USCIS Changes Application Signature Requirements: What You Need to Know

Starting July 10, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin implementing new rules for signing applications for immigration benefits, including H-1B visa petitions and green card applications. The publication reports on the changes. Times of India.

According to the updated policy, only documents bearing applicants' handwritten signatures or properly reproduced versions will now be accepted. Any applications containing copied, automatically generated, or unauthorized signatures will be rejected, even if they pass the initial verification.

"To maintain the integrity of the immigration benefits system and confirm the identity of applicants, USCIS rejects any application with an invalid signature and returns it to the applicant. USCIS does not provide an opportunity to correct a defective signature. However, the applicant may resubmit the application with a valid signature. Provided all other filing requirements are met, including payment of the required fee, USCIS may accept the resubmitted application," the agency said in a statement.

On the subject: New USCIS rules: Only recent photos taken by agency employees will be used for document processing

What is considered a valid signature?

Valid signatures:

• Handwritten signatures in wet ink.
• Scanned, facsimile or photocopied versions of original signatures.
• Certain electronic signatures (only if USCIS has expressly authorized them for online filing).

Invalid signatures:

• Printed names.
• Digital signature generators.
• Stamps with signature.
• Signatures made using auto-subscriber.
• Signatures provided by lawyers or representatives (except in limited cases where minors or incapacitated persons are involved).

What to do

• Always sign documents by hand before submitting.
• Scan or photocopy the signed document when submitting electronically.
• Please check all signature fields to make sure they are complete.
• Keep the original signed copies for your records.
• Carefully follow the USCIS instructions for each form type.

What not to do

• Do not use printed names or digital tools to create a signature.
• Do not allow lawyers or agents to sign documents for you unless permitted by law.
• Don't rely on stamps or pens.
• Do not submit software-generated signatures unless USCIS has authorized them.

Acceptable and unacceptable signatures

Acceptable:

• Original signature.
• A handwritten "X" or similar mark in ink (including a fingerprint if the person cannot write).
• Abbreviated signature if it is the person's regular signature.
• Signature of parent or legal guardian (for applicants under 14 years of age).
• Signature of legal guardian, legal representative (surrogate) or person with valid power of attorney.
• An original signature that was later scanned, copied or faxed.
• Electronic signature (in permitted cases).

Unacceptable:

• Printed name in the signature field.
• Signature of a lawyer or representative instead of the applicant.
• A signature created using a typewriter, word processor, stamp, or autosignature.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

These changes are aimed at improving document security and authenticity. Applicants are advised to carefully review their forms before submitting to avoid rejection and the need to resubmit.

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