Refugees & Asylum seekers: EAD Extended

USCIS policy guidance provides a Maximum 2-year validity period for EADs issued for asylees and refugees, noncitizens granted withholding of deportation or removal of noncitizens with a pending application for adjustment of status under INA 245, and a maximum 1-year validity period for non-citizen paroled as refugees and seeking suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal. In the interest of reducing the burden on the USCIS and the public, USCIS has revised the guidelines to increase the maximum EAD validity period for asylees and refugees up to 5 years.
This update addresses EAD-related stakeholder feedback that the USCIS received in response to the RPI. The increase in the EAD validity period will reduce the frequency with which the affected noncitizens must file an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) with USCIS. This revised guideline is effective immediately and applies to Applications for Employment Authorization that are pending or are filed on or after September 27th, 2023.
USCIS Policy highlights the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs from 2 years to 5 years for those admitted as refugees, granted asylum, and granted withholding of deportation or removal. The maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs, from 2 years to 5 years is for those with pending applications for asylum and suspension or withholding/cancellation of removal process. The period of stay for initial and renewal of EADs, from 1 year to the end date of the authorized parole period should not exceed 5 years for those paroled as refugees.