Increased EAD Automatic Extension Period

Effective January 13, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will permanently increase the automatic extension period for certain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals from 180 days to 540 days. This change applies to eligible noncitizens who file timely EAD renewal applications, including those with pending renewals filed on or after May 4, 2022.

DHS had previously announced this automatic extension as a “temporary final rule,” and this change now makes the automatic extension period permanent.

The new rule aims to reduce employment disruptions while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes EAD renewals. DHS emphasizes that this change will support U.S. employers by ensuring workers remain authorized to work without unnecessary gaps, contributing to economic stability and business continuity. You can read the full announcement here.

For more details, including information on who qualifies for the automatic extension and how to ensure that eligible applicants benefit from this extension, visit the USCIS Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension page. And we are here to help, so reach out to our office if we can be of assistance!