In the last short while, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has made seven important changes to the way it is handling immigrant cases. Here is a run down of the seven.
Change 1 – Extension Of Period Of Authorized Work
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), for most timely filed EAD renewal applicants (including family, employment, specialty, TPS, asylum, and diversity applicants), extending their authorized period of work from what used to be only 180 days up to 540 days. The increased time periods will help avoid gaps in employment for noncitizens with pending EAD renewal applications and stabilize the continuity of operations for U.S. employers.
Change 2 – Work Authorizations For Spouses Of H, E, and L Visa Holders
The USCIS published a new guidance on work permits for H, E and L spouses. From now on E and L dependent spouses are employment authorized incident to their status and this will be so indicated on their I-94 forms on entry to the USA. This means they will no longer be required to apply for EADs. Furthermore, certain H-4, E, or L dependent spouses now qualify for automatic extension of their existing employment authorizations and accompanying EADs provided they properly filed an application to renew them before they expired, and they have an unexpired Form I-94s showing their existing status. What is more, that automatic extension of their EADs will continue until the earlier of: the end date on Form I-94 showing valid status, the approval or denial of the EAD renewal application, or (see improvement 1 above) 540 days from the date of expiration of the previous EAD.
Change 3 – Premium Processing For EB-1s And EB-2s
The USCIS is implementing premium processing for certain petitioners who have a pending petitions under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.
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