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USCIS Updates Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays
Summary
USCIS has updated its policy manual to address cases when the last day to submit a benefit request or response to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. In these cases, paper-based submissions will be considered timely if received by the end of the next business day. This update applies to all paper-based filings and responses received on or after March 29, 2023, and does not affect electronic filings or responses. USCIS is open to comments and feedback on this update.
Q&As
What is being updated in the USCIS Policy Manual?
The USCIS Policy Manual is being updated to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.
How will paper-based filings or responses received on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays be treated?
Paper-based filings or responses received on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays will be considered timely if they are received by the end of the next business day.
What are some examples of benefit requests or responses that must be filed within a certain time period?
Examples of benefit requests or responses that must be filed within a certain time period include filing a paper-based benefit request on the last day before a requestor’s or beneficiary’s birthday or the last day of a qualifying time period for filing, or responding to a Request for Evidence or a notice of intent to deny, rescind, revoke or terminate within the specified time frame for a response.
When will this policy update become effective?
This update is effective immediately and will apply to all benefit requests or responses to a USCIS action that we receive on paper on or after March 29, 2023.
How can individuals provide feedback on this policy update?
Individuals can provide feedback on this policy update by visiting the Policy Manual for Comment page.
AI Comments
👍 USCIS is taking steps to make filing deadlines more flexible and is welcoming feedback on the policy with the potential for changes in the future.
👎 This policy update does not apply to filings or responses that have been made in the past.
AI Discussion
Me: The article is about USCIS updating their policy on time frames for paper-based filings and responses ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays. Basically, they are giving people more flexibility when it comes to filing deadlines. For example, if the filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, they will consider the filing timely if it is submitted by the end of the next business day.
Friend: That's great news! It will make it easier for people to meet their filing deadlines.
Me: Absolutely. This policy update is effective immediately and applies to all paper-based filings and responses. It doesn't affect electronic filings, which are considered received immediately. So this should help people who are filing on paper.
Action items
- Review the USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 317.61 KB) to understand the new policy on time frames for paper-based filings and responses ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays.
- Submit comments on the Policy Manual for Comment page to provide feedback on the new policy.
- Stay up to date on any future updates to the policy by regularly checking the USCIS website.
Technical terms
- USCIS
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Policy Manual
- A document that outlines the policies and procedures of USCIS
- Benefit Request
- A request for a benefit from USCIS, such as a visa or green card
- Request for Evidence
- A request from USCIS for additional evidence to support a benefit request
- Notice of Intent to Deny, Rescind, Revoke or Terminate
- A notice from USCIS that a benefit request is being denied, rescinded, revoked, or terminated
- Retroactively
- To apply something to a past event or situation