USCIS increases automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents to improve access to work permits

On 4 April 2024, USCIS announced that certain Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will receive an automatic increased extension of work authorization from 180 days to 540 days. This temporary measure is intended to address USCIS processing backlogs and prevent gaps in employment while applicants await adjudication of their EAD renewal requests. The extension of work authorization will end when a final decision is issued on the EAD application, or at the end of the 540-day automatic extension period, whichever comes first. As of 30 September 2025, barring amendment, the automatic extension period will return to 180 days for timely-filed EAD renewal applications.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY Law LLP, and attached below, provides additional details.

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