The US has ended the 540-day automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for H-1B visa holders' spouses and other immigrant categories. This move is set to affect several foreign professionals, including Indians, whose applications for extension of employment authorization documents remain pending.
An interim rule to this effect was issued on October 30 last year. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) codified the final rule on Wednesday.
The 540-day automatic extension for EAD permits was introduced during President Joe Biden’s tenure in May 2022. Its aim was to reduce the number of renewal applicants to avoid processing delays by USCIS.
The rule was re-issued as a temporary measure in April 2024 and granted an indefinite extension in December 2024.
The interim rule issued last October removed the automatic extension of EADs for categories including adjustment of status applicants, H-4 spouses, asylum applicants, refugees and asylees, and temporary protected status (TPS) beneficiaries.
This decision directly impacts many spouses of H-1B visa holders from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana residing in the US. It will have a significant effect on their employment security and future plans.
