New Signature Verification Rules for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced new rules for checking signatures on immigration documents, which will start on July 10, 2026.
Main Body
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced this rule to reduce the number of fake or incorrect signatures. Under these new rules, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has more power to reject applications at the start or deny them later in the process. This means that even if an application was first accepted, it can still be denied later if the signature is found to be incorrect. Regarding the types of signatures allowed, the agency prefers traditional 'wet-ink' signatures. However, scanned, faxed, or photocopied versions of these originals are still acceptable. On the other hand, the agency strictly forbids the use of signature stamps, digital signatures, copy-and-paste images, and signatures from unauthorized people. Electronic signatures are only allowed when using official USCIS online systems. If a signature is invalid, the agency may keep the filing fees and deny the application. In this case, the only way to fix the problem is to submit a completely new application. Experts believe this policy may create problems for companies that use digital systems for H-1B visas and green card applications. Legal professionals have emphasized that because applicants cannot fix a signature error after filing, they might miss important deadlines or lose their legal immigration status. Consequently, lawyers recommend that companies carefully check all signature fields and keep physical copies of all original documents to avoid these risks.
Conclusion
These new standards will be enforced from July 10, 2026, meaning all applicants must return to using traditional signing methods for their requests.
Learning
⥠The Power of 'Connectors' (Moving from A2 to B2)
An A2 student speaks in short, separate sentences: "The rules are new. Companies have problems. Lawyers give advice."
To reach B2, you must 'bridge' these ideas. Look at how this text uses Logical Connectors to create a professional flow:
đ The 'Contrast' Bridge
Instead of just saying "No," the text uses "On the other hand."
- A2 style: "Wet-ink is okay. Digital stamps are bad."
- B2 style: "Wet-ink signatures are acceptable. On the other hand, the agency strictly forbids signature stamps."
- Why it works: It signals to the reader that a opposite idea is coming.
đš The 'Result' Bridge
B2 speakers don't just list facts; they show cause and effect. Notice the word "Consequently."
- A2 style: "You cannot fix the error. You might miss the deadline. Lawyers say check the papers."
- B2 style: "Applicants cannot fix a signature error... Consequently, lawyers recommend that companies carefully check all fields."
- Why it works: It replaces the simple word "so" with a more formal, academic alternative.
đ ī¸ Vocabulary Shift: Precision
Stop using generic verbs like do or make. Notice these high-impact B2 verbs from the text:
- Enforce (instead of "start using a rule")
- Emphasize (instead of "say strongly")
- Reject (instead of "say no to")
Pro Tip: To sound more fluent immediately, start replacing "So" with "Consequently" and "But" with "On the other hand" when writing formal emails.