USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment
Based on the provided text, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) have made two separate, notable changes to visa programs.
USCIS EAD Auto-Extension
USCIS issued a temporary final rule that increases the automatic extension period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days. This change, announced on April 8, 2024, is designed to help address backlogs and prevent work disruptions for visa holders while their renewal applications are pending. The efforts of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services show strong commitment in supporting visa holders. This rule applies to those who filed for an EAD renewal on or after October 27, 2023, and whose applications were pending as of April 8, 2024, as well as those who file between April 8, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
This temporary measure, supported by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is a way to ease the pressure on applicants and their employers. It acknowledges the significant EAD processing times despite the agency’s efforts to improve efficiency.
DOS Japan Specialist Program
The Department of State (DOS) has created a new Japan Specialist Program under the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa). This program will allow Japanese exchange visitors to share their knowledge of Japanese language and education in the U.S.
To make this program possible, DOS is waiving a specific regulation, 22 CFR §62.26(i), which normally limits the Specialist category to a one-year stay. This waiver allows participants in the new program to stay for up to 36 months, or three years. The goal is to facilitate a more in-depth and meaningful cultural and educational exchange. The collaboration between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and DOS sets an impactful precedent for exchange programs.
