On May 3, 2022, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a temporary increase to the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) renewal applicants to up to 540 days. The temporary increase takes effect on May 4, 2022, and is set to expire on Oct. 27, 2023. See if you qualify for the automatic 540-day EAD extension.
Who qualifies for the automatic 540-day EAD extension?
The automatic 540-day EAD extension only applies to those EAD categories currently eligible for an automatic up to 180-day extension, will temporarily provide up to 360 days of additional automatic extension time (for a total of up to 540 days) to eligible applicants with a timely-filed Form I-765 renewal application pending during the 18-month period after May 4, 2022.
How long will the automatic 540-day EAD extension last?
The automatic 540-day EAD extension will begin on May 4, 2022, and will expire unless extended on Oct. 27, 2023. Automatic extensions of employment authorization and EAD validity will then revert back to a 180-day period for those eligible applicants who timely file Form I-765 renewal applications.
What if I already filed for my EAD extension and my 180-day extension has lapsed?
Noncitizens with a pending EAD renewal application whose 180-day automatic extension has lapsed and whose EAD has expired will be granted an additional period of employment authorization and EAD validity, beginning on May 4, 2022, and lasting up to 540 days from the expiration date of their EAD, such that they may resume employment if they are still within the up to 540-day automatic extension period and are otherwise eligible.
Noncitizens with a pending renewal application still covered under the 180-day automatic extension will be granted an additional up to 360-day extension, for a total of up to 540 days past the expiration of the current EAD. Noncitizens with a pending renewal application and valid EAD on May 4, 2022, or who timely file an EAD renewal application before Oct. 27, 2023, will be granted an automatic extension of up to 540 days if their EAD expires before the renewal application is processed.
Additional Outside Resources
- Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants
- USCIS Form I-765
- Categories for Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension
Read the Official Announcement Below
USCIS Increases Automatic Extension Period of Work Permits for Certain Applicants
