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Most immigrants with work permits that have recently expired or are about to will be able to continue working with those documents for up to a year and a half. This was reported by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
“As USCIS works to address pending EAD caseloads, the agency has determined that the current 180-day automatic extension for employment authorization is currently insufficient. This temporary rule will provide those noncitizens otherwise eligible for the automatic extension an opportunity to maintain employment and provide critical support for their families, while avoiding further disruption for U.S. employers,” said USCIS Director Ur Jaddou.
USCIS explained that for several years they has been in a precarious financial situation that has prevented the efficient completion of caseloads. “The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges in 2020, in addition to a hiring freeze and furlough threat leading to workforce attrition and severely reduced capacity,” the agency highlighted.
Immigrant Citizens
USCIS detailed that non-citizens with a pending Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), whose automatic 180-day extension has expired and whose EAD has expired, will be granted an additional period of employment authorization and EAD validity.
The measure will be effective since May 4, 2022, and will last for up to 540 days from the expiration date so that they can resume employment if they are still within the automatic extension period of up to 540 days and if they are eligible.
“The automatic extension generally will end upon notification of a final decision on the renewal application or the end of the up to 540-day period (meaning, up to 540 days after the expiration date on the applicant’s facially expired EAD), whichever comes earlier.”
