New Rules for Signatures on US Immigration Papers

May 16, 2026, 18:46
USPolitics

Introduction

The US government has new rules for signatures on immigration forms. These rules start on July 10, 2026.

Main Body

The government wants to stop fake signatures. Now, the office can say 'no' to an application if the signature is wrong. They can do this even if they accepted the paper before. People should sign papers with a pen. You can send a photo or a fax of a pen signature. You cannot use stamps or copy-and-paste images. You can only use electronic signatures on official government websites. If your signature is wrong, you lose your money. You cannot fix the mistake. You must send a new application and pay again. This is a big problem for some workers and lawyers.

Conclusion

Starting July 10, 2026, everyone must use the correct signing methods for their immigration papers.

Learning

🛑 STOP & GO: The Power of 'Can' and 'Cannot'

In this text, we see a very clear pattern for A2 learners: Giving Permission vs. Forbidden Actions.

The 'YES' List (Permitted)

  • You can send a photo →\rightarrow Possible
  • You can send a fax →\rightarrow Possible
  • You can use official websites →\rightarrow Possible

The 'NO' List (Forbidden)

  • You cannot use stamps →\rightarrow Not allowed
  • You cannot copy-and-paste →\rightarrow Not allowed
  • You cannot fix the mistake →\rightarrow Not allowed

💡 Simple Rule for You: When you want to say something is allowed or impossible, use Can/Cannot. It is the fastest way to give a clear answer in English.

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government makes new rules.
rules (n.)
Instructions that say what is allowed or not.
Example:We must follow the rules.
signatures (n.)
Names written on a form to show agreement.
Example:He added his signatures to the form.
immigration (n.)
The process of moving to another country.
Example:She studies immigration laws.
forms (n.)
Paper that needs to be filled out.
Example:He filled out the forms.
start (v.)
To begin something.
Example:The new rules start on July.
stop (v.)
To end or prevent something.
Example:The government wants to stop fake signatures.
fake (adj.)
Not real or genuine.
Example:He used a fake signature.
office (n.)
A place where people work.
Example:The office can say no.
application (n.)
A request to do something.
Example:He filled an application.
signature (n.)
A name written to show agreement.
Example:The signature is wrong.
wrong (adj.)
Not correct or true.
Example:The signature is wrong.
pen (n.)
A tool used for writing.
Example:Use a pen to sign.
photo (n.)
A picture taken by a camera.
Example:You can send a photo.
fax (n.)
A document sent by telephone line.
Example:He sent a fax.
stamp (n.)
A mark used to show approval.
Example:Do not use a stamp.
copy (v.)
To make a duplicate of something.
Example:Copy the text.
paste (v.)
To attach or insert something.
Example:Paste the image.
image (n.)
A picture or visual representation.
Example:The image is clear.
electronic (adj.)
Using computers or digital technology.
Example:Electronic signatures are allowed.