There is a system in place where the validity period of the Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document) is automatically extended for a certain period depending on the category.
Previously, automatic extension was possible for up to a maximum of 180 days, but since May 2022, it has been extended for up to a maximum of 540 days by adding an additional 360 days.
In addition, the 540-day automatic extension system will be adjusted according to the following schedule as a temporary measure. Based on the time of receiving the I-765, the application form for EAD renewal:
- Those who submitted their application before May 4th, 2022, and have already completed the 180-day automatic extension period.
- Those who submitted their application before May 4th, 2022, and have not yet completed the 180-day automatic extension period.
- Those who plan to submit their application between May 4th, 2022, and October 2023.
They will receive the benefits of the 540-day automatic extension system. From October 2023, it will be reduced again to 180-day automatic extension.
Please refer to the table below for the EAD categories that are applicable to this automatic extension.
The eligibility category you listed on your Form I-765 renewal application | Description |
---|---|
(a)(3) | Refugee |
(a)(5) | Asylee |
(a)(7) | N-8 or N-9 |
(a)(8) | Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau |
(a)(10) | Withholding of Deportation or Removal Granted |
(a)(12) | Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Granted |
(a)(17) | Spouse of principal E nonimmigrant with an unexpired I-94 showing E (including E-1S, E-2S and E-3S) nonimmigrant status* |
(a)(18) | Spouse of principal L-1 Nonimmigrant with an unexpired I-94 showing L-2 (including L-2S) nonimmigrant status* |
(c)(8) | Asylum Application Pending |
(c)(9) | Pending Adjustment of Status under Section 245 of the Act |
(c)(10) | Suspension of Deportation Applicants (filed before April 1, 1997) Cancellation of Removal Applicants Special Rule Cancellation of Removal Applicants Under NACARA |
(c)(16) | Creation of Record (Adjustment Based on Continuous Residence Since January 1, 1972) |
(c)(19) | Pending initial application for TPS where USCIS determines applicant is prima facie eligible for TPS and can receive an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit”. |
(c)(20) | Section 210 Legalization (pending I-700) |
(c)(22) | Section 245A Legalization (pending I-687) |
(c)(24) | LIFE Legalization |
(c)(26) | Spouses of certain H-1B principal nonimmigrants with an unexpired I-94 showing H-4 nonimmigrant status |
(c)(31) | VAWA Self-Petitioners |
(Source: www.uscis.gov)