This new I-9 policy guidance is effective immediately.
Background and Introduction
As a result of a settlement agreement in a federal lawsuit, U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made H-4, E and L
dependent spouses qualify for a 180 day automatic extension or
employment authorization incident to status, as applicable, when
certain conditions are met. This is great news for thousands of
dependent spouses and their employers.
180 Automatic Employment Authorization Extension: H-4, E and L
Dependent Spouses
First, new USCIS guidance provides that H-4, E, or L dependent
spouses qualify for 180 day automatic extension of their existing
employment authorization and accompanying EAD- if they properly
filed an application to renew their H-4, E, or L-based EAD before
it expires. H-4, E and L dependent spouses will receive an
automatic extension through the earlier of: (1) the expiration date
of their valid E/H/L Form I-94; (2) the denial of their EAD
