USCIS Extends EAD Automatic Renewal Period to 540 Days

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the automatic renewal period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 to 540 days. This change aims to prevent employment gaps for eligible noncitizens while their EAD renewals are processed.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new rule that extends the automatic renewal period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This move aims to support noncitizens in maintaining their work authorization without interruptions.

Here’s a detailed look at what this rule entails, who will benefit, and what EADs are.

What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

USCIS issues Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that allow noncitizens in the U.S. to work legally for a specific period.

They typically grant EADs to various categories of immigrants, including asylum seekers, individuals with temporary protected status, and those in certain nonimmigrant categories, such as dependent spouses of visa holders.

Also Read: USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Document Validity to 5 Years for Certain Categories

Key Changes to EAD Automatic Renewal

Earlier this year, USCIS enacted a temporary final rule extending the automatic renewal period for certain EADs from 180 to 540 days. This extension aims to prevent employment gaps for noncitizens awaiting their EAD renewals.

The rule is officially titled “Modifying Accreditation Regulations Governing Nonimmigrant Workers [1615-AC88].” It includes several proposed changes:

Updating employment authorization rules for dependent spouses of certain nonimmigrants.
Increasing flexibilities for nonimmigrant workers, including those who resign or are terminated.
Expanding eligibility to religious workers who have reached their maximum stay or are waiting for immigrant visas.
Modernizing policies and procedures related to EADs.

Why This Rule Matters

The extension of the EAD renewal period is significant as it aims to reduce the barriers to work authorization for noncitizens. The rule extends the automatic renewal period to help ensure that eligible noncitizens avoid employment interruptions while USCIS processes their renewal applications.

Who Will Benefit from the New EAD Rule?

The new EAD renewal rule will be in effect from April 8, 2024, until September 20, 2027, with some revisions applicable until January 2025. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

Noncitizens who submitted an EAD renewal application on or after October 27, 2023, and whose applications are still pending by April 8, 2024.

Those who file Form I-765 (EAD renewal application) within the 540 days starting on April 8, 2024.

USCIS designed the rule to assist a broad range of eligible noncitizens, ensuring they can continue working while waiting for their EAD renewals.

Key Points

The automatic renewal period for certain EADs has been extended from 180 days to up to 540 days.

This change is intended to reduce disruptions in employment for non-citizens.

The extension is part of USCIS’ efforts to support the employment of non-immigrants.

The rule is effective from April 8, 2024, and will remain in force until September 20, 2027.

Conclusion

The extension of the EAD automatic renewal period is a crucial development for noncitizens working in the U.S. It reflects USCIS’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to employment and streamline the work authorization process. Noncitizens who meet the eligibility criteria will benefit from this rule, enabling them to maintain their employment without disruptions during the renewal process.

For those affected by these changes, staying informed about the latest USCIS updates and filing requirements is essential to avoid potential gaps in employment authorization.

Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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