It was gathered by Hobnob News reports that the United States has prolonged the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to a maximum of 540 days.
Apparently, the US revised this to alleviate delays and ensure ongoing employment authorization for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, as stated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).USCIS states that the review pertains to qualified applicants who submitted EAD renewal applications on or after October 27, 2023, and those filing until September 30, 2025.
The Director, USCIS, Ur M. Jaddou stressed the importance of this initiative in minimizing disruptions in employment authorization for non-citizens waiting for the processing of their EAD renewal applications.
Extending the validity period up to 540 days offers increased stability for both foreign workers and their employers, fostering continuity in the workforce.
Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals. However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” Jaddou said.
“Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.
Crafted to support USCIS’s continuous endeavors to streamline work authorization procedures and enhance access to job opportunities for authorized individuals in the US, this Temporary Final Rule (TFR) aims to achieve greater efficiency.
The extended validity period is anticipated to be particularly advantageous for numerous EAD renewal applicants, encompassing asylum seekers and Temporary Protected Status holders.
Its been revealed that this initiative has the potential to positively influence nearly 800,000 individuals and their employers.
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