iOn Oct. 26, 2023, the temporary increase—up to 540 days—to the automatic extension period for employment authorization and employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain EAD renewal applicants will expire.
The increase, announced in a temporary final rule, took effect May 4, 2022, and applies to eligible EAD categories designated for the automatic 180-day extension.
The temporary rule was intended to help avoid gaps in employment authorization for EAD renewal applicants due to the lengthy processing times that well exceeded 180 days.
A Form I-765 renewal application requesting an EAD extension in one of the eligible categories that is filed on or before Oct. 26, 2023, as indicated by a “Received Date” on Form I-797C, Notice of Action on or before Oct. 26, 2026, will qualify for an automatic extension of employment authorization of up to 540 days. A Form I-765 renewal application filed after Oct. 26 will be eligible for an automatic extension of up to 180 days.
