Beginning October 1, USCIS will accelerate processing for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications filed by parolees who scheduled an appointment through CBP One and others who are able to apply for work authorization immediately. Additionally USCIS will increase the maximum validity period of initial and renewal EADs. This update is part of the fact sheet DHS published highlighting the different efforts to increase border enforcement and expedite work authorization processing.
Highlights
- USCIS will dedicate additional personnel and implement improvements to decrease the median processing time for these applications from 90 days to 30 days.
- USCIS will also work to decrease median processing times for EAD applications associated with the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole processes to 30 days.
- USCIS will increase the maximum validity period of initial and renewal EADs to 5 years for certain noncitizens, including those admitted as refugees or granted asylum; recipients of withholding of removal; and applicants for asylum, adjustment of status, or cancellation of removal.
The increased validity period will reduce the frequency with which noncitizens must file to renew their work authorization. This should reduce the associated workload and processing times, which will allow USCIS to concentrate efforts on initial work authorization caseload.
To raise awareness of the work authorization, the Biden administration has sent email and SMS notifications to certain parolees, including those who have been paroled into the United States after the use of the CBP One app, nationwide informing them of their eligibility to apply for employment authorization and is reinforcing that effort with personnel on the ground.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.