Update of NIH Late Application Submission Policy and End of Continuous Submission

On

NOT-OD-26-064 

Announces updates to the NIH Late Application Submission Policy, including the end of Continuous Submission and new restrictions on late applications.

End of Continuous Submission

NIH will discontinue the Continuous Submission policy, which previously allowed certain applications to be submitted outside standard deadlines.

  • Continuous Submission applications will be accepted through August 10, 2026
  • This applies to submissions for the January 2027 Council round
  • After this date, all applications must follow standard due dates 

Updated Late Application Policy (Effective May 25, 2026)

Late applications will continue to be accepted only in limited circumstances and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered:

  • Applications must be submitted within 2 weeks of the original due date
  • The delay must be due to extenuating circumstances affecting a PD/PI
  • The reason must be clearly documented in the cover letter 

NIH will not consider delays related to other personnel, including

  • Administrative staff (AORs/SOs)
  • Co-investigators or collaborators
  • Mentors or other key personnel 

 

Programs Not Eligible for Late Submission

NIH will not accept late applications for:

  • Fellowships (e.g., F30, F31, F32, F33, F99/K00)
  • Small Business programs (e.g., SBIR/STTR)
  • International collaboration applications (e.g., PF5, UF5)
  • Any funding opportunity that explicitly prohibits late submission 

 

NIH Review Service Exception

Late submission may be allowed if a PD/PI participates in qualifying NIH review activities within 4 weeks before or after the due date, including:

  • NIH study sections or review panels
  • NIH advisory boards or councils 

This is the only pre-authorized reason for late submission.

Important Reminders

  • NIH does not provide advance approval for late submissions
  • Each late application is evaluated after submission
  • A detailed cover letter is required, explaining:
    • The reason for the delay
    • Timing and circumstances 

Cover letters are used for administrative review only and are not shared with peer reviewers.

 

System Issues

If submission delays are caused by federal system issues:

  • Contact the eRA Service Desk immediately
  • Document the issue and include ticket information in the cover letter
  • Applications may not be considered late if issues are verified 
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