❗️Starting October 23, 2026, USCIS is going back to its previous method for calculating filing deadlines. This is especially important for applicants whose deadline is tied not to a specific number of days, but to a particular event, such as turning a certain age.
⚠️USCIS divides deadlines into two categories:
✔️Deadlines stated in days
If the law or instructions say “file within 30 days,” the rule stays the same. The deadline includes calendar days, including weekends and federal holidays. If the last day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
✔️Deadlines tied to a specific event
This is where the rules get much stricter. If your eligibility to file depends on something like your age, the deadline will no longer move to the next business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday. This is especially important for young immigrants who need to file a petition before turning 21.
✅For example, if an applicant turns 21 on a Saturday, USCIS must receive the documents no later than the Friday immediately before their birthday. Filing the following Monday could already be considered late.
❗️What about online filing? USCIS online systems are available 24/7, so you cannot rely on a deadline being extended from a weekend or holiday to the next business day when filing online.
⚠️There is still time before these changes take effect, but it’s important not to put off checking your deadlines. If your immigration process depends on your age, date of birth, or another specific event, being off by just a few days could have serious consequences.
I’m Irina Lust, an immigration attorney with 18 years of experience.
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