USCIS Revises Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Submissions and Responses Falling on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays

The USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 317.61 KB) is undergoing an update to address scenarios where the final day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action coincides with a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. In such instances, a paper submission or response will be deemed timely if received by the close of the subsequent business day. While the receipt date will still indicate the physical reception date by USCIS, the benefit request will be considered timely filed.

Certain situations necessitate benefit requestors to file within a specific timeframe stipulated by statute, regulation, or form instructions. Examples include submitting a paper-based benefit request on the last day before a requestor’s or beneficiary’s birthday, or meeting the deadline for responding to a Request for Evidence or a notice of intent to deny, rescind, revoke, or terminate.

To enhance flexibility concerning filing deadlines, USCIS is implementing this Policy Manual update immediately. It applies to all paper-based benefit requests or responses received by USCIS on or after March 29, 2023. This update does not impact electronic filings or responses submitted electronically, which are considered received immediately upon submission. The policy is not applied retroactively.