USCIS’s temporary rule providing for an automatic extension of 540 days for some employment authorization document (EAD) renewals expires on October 26, 2023. For these EAD categories, employment authorization renewal applications that USCIS receives after October 26, 2023 will only have an automatic extension of 180 days instead of 540 days.
An Employment Authorization Document is a work permit issued to individuals in many different immigration categories. It is used to prove that an individual is legally authorized to work in the United States. As long as individuals remain eligible for EAD cards, they may apply to renew the EAD cards before they expire. USCIS had previously granted an automatic 180-day extension to work authorization while an EAD renewal application is pending for certain applicants. Due to historically long processing times, USCIS temporarily increased the automatic extension period from 180 days to 540 days while an EAD card renewal application is pending. This change is coming to an end on October 26, 2023, after which the automatic extension period will revert to 180 days.
In order to be eligible for an automatic EAD extension, your EAD must be filed under a qualifying category, and USICS must receive the EAD renewal application before the expiration date on your current EAD. For a full list of EAD categories that are eligible for an automatic extension, please see: https://www.uscis.gov/eadautoextend.
USCIS encourages applicants to file their EAD renewal as soon as possible if their current EAD is within 180 days of expiration. If you have a question about your eligibility for an extension of your work authorization, please call us at 216-566-9908 to discuss the specifics of your situation with our team.
