U.S. FEDRegulation
DHS finalizes end of automatic extensions for certain employment authorization documents
The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on October 14, 2026, adopting without change the October 30, 2025, interim amendments to 8 CFR 274a.13(d) and (e) that ended automatic extensions of employment authorization documents for timely renewal applicants in certain categories. The interim rule had replaced an automatic extension of up to 540 days. The final rule takes effect October 14, 2026.
Key points
- Renewal applicants in covered categories receive no new period of employment authorization until USCIS adjudicates the renewal application.Federal Register
- DHS received 653 public comment submissions on the interim final rule under Docket No. USCIS-2025-0271.Federal Register
- The automatic extension had stood at up to 540 days under temporary rules from May 2022 and April 2024 and a December 2024 final rule.Federal Register
- The final rule is issued as CIS No. 2859-26, RIN 1615-AD05, under DHS Docket No. USCIS-2025-0271.Federal Register