US extends duration of work permits for Nigerians, other non-citizens

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant changes to the duration of work permits for non-citizens, including Nigerians, through a temporary and final rule (TFR).

Under this new rule, the automatic extension period for some Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) has been extended from 180 days to a maximum of 540 days. This move aims to streamline access to work permits for eligible non-citizens and reduce disruptions in employment authorisation while awaiting renewal application decisions.

Director of USCIS, Ur M. Jaddon, stressed the importance of this step in avoiding lapses in employment authorisations and supporting long-term solutions. The extension to 540 days will provide stability for individuals and employers alike, ensuring continuity in the workforce.

This initiative complements USCIS’s ongoing efforts to improve access to employment for authorised individuals.

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The extended duration applies to eligible applicants with pending EAD renewal applications filed timely or after October 7, 2023. It aims to protect around 800,000 EAD renewal applicants, including asylum seekers and Temporary Protected Status holders, along with their employers, potentially benefiting up to 800,000 employers.