USCIS has updated the USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 317.61 KB) to address situations when the last day to file an application for benefits or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. In this situations, We will consider a paper submission or response timely if we receive it by the end of the next business day. Although the receipt date for these cases will reflect the date USCIS physically received the application, USCIS will consider the application for benefits to have been filed on time.

In some cases, applicants for benefits must file an application for benefits or submit a response to a USCIS action within a time frame established by law, regulation, or the instructions on the form. Examples include filing a paper application for benefits the day before an applicant's or beneficiary's birthday, or the last day of a specified filing deadline, or responding to a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny, Rescind, Revoke o Cancel, within the specified time frame for a response.

USCIS is looking at several ways to increase flexibility related to filing deadlines, including this update to the Policy Manual. This update is effective immediately and will apply to all applications for benefits or responses to a USCIS action that we receive in paper format on or after March 29, 2023. This update does not affect submissions or responses submitted electronically, which we consider received immediately after they are sent. We do not apply this policy update retroactively.