The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has significantly updated the process of obtaining Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for refugees. Starting December 10, 2023, eligible refugees admitted into the United States will experience a more efficient path to gaining work authorization, thanks to a new streamlined process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Historically, refugees legally authorized to work upon arrival in the U.S. faced lengthy delays in obtaining their EADs due to a cumbersome paper-based application process. This wait time has been dramatically reduced from several months to approximately 30 days, marking a significant improvement in how the U.S. welcomes and integrates refugees into the workforce.
Key Highlights of the New Process:
- Automated Processing: The new process eliminates the need for refugees to apply for an EAD. Instead, USCIS will automatically create a Form I-765 for arriving refugees and start the adjudication process immediately upon admission.
- Rapid Delivery: Once approved, refugees will generally receive their EAD within one to two weeks, sent via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail to their recorded address.
- Social Security Integration: USCIS will also electronically forward the necessary information to the Social Security Administration, ensuring refugees receive their Social Security number and card promptly.
This initiative is about efficiency and fostering integration. By swiftly providing vital documents like the EAD and Social Security card, refugees can begin their new lives in the United States with less uncertainty and more support.
It’s important to note that this streamlined process is specific to refugees admitted into the U.S. on or after December 10, 2023. It does not apply to “following-to-join” refugees or those seeking EAD renewal or replacement who must complete and submit Form I-765.
The introduction of this streamlined process underscores USCIS’s commitment to digitization and efficiency. Enabling quicker workforce integration benefits not just refugees but the broader U.S. society. This effort reflects a coordinated move across U.S. government bodies to enhance the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and support refugee integration into American society.
This update is a welcome change for refugees and their advocates. It promises a smoother transition into U.S. employment and a faster start to building new lives in America.
Conclusion
The USCIS’s new streamlined process for EADs signifies a pivotal shift in how the United States supports refugees. By reducing wait times and automating processes, USCIS is improving efficiency and showing a commitment to humanitarian support and integration.
Subscribe to Our Resources Blog
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Read the Full Update
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding your US Immigration Matter. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
