The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made several changes to the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) program. These changes are intended to reduce the need for frequent extensions and administrative burdens for both noncitizens and their employers.
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs for certain noncitizens to five years. This change applies to employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal. It also applies to certain noncitizens who must apply for employment authorization, including applicants for asylum or withholding of removal, adjustment of status under INA 245, and suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.
Another important change is the automatic 180-day extension of employment authorization for eligible EAD renewal applicants. This means that noncitizens who timely file Form I-765 before their EAD expires can continue to work while USCIS is processing their renewal application.
These changes are welcome news for noncitizens and employers alike. The increased validity period will provide noncitizens with greater stability and peace of mind, while the automatic extension will help to avoid disruptions to employment.
Impact of Changes
The recent changes to EAD validity and automatic extensions are expected to have a positive impact on both noncitizens and employers.
For noncitizens, the increased validity period will mean that they will not need to renew their EAD as often. This will save them time and money, and it will also reduce the stress of having to worry about their EAD expiring. The automatic extension will also provide noncitizens with peace of mind, knowing that they will be able to continue working even if there is a delay in the processing of their renewal application.
For employers, the increased validity period and automatic extension will mean that they will not have to worry about their employees’ EADs expiring as often. This will help to reduce disruptions to employment and improve productivity.
Overall, the recent changes to the EAD program are positive for both noncitizens and employers. The increased validity period and automatic extension will provide greater stability and peace of mind for noncitizens, and they will help to reduce disruptions to employment and improve productivity for employers.