10/29/2025
USCIS is *notorious* for delaying the timely review of applications. This is not an opinion. It's an objective fact. (E.g. the I-601A Applications for waivers that are taking 3+ YEARS 🙃). This "standard practice" included review and adjudication of simpler applications, such as work permit RENEWALS.
There were thousands of people who would timely file an application to renew their work permits (for which they had been vetted and screened already and that's why their initial work permit had been issued). They would then wait for over a year for USCIS to review their application and renew their permit. Meanwhile, their previous permit would expire causing chaos for the employed and the employers who were forced to suspend or fire critical employees thanks to USCIS delays. For that reason, USCIS announced automatic extensions for some categories starting in 2022. This was a way to resolve these gaps caused by USCIS delays.
USCIS has announced today that starting TOMORROW, automatic extensions will no longer be allowed. Even if they're the ones causing the delay. This is to "vet and screen" and "protect the public"...from people who were already previously vetted and screened 🙄 Further, let's also point out that an extension is NOT an approval. An extension just means you can continue working (temporarily) while USCIS drags their feet to review your application, which *could still be denied* if they determine you are no longer eligible for the benefit for some reason. An extension, therefore, does not get in the way of their "vetting and screening" efforts. But anyway...
In short, heads up to those of you in categories that were previously permitted automatic extensions. I DOUBT that USCIS will be adjudicating applications any faster than they have for the last few years, so I encourage you to apply for your renewals at least 6-9 months before expiration.
This does NOT affect people who applied for renewals and received an automatic temporary extension BEFORE today. Those extensions will remain valid.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced an interim final rule ending the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents for aliens filing renewal applications in certain employment authorization categories.