Home/Humanitarian/Asylum/USCIS Increases Employment Authorization Document Validity Period for Certain Categories

USCIS Increases Employment Authorization Document Validity Period for Certain Categories

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Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm deadlines on the official notice or with a qualified professional.

USCIS is extending the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to 5 years for refugees, paroled refugees, asylees, and people with withholding of removal. Previously, these documents had shorter validity periods. This change simplifies renewal schedules and reduces administrative burden for these populations. The update applies to both initial and renewal EADs.
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We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are 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.

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