Form I-766 employment authorization document or EAD card, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that provides temporary employment authorization to certain noncitizens in the United States.
On April 4, 2024, the USCIS announced a temporary final rule to increase the automatic extension of EADs, providing EAD renewal applicants under certain categories with up to 540 days of extended work authorization. This is a substantial increase from the previous 180-day extension and is designed to prevent employment gaps for individuals awaiting EAD renewal adjudication.
The extended EAD validity applies to I-765 renewal applications that (1) filed on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on April 8, 2024; or (2) filed on or after April 8, 2024 and before Sept. 30, 2025. The eligible categories include, but not limited to:
- Asylum and refugee applicants
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries
- Nonimmigrant categories such as certain H4 spouse, L-2 spouse, E-1 E-2 E3 Spouse with unexpired I-94
- Applicants with pending Adjustment of Status under Section 245 of the Act
- Citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or PalauApplicants with pending Adjustment of Status under Section 245 of the Act
- Other humanitarian categories
Navigating the intricate immigration policies and ensuring compliance can be daunting. At System Soft Technologies, we understand the complexities of employment authorization and the vital role it plays in ensuring business continuity and workforce stability. System Soft’s HR and immigration team provide timely assistance to our employees to assess their specific situation and employment authorization eligibility for automatic extensions and related compliance. We help maintain meticulous records and compliance with USCIS requirements, safeguarding our employee career and our business partner’s continued success.
About the Author: Tzu-Hui (Olivia) Chien
Tzu-Hui (Olivia) is an immigration attorney at System Soft Technologies. She’s devoted to the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law, including applications for permanent residence and temporary visa petitions. Through her extensive experience in a wide variety of complex immigration matters, she provides strategic planning advice and advocacy of talented professionals to ensure the best possible chance of positive outcomes.