NIH Ends Continuous Submission; Updates Late Application Submission Policy

By: Yvette Seger
Thursday, April 9, 2026
On March 31, the National Institutes of Health issued a Guide Notice announcing the end of the Continuous Submission Policy and updates to the Late Application Submission Policy. Implemented to alleviate time pressures associated with grant applications for Principal Investigators/Program Directors serving on study sections, Continuous Submission ultimately resulted in applications submitted nearly two months after the stated deadline, decreasing the timeliness and efficiency of application referral and review. The agency will accept Continuous Submission applications through August 10, 2026.

Recognizing the time pressures associated with both grant application preparation and study section service, NIH announced updates to the Late Application Submission Policy, including the addition of NIH Review Service as an acceptable reason for late submission. This updated policy is effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026.