Home/Work visas/USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

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

USCIS has increased the automatic extension period for employment authorization documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days through a temporary final rule. This change allows eligible work permit holders to maintain authorization longer while waiting for renewal decisions. The extension is part of USCIS's modernization efforts to improve access to work permits.
Full official notice
USCIS

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Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days.

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May 2026

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