Check Out the Latest How to Apply – Application Guide

NIH updated the How to Apply – Application Guide in December 2025 to reflect recent policy and procedure updates. 

Find details on all of the major changes and revisions since the last major release at Significant Changes. Here are a few highlights of updated or new instructions: 

• Foreign justification attachments.
• ORCID iD requirements.
• Biographical Sketch Common Form.   
• NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement.
• Current and Pending (Other) Support (CPOS) Common Form. 

Learn more about the topics above in our Extramural Nexus article on foreign justification, eRA ORCID iD, and the Forms Directory. 

Use the Application Guide along with the guidance in your chosen funding opportunity to submit grant applications.  

Before you apply, we encourage you to Get Advice from NIH Program Contacts to discuss whether your plans are a good fit for the program and funding opportunity. Learn more about the NIH Grants Process, including guidance and advice when you Plan to Apply and Write an Application.