USCIS Allows Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Automatic Extension for 540 Days

Noncitizens in certain employment eligibility categories who timely file EAD application to renew their EADs may receive an up to 540-day automatic extension of their employment authorization (EAD) validity. The renewal application must be for the same employment eligibility Category Code as the current EAD (except that for EADs with an A12 or C19 Category, the EAD renewal application can have either A12 or C19).

The automatic extension begins on the “Card Expires” date on the front of the EAD and generally continues for up to 540 days, unless USCIS denies the renewal application earlier. To help employers calculate the maximum up to 540-day period, USCIS has developed the EAD Automatic Extension Calculator, which can be accessed below.

The temporary rule extends to employees in the following categories: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, A17, A18, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C26, C31, and A12 or C19.

Automatic EAD Extension Calculator Tool provided by USCIS: https://bit.ly/3xcQQpI