USCIS Policy Alert PA-2026-15 on Filing Deadline Rules

USCIS Policy Alert PA-2026-15 (issued September 23, 2026) revises Policy Manual Volume 1, Part B, Chapter 6, Section E. Deadlines defined in days still roll over to the next business day when they end on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, but deadlines set by substantive eligibility requirements such as a birthday (e.g., filing before age 21) no longer roll over, reversing the 2023 guidance in PA-2023-10. The change takes effect October 23, 2026, for paper-based filings received on or after that date.

1. In effect 2026-10-23

   “This guidance, contained in Volume 1 of the Policy Manual, is effective October 23, 2026, and applies to paper-based filings received on or after that date.”

   Official source ↗

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