USCIS Issues Policy Guidance Extending EAD Validity for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants from 1 Year to 2 Years

On June 9, 2021, USCIS issued a policy alert increasing the validity period of initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) for certain adjustment of status applicants from one year to two years. As the average processing time for adjustment of status applications is close to or greater than one year at the moment, this will be helpful to many individuals with pending adjustment applications.  

Please note that this change does not affect replacement EADs. Replacement EADs will be issued with same validity dates as appeared on the originally issued document.  

This policy guidance is effective immediately. 

(Link to USCIS policy memo: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20210609-EmploymentAuthorization.pdf)