One of the most frequent points of frustrations for our clients is how long USCIS takes to process Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and EAD renewals. In many instances, clients have to file for a renewal before even receiving the initial EAD! Therefore, we are very pleased to see USCIS announce that new applicants for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) will get 2 year EADs instead of just one year.

Moreover, EAD renewals for these new applicants will also be valid for 2 years. Unfortunately, this only applies to those that file their Adjustment of Status applications on or after June 9th, 2021. Anybody that filed before that will only get a one year EAD, and the renewals will also only be for one year.

This is not likely to have any immediate effect on reducing the lengthy processing times. However, over time this should help reduce the volume of EAD renewals that USCIS needs to process, and thus hopefully speed up EAD processing times.