Can You Sign USCIS Forms in Chinese? Rules on Handwritten Signatures
This article, based on the USCIS 2018 policy memorandum, explains form signature requirements: a signature need not be legible or in English and may match one's usual signature; those unable to write may use a mark such as "X"; however, it must be a handwritten ink signature—printed, stamped, or autopen-generated signatures are not accepted, and non-handwritten signatures are treated as unsigned and may lead to application rejection. The article also distinguishes the different requirements of "signature" and "print your name."
Several readers have asked this question, and the answer is yes: it is acceptable. Other content on the form must be filled in English or pinyin, but the signature is not restricted—it can be in English, initials, Chinese, or even any non-textual mark, as long as it is consistent with how the applicant normally signs. If the applicant cannot write and normally signs with an X or a circle, they may also draw an X or a circle on USCIS forms, but it must be handwritten.
USCIS addressed this specifically in a Policy Memorandum issued in February 2018 [source]:
The policy memorandum states that a valid signature does not need to be legible or in English and may be abbreviated as long as it is consistent with how the individual normally signs his or her name. A valid signature does not have to be in cursive handwriting. An individual who cannot write in any language may place an “X” or similar mark instead of a signature. A signature remains valid even if the original signature is later photocopied, scanned, faxed, or similarly reproduced. Regardless of how it is transmitted to USCIS, the copy must be of an original document containing a handwritten, ink signature, unless regulations or the form instructions state otherwise. USCIS will not accept signatures created by a typewriter, word processor, stamp, auto-pen, or similar device.
The signature must be handwritten. If the signature is not handwritten, USCIS will consider the application “unsigned” and reject it.
Note that a signature is a “signature,” not “print.” If the form says “Please print your name,” it means “write your name neatly, not in cursive,” and only English may be used. See: {https://gonglue.us/453}.
