USCIS Ends COVID-Related Flexibilities and Deadline Grace Periods

Today, March 23, 2023, is the end of the set of COVID-related flexibilities instituted at the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020.   The end of these flexibilities means that there are no longer additional grace periods and automatic deadline extensions for USCIS notices issued after March 23, 2023. 

No More Automatic USCIS Deadline Extensions for New USCIS Notices

As a result, an applicant or petitioner must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS which are dated after March 23 by the respective deadline listed in the notice.   The notices which will no longer have flexible and automatic deadline extensions are as follows:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

Additionally, Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or N-336, Request for a Hearing, regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023 must comply with the deadlines in the form/decision.

Existing USCIS Notices/RFEs Retain Flexible Deadlines

It is important to remind that USCIS notices which were issued prior to March 23, 2023 still have the benefit of the additional 60 calendar deadline grace period.

Conclusion

We urge applicants and petitioners to continue to monitor deadlines very strictly and respond well before the stated USCIS deadline.    As a reminder, the deadline is when USCIS must received a document or filing, not when it is sent or dropped off at the mail or courier service.

Our office will continue to monitor and report developments on this and related topics. Please do not hesitate to contact us, schedule a phone consultation, or if we can help with a specific matter.  Also, please subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to ensure that you obtain this and related immigration-related news and announcements.