The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has tightened filing deadline rules from October 23, 2026, removing next-business-day relief for certain age-based eligibility deadlines. The change affects green card applicants, including children approaching 21, while H-1B workers must ensure they file extension petitions before their authorised stay expires.
The revised policy alert, titled “Definition of Day for Purposes of Filing Deadlines”, issued on September 23, replaces guidance introduced in 2023 and distinguishes between deadlines counted in days and dates tied to eligibility or authorised stay.