The US extends the automatic work permit extension for H-4 and L-2 visa holders to 540 days, starting January 13, 2025. Learn how this change will benefit families of H-1B, and L-1 visa holders.
US Expands Work Permit Extension to 540 Days for H-4 & L-2 Visa Holders Starting January 2025
In a significant policy shift, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that starting January 13, 2025, it will extend the automatic work permit extension period to 540 days. This move is set to benefit H-4 and L-2 visa holders, offering them extended employment authorization while their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications are pending. The decision aims to alleviate challenges faced by families of H-1B and L-1 visa holders, especially in employment and financial stability.
What is the New US Work Permit Extension Rule?
The new rule from the US Department of Homeland Security increases the automatic extension period of work permits for certain visa holders, moving from the previous 180-day extension to a 540-day period. This change will take effect from January 13, 2025, and will apply to those who filed their EAD renewal applications on or after May 4, 2022.
This extension will significantly ease the burden on H-4 and L-2 visa holders, whose work permits often expired during the lengthy processing times for EAD renewals. With this extended period, workers and their families will not face a gap in employment authorization, ensuring continued financial stability.
Key Changes in the EAD Renewal Process
The new rule introduces several important changes in the process for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals for H-4 and L-2 visa holders:
| Parameter | Old Rule | New Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Extension | 180 days | 540 days |
| Effective Date | Not immediate | January 13, 2025 |
| Eligible Applications | Previously filed | Applications filed on or after May 4, 2022 |
| Primary Beneficiaries | H-4 and L-2 visa holders | H-4 and L-2 visa holders |
This extended period provides much-needed relief, particularly for families of H-1B and L-1 visa holders in the United States.
Why Was This Decision Made?
The decision to extend the automatic work permit extension period came in response to feedback from the business community and the challenges employers were facing due to labor shortages. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, this change will help businesses retain skilled workers, ensuring the stability of the workforce and supporting the US economy.
Mayorkas stated, “The US economy has created more than 16 million jobs since January 2021. We want to help businesses fill these positions through this change.”
Who Will Benefit from This Rule Change?
The primary beneficiaries of this new rule are H-4 and L-2 visa holders, who are dependents of H-1B and L-1 visa holders, respectively.
- H-4 Visa Holders: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders.
- L-2 Visa Holders: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of L-1 visa holders.
These visa holders will now have an extended period to work while waiting for the renewal of their EADs, ensuring they can continue their careers in the US without interruptions.
How This Decision Helps US Employers
This move is a win-win for both employees and employers in the United States. By allowing workers to maintain employment authorization during delays in the EAD renewal process, businesses will not lose skilled workers due to procedural delays.
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddoo emphasized the importance of reducing unnecessary barriers to employment, stating, “This new rule will help employees whose EAD renewal applications are submitted on time so that they do not face gaps in employment authorization.”
USCIS’s Broader Efforts to Reduce EAD Processing Time
In addition to the 540-day extension, USCIS has introduced other initiatives to speed up the EAD process:
- Reducing the processing time for applicants applying for adjustment of status.
- Increasing EAD validity from two years to five years for certain applicants.
- Expediting EAD processing for refugees and parolees.
- Expanding online filing options for EAD applications.
These steps are designed to reduce delays and ensure smoother processing for applicants.
Why Is This Decision Important?
This work permit extension is a crucial step for both the US economy and the families of visa holders. On one hand, it provides greater job security for H-4 and L-2 visa holders, enabling them to continue contributing to the US workforce. On the other hand, it helps businesses avoid labor shortages, which could disrupt operations.
Currently, many visa holders faced forced breaks in employment due to long processing times for EAD renewals. With this new rule, H-4 and L-2 visa holders can continue working without interruption, contributing to economic stability for their families and businesses.
The US work permit extension to 540 days marks a significant change that will benefit thousands of H-4 and L-2 visa holders starting January 2025. It provides greater employment security for individuals waiting for their EAD renewals and offers relief to businesses struggling with employee shortages.
This change underscores the US government’s efforts to create a more stable and efficient immigration system, benefiting both employees and employers. If you are an H-4 or L-2 visa holder, make sure to apply for your EAD renewal in a timely manner to take full advantage of this new extension.
