The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule temporarily increasing the period of automatic extension for employment authorization and/or Employment Authorization Document (EAD or Form I-766) validity. It increases the period from 180 days to 540 days.
Under this temporary rule, eligible employees that fall under certain category codes are typically eligible for an automatic extension of their authorization and/or EAD. The extension is available to eligible applicants with a Form I-766 filed on or after October 27, 2023, and pending on April 8, 2024. Additionally, whose with a received date that falls between April 8, 2024, and September 30, 2025, may be eligible.
Applicants who file timely Form I-765 renewals after September 30, 2025, will revert to the standard 180-day period.
Employment Authorization Document Automatic Extension Calculator
Additional Guidance in I-9 Handbook
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.