The USCIS Has Automatically Extended Noncitizen Work Permits For 540 Days For Certain Renewal Applicants

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that will temporarily amend an existing regulation set forth by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This TFR will increase the automatic extension time for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals from 180 days to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their EADs. The increased extension began on May 4th and is designed to avoid employment gaps for non-US citizens who need to renew their EADs and stop the interruptions of employers who rely on noncitizen workers.

The automatic extension will end either at the end of the 540-day period or upon the notification of a final decision on the EAD renewal application, whichever comes first. The extension is granted only to those who were already eligible for the 180-day extension while their renewal applications are pending. 

For individuals who filed for an EAD renewal and their 180 days have already ended, they are granted a new extension of 540 days and may resume employment. The new extension for EADs is set to expire on October 27th, 2023.

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