On Oct. 26, 2023, the temporary increase—up to 540 days—to the automatic extension period for employment authorization and employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain EAD renewal applicants will expire.

The increase, announced in a temporary final rule, took effect May 4, 2022, and applies to eligible EAD categories designated for the automatic 180-day extension.

The temporary rule was intended to help avoid gaps in employment authorization for EAD renewal applicants due to the lengthy processing times that well exceeded 180 days.

A Form I-765 renewal application requesting an EAD extension in one of the eligible categories that is filed on or before Oct. 26, 2023, as indicated by a “Received Date” on Form I-797C, Notice of Action on or before Oct. 26, 2026, will qualify for an automatic extension of employment authorization of up to 540 days. A Form I-765 renewal application filed after Oct. 26 will be eligible for an automatic extension of up to 180 days.