On January 17, 2017, USCIS started allowing certain persons to obtain Automatic Ead Extensions.
Under the new regulations, the USCIS will no longer be required to adjudicate requests for EADs within 90 days. However, persons with existing Employment Authorization Documents will be able to apply for extensions of their EAD work permits 180 days (up from 120 days) before they expire.
Automatic EAD Extensions – Do You Qualify?
The regulation designates the following 15 categories of people who will be eligible for automatic Ead Extensions of 180 days as long as they submit timely requests to extend their EADs:
- Aliens admitted as refugees;
- Aliens granted asylum;
- Aliens admitted as parents or dependent children of aliens granted permanent residence under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the INA;
- Aliens admitted as citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau;
- Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;
- Aliens granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS);
- Aliens who have properly filed applications for TPS and who have been deemed prima facie eligible for TPS and have received an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit”;
- Aliens who have properly filed applications for asylum or withholding of deportation or removal;
- Aliens who have filed applications for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the INA;
- Aliens who have filed applications for suspension of deportation under Section 244 of the INA, cancellation of removal under section 240A of the INA, or special rule cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1) IIRAIRA;
- Aliens who have filed applications for creation of a record of lawful admission for permanent residence;
- Aliens who have properly filed legalization applications pursuant to section 210 of the INA;
- Aliens who have properly filed legalization applications pursuant to section 245A of the INA;
- Aliens who have filed applications for adjustment of status pursuant to section 1104 of the LIFE Act; and
- Aliens who are the principal beneficiaries or qualified children of approved VAWA self-petitioners.
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The rule does nothing to assist first-time applicants for EADs, nor does it permit automatic extensions of Advance Parole.
Many persons, such as spouses of nonimmigrants (L-2s, H-4s, etc.) are ineligible for automatic extensions of their EADs.
The automatic EAD extensions portion of the regulation is more complicated than this summary of the rule would indicate. Small employers without the resources to regularly check the USCIS website or consult with immigration lawyers may find it burdensome to comply with the I-9 requirements that this rule will entail.
It is recommended that persons with EADs should submit applications for extensions of their EADs and Advance Paroles 180 days before the expiration date to protect their ability to work and travel without interruption. Doing so will also aid their employers.
Automatic EAD Extensions – Additional Resources
- Automatic EAD Extensions (USCIS)
- Employment Authorization Documents
