and verify applicants' identities, applications with invalid signatures will be rejected and returned. USCIS announced that applicants will not be given the opportunity to correct the faulty signature, but may reapply with a valid signature.
Which signatures will be accepted?
According to USCIS's updated policy, the following signatures are considered valid:
- Handwritten signatures in ink
- Scanned, faxed, or photocopied versions of the original signature
- Specific electronic signatures explicitly permitted by USCIS for online applications
Which signatures will be rejected?
The agency announced that the following types of signatures will be considered invalid:
- Names typed on a computer
- Digital signature generators
- Signature stamps
- Signatures made with automatic signature devices
- Signatures by attorneys or representatives, unless the applicant is a minor or lacks legal capacity
Critical warnings for applicants
USCIS advised applicants to sign documents by hand before submitting them and to use a scanned or photocopied version of the signed document for electronic applications. It stressed the need to ensure all signature fields are completed, to keep original signed copies, and to carefully follow USCIS instructions for each form type.
The agency also warned against using typed names, having attorneys or representatives sign on behalf of the applicant, relying on stamps or automatic pens, and using software-generated signatures unless permitted by USCIS.
While the new rules aim to enhance document security and accuracy, applicants were urged to carefully review their forms to avoid rejection and the need to reapply.
