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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a permanent increase to the automatic extension period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change, effective immediately, will provide greater stability and certainty for individuals seeking to maintain their legal status in the United States.
Under this new policy, the automatic extension period for certain EADs will be increased from 180 days to 240 days. This means that eligible individuals will be able to continue working in the U.S. for an additional 60 days while their application for a new EAD is pending. This extension applies to both initial and renewal EADs for certain categories, including adjustment of status applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries, and certain non-immigrant categories.
This increase in the automatic extension period is a welcome change for many individuals who have faced uncertainty and potential gaps in their work authorization due to processing delays. In the past, individuals in these categories have had to stop working while waiting for their new EAD to be approved, causing financial hardship and disruption to their lives.
In addition to the extension period, the DHS has also clarified that an individual’s EAD will remain valid until the expiration date listed on the card, even if the automatic extension period has expired. This means that individuals will not have to worry about losing their work authorization while their application is still pending.
The DHS stated that this change was made in response to feedback from stakeholders and is part of their ongoing efforts to improve the immigration system and provide greater stability for individuals in the U.S. The agency also emphasized the importance of individuals submitting their EAD renewal applications in a timely manner to avoid any potential gaps in their work authorization.
It’s important to note that this increase in the automatic extension period only applies to certain EAD categories and does not apply to all individuals with pending EAD applications. As always, it’s crucial to carefully review the eligibility requirements and filing instructions for your specific EAD category.
This change is a positive step towards providing greater stability and certainty for individuals in the U.S. who are seeking to maintain their legal status and continue working. It is also a reminder of the importance of timely and accurate filing of immigration applications. For more information on the new policy, please visit the USCIS website or consult with an experienced immigration attorney.