USCIS Extends Work Permits
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is making it easier for eligible noncitizens to maintain work authorization while their EAD (Employment Authorization Document) renewal applications are pending. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
What's Changing? The automatic extension period for certain EAD renewals is increasing from 180 days to up to 540 days. This prevents work authorization gaps for eligible individuals.
Who Benefits? This applies to those who properly filed their EAD renewal application:
On or after October 27, 2023 (with a pending application on the publication date in the Federal Register).
Within 540 days of the rule's publication in the Federal Register (future applications).
Why the Change? USCIS aims to:
Support access to work permits for eligible noncitizens.
Address a surge in EAD applications while processing times are reduced.
Give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) more time to develop long-term solutions.
USCIS Achievements in EAD Processing:
Reduced processing times for EADs for green card applicants (compared to FY2021).
Processed a record number of EAD applications in the past year.
Shortened processing times for asylum applicants and parolees (less than 30 days).
Extended the validity period for certain EAD categories (from 2 to 5 years).
Streamlined processes for refugee EADs and online filing for asylum seekers and parolees.
What This Means for Employers and Applicants:
Nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants and 60,000 to 80,000 employers will benefit by avoiding employment authorization gaps.
USCIS Seeks Public Input:
The agency seeks feedback to inform future actions related to EAD processing.
Stay Informed:
Visit the USCIS Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension webpage for more details.
Follow USCIS on social media for updates (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn).
Note: This is a temporary measure. For overall EAD processing information, visit USCIS.gov.