On May 4, 2022, DHS published a temporary final rule to temporarily amend existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to provide that the automatic extension period applicable to expiring Employment Authorization Documents (Forms I-766 or EADs) for certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, will be increased from up to 180 days to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their EADs. This increase applied or applies to certain eligible renewal applicants with pending Forms I-765 as of May 4, 2022, including those applicants whose employment authorization may have lapsed following the initial 180- day extension period, and any eligible applicant who filed a renewal Form I-765 during the 540-day period beginning on or after May 4, 2022, and ending October 26, 2023. DHS again published a temporary final rule on April 8, 2024, to temporarily increase the automatic extension period from up to 180 days to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their EADs. The expanded automatic extension time, totaling up to 540 days, will generally be available to those EAD renewal applicants normally eligible for the 180-day automatic extension and who have a pending EAD renewal application between Oct. 27, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2025, the end of a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register. DHS is considering public comments received and evaluating the need for future action.