USCIS Announces Temporary Extension of Employment Authorization Documents

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest updates in immigration law. We’re excited to share news from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding a temporary final rule (TFR) aimed at enhancing access to work permits for eligible noncitizens.

In efforts to further streamline and improve access to work permits, USCIS has announced a temporary extension of the automatic extension period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Under this new rule, the extension period for eligible EADs will be increased from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This measure comes as a response to the record number of employment authorization applications received by USCIS, ensuring continuity of operations for U.S. employers and preventing lapses in employment authorization for work-authorized noncitizens.

USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the importance of this temporary measure in supporting work-authorized individuals and improving access to employment. The extension aligns with USCIS’ ongoing efforts to streamline EAD processing and support individuals’ access to work, including reducing processing times, engaging with communities, and expanding online filing options.

This temporary extension will benefit eligible applicants who timely filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, and whose applications are still pending. It will also apply to eligible renewal applicants who timely file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period beginning with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

According to USCIS, without this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants, including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants, would face potential lapses in employment authorization. Additionally, approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted.

As part of the temporary final rule, USCIS is seeking feedback from the public to inform potential future regulatory action. For more information on the extension of Employment Authorization Documents, please refer to the news release from USCIS.

To begin your immigration journey and explore your options, schedule a consultation with Garvish Immigration Law Group today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your immigration goals.