Effective immediately on May 4, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a TFR that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), available to certain EAD renewal applicants, to up to 540 days. The new TFR is a recognition of the inadequacy of the current 180 day automatic extension for employment authorization. The increase in the automatic extension period will alleviate employment disruptions for noncitizens and stabilize the business operations of US companies.
As per the TFR, USCIS will provide up to 360 days (for a total of up to 540 days) of additional automatic extension time to eligible applicants with a pending EAD renewal application on the temporary rule’s effective date and for 540 days thereafter (that is, from May 4, 2022 to Oct. 26, 2023).
EAD Applicants with pending I-765 renewal applications as of May 4, 2022, will not receive a new receipt notice reflecting the increased EAD automatic extension period. Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day automatic extension will still meet the regulatory requirements for employment authorization. Accordingly, individuals who can evidence Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day extension, along with their qualifying EADs, will be eligible to receive the up to 540-day extension under this rule.
The EAD renewal applicants who qualify under this new TFR may be found at Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension | USCIS.
For more details see, Federal Register :: Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants
See Also, Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension | USCIS