BeginningMay 4, 2022, the USCIS’s automatic extension period for certain EAD categorieswill temporarily increase from 180 days to upto 540 days.
Thisis a welcomed change in policy as many EAD extension petitions currently takemore than 180 days to be adjudicated. Under the previous policy, an EAD holderwas forced to stop working if the extension petition was not approved withinthe 180 days automatic extension period. Increasing the automatic extensionperiod to up to 540 days will provide relief to many EAD holders and helpprevent gaps in employment.
Theautomatic extension only applies to certain categories of EAD holders whotimely file an extension petition before the expiration of their previous EAD. Thisincludes H4 EAD holders with a valid I-94 and green card applicants. A fulllist of qualifying categories can be found on USCIS’s website.
Unfortunately,OPT-based EADs and applicants changing the category their EAD is authorizedunder are not eligible for the automatic extension.
Theincreased automatic extension period will end on October 26, 2023.