USCIS announced that EADs with a Category Code of A12 or C19 for 2021 TPS

USCIS: 2021 TPS EADs with Category A12 or C19 — What It Means and How to Use Them

USCIS clarified that Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) with category codes A12 (TPS granted) or C19 (TPS applicant with pending/initial approval) from 2021 TPS actions may remain valid through automatic extensions announced in Federal Register notices. In plain terms: even if the printed expiration date on your EAD has passed, your work authorization may still be automatically extended if you meet the notice’s conditions.

Who this applies to

• Nationals (or stateless persons last habitually residing) of countries designated or redesignated for TPS in 2021 (for example, designations first opened in 2021) who:
  • Properly re-registered for TPS during the window, or
  • Timely filed an initial application and remain eligible.
• Your current EAD shows Category A12 or C19 and matches the country covered by the auto-extension notice.

How to prove work authorization (I-9/E-Verify)

• Present your TPS EAD (A12/C19) together with the relevant Federal Register notice that lists your country and new validity date.
• Employers must not demand additional documents beyond I-9 rules. Record the category, document number, and the extended validity date from the notice.
• When the auto-extension period ends, your employer must reverify. If you’ve filed for a new EAD, your I-797C may serve as a receipt under the rules.

• You may file Form I-765 for a replacement/renewal EAD. Many TPS EADs qualify for interim automatic extensions after timely filing.

Keep TPS current

• Re-register during each country’s window to preserve status and work authorization.
• Track USCIS updates and Federal Register notices for your country’s next extension or redesignation.

Practical tips

• Print and carry the latest USCIS TPS web page and the Federal Register notice corresponding to your country.
• Update HR proactively; provide the notice pages showing A12/C19 coverage and the new validity date.
• Move early on renewals to avoid lapses.

Bottom line: If your TPS EAD is coded A12 or C19, don’t assume the printed date controls—automatic extensions may keep you work-authorized when you remain TPS-eligible and follow re-registration rules.