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For those living in the United States or planning a move, knowing the federal holiday calendar is an essential part of practical adaptation. Presidents Day is one of the most relevant dates of the year for immigrants: it closes the USCIS, suspends deadlines at federal courts, and disrupts the routine of banks, schools, and government agencies involved in nearly every immigration process. In 2026, the celebration falls on February 16, always on the third Monday of the month.
The holiday was born as a tribute to George Washington, the country’s first president. It was officially recognized in Washington, D.C., in 1879 and extended to the rest of the nation in 1885. Decades later, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, signed in 1968 and in effect since 1971, moved the celebration to the third Monday of February. Congress intended to create long weekends that would reduce midweek absenteeism and boost domestic tourism.
Despite popular usage establishing Presidents Day as a collective reference to all former presidents, the official federal name remains Washington’s Birthday, per 5 U.S.C. §6103. The plural name gained momentum through retail campaigns of the 1980s, when department store chains began using the holiday as an anchor for winter sales.
Why the Name Changes by State
Each state has the authority to name and regulate the date locally, resulting in an interesting mosaic of regional tributes. In Virginia, Washington’s home state, the date formally remains George Washington Day. Illinois and New York maintain separate celebrations for Lincoln on February 12 and Washington on the third Monday.
Missouri adds a tribute to Harry Truman, the president born in that state, while Kentucky also recognizes Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, and Franklin D. Roosevelt on its official calendar. Alabama and Mississippi opted for a combined formula that historically blends Washington, Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee — a practice under review in recent years by civic organizations and state legislators. Georgia and Indiana traditionally celebrate Washington’s birthday on dates near Christmas, and New Mexico marks Lincoln’s birthday the day after Thanksgiving.
What Closes on Presidents Day
As a federal holiday, federal government offices and state and local agencies that follow the federal calendar close. In practical terms, several services critical to immigrants become unavailable:
- USCIS: field offices close. Appointments, naturalization interviews, biometrics at ASCs, and oath ceremonies are rescheduled to another business day.
- Department of State: the Visa Bulletin is not updated on the holiday, and U.S. consulates abroad also observe the date when practicable.
- USPS: no mail delivery or pickup. Documents sent to USCIS by mail experience a delay of at least one business day.
- Federal courts: immigration courts at EOIR and federal district courts close. Procedural deadlines falling on this day are automatically extended to the next business day.
- Banks and financial markets: the Federal Reserve, NYSE, and NASDAQ do not operate.
- Public schools, universities, and state DMVs: most close, with regional variation depending on each district’s calendar.
Retail stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores generally operate on normal hours, with typical long-weekend sales promotions. Hospitals and emergency services continue to operate fully without interruption.
How the Holiday Is Celebrated
A blend of patriotism, leisure, and commerce defines the tone of the day. Historic cities organize parades and reenactments, especially Alexandria, Virginia, which hosts one of the longest-running events honoring Washington. Mount Vernon, the first president’s estate, opens free to the public on the day and offers programming featuring speech readings, 18th-century military demonstrations, and guided property tours.
Across the country, retailers take advantage of the long weekend for sales on cars, appliances, furniture, and electronics. Grocery chains typically highlight the traditional cherry pie, linked to the historically debunked legend that Washington cut down a cherry tree as a child and confessed to his father. Some communities hold public readings of Washington’s Farewell Address, a tradition maintained in the U.S. Senate since 1893 and considered one of the longest-running traditions in American legislative history.
Practical Impact for Immigrants and Expats
For those in immigration proceedings, three points deserve special attention. First, response deadlines for USCIS notices — such as a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny — follow the next business day rule: if the last day to respond falls on a federal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. Even so, it is prudent to file well in advance to avoid complications with courier services that also observe the holiday.
Second, USCIS interviews scheduled for the third Monday of February are automatically rescheduled, with a new notice sent to the applicant’s address on file. Keeping your address updated via Form AR-11 within 10 days of any change remains a legal obligation for all permanent residents, and the holiday often serves as a practical reminder to review your registration.
Third, those awaiting movement in the Visa Bulletin will not see a publication on that day. The Department of State releases the monthly bulletin between the second and third Friday of each month, and the countdown to the final action date may appear stagnant due to the holiday. For professionals with an approved I-140 awaiting adjustment of status, it is worth tracking the release calendar to schedule medical exams, biometrics, and fee payments accordingly.
Complete 2026 Federal Holiday Calendar
In addition to Presidents Day on February 16, the federal year in the United States includes ten other dates on which USCIS and related agencies close: New Year’s Day on January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, Memorial Day on May 25, Juneteenth on June 19, Independence Day on July 4 with early observance on July 3, Labor Day on September 7, Columbus Day on October 12, Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving on November 26, and Christmas Day on December 25.
Those who need to coordinate international travel with Advance Parole, procedural deadlines, or return to the United States via consular processing should consult this calendar before scheduling entries and exits. More than a commemorative date, Presidents Day serves as a practical marker in the routine of those living in the United States. Understanding how it affects government agencies, the judiciary, and banking services helps plan deadlines with adequate buffer, avoid bureaucratic delays, and enjoy the long weekend without surprises.
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.
