Summary
On September 23, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Policy Alert in the USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 1, Part B, Chapter 6). The guidance clarifies how USCIS applies the regulatory definition of a “day” when it calculates deadlines for immigration benefit requests, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
The new guidance applies starting October 23, 2026.
📌 Key rule: if the deadline for a paper filing falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, it moves to the end of the next business day. Online filings (myUSCIS) do not get this extension.
Who is affected by this USCIS guidance?
This clarification matters for many people with pending cases in the United States:
- Applicants with pending RFEs or NOIDs: anyone who has to provide missing civil records, identity documents, or financial affidavits.
- Adjustment of status (Form I-485) and family petition (Form I-130) applicants: people who need certified translations of foreign records before their deadline.
- Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives: people who manage case calendars and courier deliveries to USCIS lockbox facilities.
Paper filings (lockbox) vs. online submissions (myUSCIS)
The Policy Manual draws clear distinctions between mailed and electronic filings:
| Aspect | Courier or mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS) | Electronic filing (myUSCIS portal) |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt date | The date the package physically arrives at the designated USCIS lockbox or service center. | The exact date and time stamped on the electronic submission confirmation. |
| Deadlines on weekends or holidays | Moved to the next business day, when the carrier can complete delivery. | No extension: submit by the actual deadline, even on a weekend or holiday. |
| Risk of a late filing | Packages that arrive after the next business day may be rejected or treated as abandoned. | The instant electronic receipt notice is proof that you filed on time. |
Example: how the extension works
Say an applicant receives a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for a certified English translation of a foreign marriage certificate. The 87-day response window ends on Sunday, November 1.
- Before the policy alert: it wasn’t clear whether the response had to reach USCIS by Friday, October 30.
- Under the updated policy: because November 1 is a Sunday, the deadline moves to Monday, November 2. A paper response must reach the lockbox before close of business on Monday. If you respond online, there’s no extension: submit by Sunday, November 1.
⚠️ Statutory exceptions:
This general rule doesn’t apply where a statute sets its own time frame, such as the one-year deadline for Form I-589 asylum applications under 8 CFR § 208.4. Talk to a qualified immigration attorney about your filing deadlines.
Translations: don’t wait until the deadline
A common, avoidable cause of delays is leaving certified translations for the last minute.
When you submit foreign-language birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or police records, USCIS requires a complete English translation. It must come with the translator’s signed certification of competence and accuracy.
Pricing and turnaround at Fidelis
To help your response arrive on time, here’s how we handle your documents:
| Service item | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| First page (up to 500 words) | Includes a signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy under 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3) | $29 USD |
| Each additional page | Same order, any documents; for many pages we prepare a full quote | $25 USD |
| Optional notarization | Done by a Florida notary public, only when the receiving organization asks for it | +$30 USD per order |
| Standard turnaround | High-resolution PDF ready to upload to myUSCIS or print (1–3 pages, after document review) | 1–2 business days |
💡 Facing a USCIS deadline this week?
Send us a clear photo or PDF scan of your foreign documents. We’ll review them right away and confirm your turnaround.👉 Get a quote →
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Fidelis Certified Translations is an independent translation service, not affiliated with USCIS or any U.S. government agency. This content is for information only and is not legal advice. For your case, talk to an immigration attorney.