This January, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) automatically extended certain expiring work permits, formally known as employment authorization documents (or EADs for short) for up to 180 days for applicants in eligible categories. This policy change will help prevent gaps in employment authorization and documentation.
To be eligible, applicants must timely file to renew an existing EAD in the same category as their previous EAD and fall within one of the qualifying categories. The extension begins on the date the EAD expires and continues for 180 days, unless the application is denied.
Eligible categories include:
- Asylees
- Asylum applicants with pending applications
- Refugees
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) grantees
- Initial TPS applicants with pending applications eligible for temporary treatment benefits
- VAWA self-petitioners
- Adjustment of Status applicants with pending I-485 applications
- Those granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal
- Cancellation of Removal applicants
Please note that this policy has not been extended to those with EADs based on non-immigrant dependent status such as L2 and H4. Others persons not eligible include those with EADs based on DACA, U or T visa status.
Please visit the USCIS fact sheet for a complete list of eligible applicants or contact one of our experienced Raleigh immigration attorneys.
We are passionate about helping our clients pursue and achieve their American dreams. Gardner Law, PLLC is committed to thoroughly educating clients, so they have the resources necessary to succeed and avoid detrimental missteps. Whether you are looking for U.S. citizenship through naturalization or you need help completing some of the complicated immigration application processes, we can help. Gardner Law, PLLC is a bilingual firm that offers services to the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Contact us at (919) 836-5371 or fill out our online form to schedule a case consultation with us today.