US Extends Work Permits for Nigerians, Other Foreign Workers

In a move to alleviate concerns and ensure continued employment for non-citizens, the United States has stretched the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to a whopping maximum of 540 days.

The revision comes as a boon to Nigerians and other foreign nationals facing delays in processing their EAD renewals, as announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Effective immediately, the extended validity period applies to eligible applicants who have timely filed for EAD renewal starting from October 27, 2023, up until September 30, 2025.

USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou underscored the significance of this move in minimizing disruptions in employment authorization, emphasizing that the 540-day extension offers greater stability for both foreign workers and their employers, fostering continuity in the workforce.

“While our workforce has made strides in reducing processing times for most EAD categories, a surge in applications has impacted our renewal mechanisms,” Jaddou stated. “By temporarily extending the automatic extension, we aim to prevent lapses in employment authorizations and provide a window for long-term solutions.”

This Temporary Final Rule (TFR) aligns with USCIS’s ongoing efforts to streamline the work authorization process and enhance employment opportunities for authorized individuals in the US. It is expected to benefit a significant number of EAD renewal applicants, including asylum seekers and Temporary Protected Status holders, potentially impacting nearly 800,000 individuals and their respective employers.