07/29/2004 IMMIGRATION ALERT
EAD VALIDITY PERIOD TO BE EXTENDED

 

The Citizenship and Immigration Service has published a notice allowing the CIS the discretion to issue EADs for longer than one year. CIS will look at a number of factors in order to make the determination: (1) applicant's status; (2) general processing time for the underlying application; (3) required background checks; (4) other relevant factors. It is conceivable that in some instances, perhaps involving students, that the CIS would issue EADs for less than one year. It is our expectation that future employment-based EADs would be issued for at least two years.

The rule is currently in the "comment phase". Under this process members of the public are allowed to offer their opinion to CIS on the pending amendment to policy. Comments may be made to:

Director - Regulations and Forms Services Division
Department of Homeland Security
425 I Street NW - Room 4034
Washington, DC 20536

Comments may also be made via email: rfs.regs@dhs.com .

All comments should reference BCIS No. 2152-01.