Beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can potentially extend their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for an additional 540 days. To qualify, individuals need to submit their request by October 26, 2023.

If you are currently a beneficiary of TPS or have a pending TPS application, you can apply to renew your EAD for this 540-day extension. Typically, EAD renewals are for up to 180 days. However, a temporary final rule from the Department of Homeland Security, effective May 4, 2022, has extended this renewal period by an additional 360 days, totaling 540 days of extension.

If your renewal application is approved, this extended period starts from the expiration date of your current EAD. This extension is available to eligible renewal applicants with pending applications who submit a Form I-765 renewal application between May 4, 2022, and October 26, 2023.

For applications filed after October 26, 2023, the standard 180-day automatic extension period will apply.

Employers completing Form I-9 should be aware of specific forms and category codes required for employees. Employees can provide an EAD that has facially expired but bears an A12 or C19 code, along with their Form I-797C indicating a filing date after the EAD’s expiration date. The employment authorization must specify eligibility for an automatic EAD extension.

If you have any questions about the automatic EAD extension or any immigration-related concerns, feel free to contact us. Our expertise ensures you receive tailored guidance for your unique situation. We are with you every step of the way through your immigration journey.