Four federal immigration proposals have public comment deadlines between November 9 and November 13, 2026.
Public comments go into the official record on each rule, and agencies must consider them before issuing a final version. Here are the deadlines, in order. Comments are submitted through regulations.gov.
Immigration comment deadlines this month
- November 9: DHS’s proposed fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT)Temporary work authorization that lets eligible F-1 students work in a job directly related to their field of study. It can be used before or after completing a program, for up to 12 months in total at each education level, and students with certain STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month extension. USCIS grants it on Form I-765 after the school's designated school official recommends it.See it in the glossary, which Klasko Immigration Law Partners notes would require schools to pay before USCIS approves OPT work authorization. See our report on the $70,000 OPT fee proposal.
- November 10: The proposal to eliminate the discretionary 60-day grace periodA discretionary period of up to 60 consecutive days after employment ends during which certain workers in E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN status, and their dependents, can be treated as maintaining status. It is set out in 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2).See it in the glossary after job loss, docket USCIS-2026-0364. See our report on the grace period proposal.
- November 13: The proposal to remove deference to prior USCIS approvals, which Telangana Today reports is accepted only through regulations.gov. See our report on ending deference to prior approvals.
- November 13: The Interim final ruleA rule that takes effect without a prior comment period. The agency accepts public comments after it is published and may revise the rule afterward.See it in the glossary cutting the RefugeeA person outside their country of nationality who cannot return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion (INA 101(a)(42)). Admission as a refugee is discretionary, and annual admission levels are set through a Presidential Determination. A person already in the United States or at a port of entry with a similar claim may instead seek asylum.See it in the glossary response time to terminate refugee status from 30 days to 10, which is already in effect. See our reports on the rule and the court order pausing it.
What to know about the refugee rule pause
A federal judge in Boston paused the refugee rule only through November 6, and the order says it can be modified or extended, CiberCuba reported. The comment period stays open regardless of the court order.
How comments work
Each rule has its own docket on regulations.gov, and comments sent by letter or directly to DHS officials generally are not treated as comments on the rule. The proposals are not final, and a deadline passing does not mean a rule takes effect. This article is information only and does not recommend a position on any proposal. Check the Federal RegisterThe daily journal of the U.S. government where proposed and final rules, notices and executive orders are published.See it in the glossary notice for each rule before you file.