Some EADs Can be Valid for up to 5 Years

USCIS increased the maximum validity period to five years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to the following categories of noncitizens:

• Refugees (A03);
• Noncitizens paroled as refugees (A04) (up to 5 years not to exceed length of parole);
• Asylees (A05);
• Recipients of withholding of removal (A10);
• Applicants for asylum or withholding of removal (C08);
• Applicants for adjustment of status (C09); and
• Applicants for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal (C10).

This updated policy guidance applies to any Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, currently pending or filed on or after Sept. 27, 2023.

Previous USCIS guidance provided for either a one- or two-year maximum validity period for these EAD categories.

For more information, see this USCIS News Alert.