The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new rule extending the automatic extension period for certain work permits. This means eligible non-citizens can continue working for up to 540 days while their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications are pending with USCIS.
“This initiative will prevent disruptions in employment authorization for non-citizens already authorized to work while we adjudicate their renewal applications,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.
The previous extension period was 180 days.
The new rule applies to individuals who filed their EAD renewal applications on time, or after October 26, 2023, and whose applications are still pending.
This is expected to benefit roughly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants, including asylum seekers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and green card applicants.
The move aims to protect both these workers and the estimated 600,000 to 800,000 employers who rely on their labor.
This announcement comes amid recent updates to Canada’s immigration system, including a fee increase for permanent residence applications.
