USCIS published a temporary final rule on 8 April 2024 lengthening the automatic extension of expiring Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for eligible categories from 180 to 540 days. The rule was made permanent by a final rule in December 2024, addressing chronic USCIS processing backlogs.
EAD-dependent workers including H-4, L-2, and certain asylum and adjustment-of-status applicants.
Primary: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗
Corroborating: Federal Register ↗
Verified 2026-04-21 · methodology · report a correction