Relief for Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) Applicants Effective May 4, 2022
On May 3, 2022, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) to increase the automatic extension period for certain EAD categories. The temporary extension period (initially 180 days from the expiration date listed on the EAD) has been increased to up to 540 days from the EAD expiration date and will be available to eligible renewal applicants with a timely filed and pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (“Form I-765”), timely filed but lapsed employment authorization prior to May 4, 2022, and those who timely file a Form I-765 renewal during the 540-day period beginning on May 4, 2022 through October 26, 2023.
The TFR comes as USCIS announces their new efforts to reduce backlogs, improve processing times and provide relief to work permit holders throughout the next year. Following October 26, 2023, USCIS will return to the 180-day automatic extension period for eligible applicants. Please contact your immigration counsel to further discuss possible benefits for you or your employees under TFR.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Extended for Non-U.S. Travelers
The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has extended the temporary COVID-19 requirements for non-U.S. travelers entering the U.S. through land ports of entry and ferry terminals, requiring these travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide evidence of vaccination status upon request. Non-U.S. travelers must also continue to: verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status, provide evidence of their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”)-approved vaccination card, present a valid travel document and present any additional relevant documents, as requested by a Customs and Border Protection agent. A COVID-19 test is not required to enter the U.S. via land port of entry or ferry terminal.
Did You Know? As the U.S. faced a healthcare professional shortage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Munsch Hardt’s immigration team represented several hospital systems in obtaining work visas for their staff including doctors, nurses, and other essential employees.