On May 11, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published an interim final rule confirming authority to not only reject an immigration benefit request, but to deny a request if it is found to contain invalid signatures. The new rule becomes effective on July 10, 2026. 

USCIS refers to an increase in invalid signatures raising concerns of potential fraud and misrepresentation. Invalid signatures include signatures that are stamped, filings that are signed by someone other than the requestor, signatures created by signature software programs (Docusign, etc.), copy-pasted signatures, and typewritten names. 

To meet USCIS requirements, signatures must be an original handwritten signature or a high-quality scanned copy of the original signed document. If a USCIS officer determines a filing contains an invalid signature, the officer may: 

1. Reject the Request. Results in the filing being returned and the filing fees are refunded. 
2. Deny the Request. Results in full adjudication and filing fees are not refunded. 

USCIS will apply a case-by-case approach, with filings more likely to be rejected when signature issues are identified early or appear inadvertent, and more likely to be denied where the agency has already invested adjudicative resources or where the deficiency suggests noncompliance. 

While proper signatures have always been required, the new rule increases the importance of ensuring valid original signatures are applied to every filing to avoid additional scrutiny and possible denial based on these grounds. For electronic filings, USCIS accepts electronic signatures when permitted by form instructions, and this should be verified on a case-by-case basis. 

Foster LLP will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available. For the latest alerts and guidance, please visit our website at www.fosterglobal.com or contact your Foster Global immigration professional with case‑specific questions