What is a "valid" signature for USCIS?

Throughout 2026 USCIS has been increasing scrutiny of signatures on forms. It recently released a memo confirming that it will reject or deny (without refunding the fees) applications found to contain an invalid signature.

If you have to submit a paper form to USCIS, you must physically print it out and sign in wet ink. This is true whether you will physically mail your application, or upload it to the myUSCIS portal.

After printing and signing, you can submit:

1. the original signature page,
2. a photocopy of the signature page, or
3. a scan of the signature page.

If you submit a scan or copy, you must keep the original wet-ink signature page on file while the case is pending. For a temporary employment visa application, we recommend keeping the pages on file for the duration of the employee's petition validity. USCIS may issue an RFE requesting that you mail in the original signature page, or request to see it if your workplace is audited in the future. 

There is no creative workaround to avoid this requirement. Alternatives that are NOT ALLOWED by USCIS include:

1. Taking a photo of a wet-ink signature and electronically inserting it into the form.
2. Using any e-signature service, even if you trace your signature in by hand and it looks like an ink signature.
3. A wet-ink signature stamp.
4. A signature that has been mechanically reproduced in any way.
5. Using a valid copy of the same signature page for more than one case. If USCIS compares the signatures from two applications and finds them to be identical, they may deny both cases.