USCIS Provides Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) Automatic Extension Calculator

USCIS is now providing an online EAD Automatic Extension Calculator to assist employers and employees with determining the EAD expiration date for eligible employees.

USCIS previously announced an increased automatic extension period for certain Work Permit applicants.  Noncitizens in certain employment eligibility categories who timely file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to renew their employment authorization and/or EADs may receive an up to 540-day automatic extension of their employment authorization and/or EAD validity. The renewal application must be for the same employment eligibility Category Code as the current EAD, except that for EADs with an A12 or C19 Category, the EAD renewal application can have either A12 or C19.

The extension begins on the “Card Expires” date on the front of the EAD and generally continues for up to 540 days, unless USCIS denies the renewal application earlier. To help employers calculate the maximum up to 540-day period, USCIS has developed the EAD Automatic Extension Calculator, which can be accessed below.

For complete guidance on qualifying employees, visit the Handbook for Employers, Section 4.4, Automatic Extensions of Employment Authorization and/or Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in Certain Circumstances.

USCIS notes that this calculator is intended to assist employers in calculating the new EAD expiration date for employees eligible for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or EADs based on the recently announced temporary final rule. The calculator does not replace an employer’s responsibility to determine the eligibility of their employees for the automatic extension. Employers determining automatic extensions for Category Codes A17, A18, and C26, should not use this calculator, but rather use the guidance in the Handbook for Employers, Section 4.4, Automatic Extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in Certain Circumstances, including information under the heading “For Category Codes A17, A18, and C26”