United States Consultations

Current rules

The Department of Justice proposes a revision and extension of the previously approved information collection for Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain Permanent Residents (Form EOIR-42A) and Application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents (Form EOIR-42B). Public comments are requested on this proposed collection.

Overview

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new regulations, effective 31 July 2026, that formalise the process for the public to submit petitions for rulemaking and how the DOJ will consider these petitions. This update aims to provide clarity and structure for public engagement in the regulatory process, covering general provisions, petition requirements, and internal review procedures.

What changed in the latest version

This proposed change gives the public a chance to give feedback. This includes legal professionals, advocacy groups, and people who are directly affected. They can comment on how people apply for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status. You must submit comments by 19 October 2026. Your comments could affect the final look and requirements of Forms EOIR-42A and EOIR-42B. This could make the application process easier or clearer. If you do not comment, affected parties miss the chance to point out problems or suggest improvements. This happens before the changed collection of information becomes final. The department has made eComments available. This makes it easier for interested people to submit their feedback.

Explained simply

Imagine the government has forms you fill out to ask to stay in the country. They're thinking of changing what questions are on those forms. This announcement is like them saying, 'Hey, we're changing these forms; tell us what you think before 19 October 2026!' If you or someone you know uses these forms, this is your chance to have a say in how they look and what information they ask for.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v3Issued 20 Aug 2026ConsultationMedium impact
   Justice Department Proposes Revisions to Cancellation of Removal Forms EOIR-42A and EOIR-42B, Seeks Public Comment

   The United States Department of Justice has published a notice. It proposes to change and extend the information collected for two important immigration forms. These are the Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain Permanent Residents (Form EOIR-42A) and the Application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents (Form EOIR-42B). 'Cancellation of removal' is a legal process that stops a person from being removed from the country. 'Adjustment of status' is a legal process to change a person's immigration status to that of a permanent resident (to get a 'Green Card'). The department invites the public to comment on these proposed changes. The notice was published on 20 August 2026. The comment period will end on 19 October 2026. This gives people 60 days to give feedback. This notice does not include the details of the changes themselves. Its main purpose is to ask for public comments.

2. v2Effective 31 Jul 2026EffectiveInformational impact
   Procedures for Submission and Consideration of Petitions for Rulemaking

   The Department of Justice has published a new rule. This rule explains how to submit petitions for rulemaking and how the Department will review them. This rule starts on 31 July 2026. It covers general rules, what petitions must include, and how the Department will process them.

3. v1Effective 6 Jun 2026PublishedInformational impact
   Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

   The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced another 30-day period for public comments. This concerns its request to collect information for the 'Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions' form. This form helps people get an exception for a disability. The reference number for this collection is OMB Control Number 1615-0060. The notice for this new comment period was published on 29 August 2025. This follows an earlier 60-day comment period. People can send written comments until 6 July 2026. They must send them through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The e-Docket ID is USCIS-2008-0021. This new period allows more public feedback on information collected for Form N-648.

Timeline

1. Action deadline

   19 Oct 2026

   Review the proposed revisions to forms EOIR-42A and EOIR-42B once they are made available by the Department of Justice.

2. Action deadline

   29 Sept 2026

   Familiarise yourself with the new procedures outlined in 28 CFR 50 regarding petitions for rulemaking.

3. Announced

   20 Aug 2026

   The Department of Justice (DOJ) is proposing revisions to forms EOIR-42A and EOIR-42B, which are used for cancellation of removal applications by certain permanent and nonpermanent residents. This initiative opens a 60-day public comment period, ending 19 October 2026, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes to these critical immigration forms. The revisions aim to updat

4. Takes effect

   31 Jul 2026

   The Department of Justice has published new procedures for submitting and considering petitions for rulemaking, which includes general provisions, requirements and recommendations for petitions, and internal department processing and procedures. This rule is effective 31 July 2026.

5. Announced

   30 Jul 2026

   The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new regulations, effective 31 July 2026, that formalise the process for the public to submit petitions for rulemaking and how the DOJ will consider these petitions. This update aims to provide clarity and structure for public engagement in the regulatory process, covering general provisions, petition requirements, and internal review procedures.