USCIS updates definition of “day” for purposes of filing deadlines, effective October 23, 2026

On September 23, 2026, USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-15) which updates the Policy Manual to “clarify how USCIS applies the regulatory definition of ‘day’ to filing deadlines,” effective October 23, 2026.

Policy highlights from the policy alert:

• When filing deadlines are defined by statute, regulation, or form instructions in terms of days (such as when a Notice of Intent to Deny states that the applicant or petitioner has x number of days to respond), 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.

• 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.

To learn more, read the policy alert here.