EAD Automatic Extension Reverts to 180-days Starting October 26, 2023

Effective October 26, 2023, the temporary 540-day EAD automatic extension for expiring Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will revert to a 180-day extension for qualifying EAD renewal applications.

Individuals eligible for this extension are those in qualifying EAD categories who submit their renewal applications before the expiration date printed on their current EAD cards. This 180-day automatic extension commences from the card’s stated expiration date.

During the COVID-19 National Emergency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily extended this automatic renewal period by an additional 360 days, totaling up to 540 days, in order to mitigate potential negative consequences stemming from processing delays.

However, starting October 26, 2023, eligible renewal applications filed after this date will only receive the standard 180-day extension.

To substantiate this automatic extension of an expiring or expired EAD, eligible renewal applicants will need to provide the I-797 Receipt Notice from their renewal application referencing the 180-day extension, coupled with the expiring or expired EAD. This will serve as evidence that the EAD remains valid for up to 180 days from the expiration date specified on the card.