usenixsec-review-process
Installation
SKILL.md
USENIX Security Review Process
USENIX Security reviews in two annual cycles, each a self-contained pipeline from registration to notification. The '26 cycle mechanics below were read from usenix.org pages on 2026-07-08 (via search renderings; direct fetch 403'd), with the '25 reviewing-model page as documented history. The '27 mechanics under chairs Adam Doupé (Arizona State) and Andrei Sabelfeld (Chalmers) are only partially posted — treat everything here as one venue-generation's snapshot.
The cycle pipeline, with '26 dates as the worked example
| Stage | Cycle 1 ('26) | Cycle 2 ('26) | What is happening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | Aug 19, 2025 | Jan 29, 2026 | HotCRP record frozen; bidding data set |
| Submission | Aug 26, 2025 | Feb 5, 2026 | Format/policy screening begins |
| Early reject | Oct 7, 2025 | Mar 17, 2026 | Bottom of the pool exits after first-round reads |
| Final notification | Dec 4, 2025 | May 14, 2026 | Accept / shepherd-approval / reject |
| Finals due | Jan 15, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Shepherding + Phase-1 AE complete |