Fees, forms & filingPOLICY UPDATE
Definition of Day for Purposes of Filing Deadlines
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS applies the regulatory definition of “day” to filing deadlines. This policy becomes effective October 23, 2026.
Effective date and application
In consideration of such interests, this policy update is effective October 23, 2026
Key changes
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS applies the regulatory definition of “day” to filing deadlines. This policy becomes effective October 23, 2026.
- Explains that when filing deadlines are defined by statute, regulation, or form instructions in terms of days, USCIS applies the regulatory definition of day. If the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, USCIS considers the filing timely if it is received by the end of the next business day.
- Clarifies that USCIS does not apply the regulatory definition of day for purposes of other deadlines that are not computed in a period of days, but rather by a substantive eligibility requirement, such as a person's birthday.
