The Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule that automatically extends the validity of qualifying employment authorization document (EAD) renewals when they are filed on time. The new rule extends the expiration date from 180 days to 540 days from the original expiration date on the EAD. This change was published to the Federal Register on April 8, 2024, and is now final.

The 540-day extension will help individuals who are waiting for their renewal to be processed, preventing any gaps in their work authorization. This avoids problems for both employees and employers, as well as their families. If you filed your renewal on or after May 4, 2022, your application qualifies for the 540-day extension. If your EAD has expired but you have a Form I-797C receipt notice confirming your renewal application was filed on time, your EAD is still valid, as long as other conditions are met.

This rule will take effect on January 10, 2025, or 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

If you have questions about the EAD renewal extension or any other U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us. We support clients through their employment-based and family-based U.S. immigration matters. Clients work directly with an attorney to ensure they get expert guidance every step of the way.