U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is tightening signature rules for immigration applications starting July 10. Under the new regulation, only handwritten or properly reproduced signatures will be accepted on all applications, including H-1B visa and green card applications.
In a statement, USCIS said, "To protect the integrity of the immigration benefits system and verify the identity of applicants, we reject and return any application containing an invalid signature to the applicant. There is no opportunity to correct an erroneous signature. However, the applicant may reapply with a valid signature."
Valid and invalid signatures
According to USCIS's updated policy, valid signatures are:
- Handwritten signatures in ink
- Scanned, faxed, or photocopied versions of the original signature
- Certain electronic signatures explicitly permitted by USCIS for online applications
Invalid signatures are listed as follows:
- Names typed on a computer
- Digital signature generators
- Signature stamps
- Signatures made with automatic signature devices
- Signatures by attorneys or representatives, except for minors or those lacking legal capacity
Recommendations for applicants
USCIS offered the following advice to applicants:
- Be sure to sign documents by hand before submitting them.
- For electronic applications, use a scanned or photocopied version of the signed document.
- Ensure all signature fields are completed.
- Keep original signed copies for your own records.
- Carefully follow USCIS instructions for each form type.
The agency also stressed that applicants should not use typed names, that attorneys or representatives should not sign on behalf of the applicant, that stamps or automatic pens should not be relied upon, and that software-generated signatures should not be used unless permitted by USCIS.
While the new rules aim to enhance the security and accuracy of documents, applicants were urged to carefully review their forms to avoid rejection and the need to reapply.
