Will My Application Be Withdrawn if I Don’t Use the Common Forms?

March 9, 2026

NIH has extended the leniency period for using the new Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support (CPOS) Common Forms through May 2026, as reported in NOT-OD-26-033.  

During this leniency period: 

  • You may submit applications using the existing NIH Biosketch and Other Support format pages without penalty.
  • Submission systems will generate warnings—not errors—when Common Forms aren’t used. 

This extension is designed to give you and your institution more time to adjust as SciENcv continues system updates and agencies refine supporting guidance. While you aren’t required to switch immediately, beginning the transition now to the Common Forms will help ensure you’re fully prepared once the leniency period ends. 

Additional Resources 

Editor’s Note: On April 21, 2026, NIH released Guide Notice NOT-OD-26-079, indicating that the leniency period previously communicated in NOT-OD-26-033 will end on May 7, 2026.

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