US extends work authorization for immigrant families

In a move aimed at addressing processing delays and ensuring economic stability, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change in its employment policies.

Spouses of H-1B and L-1 visa holders will now benefit from an extended automatic renewal period for their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change effectively increases the automatic extension period from 180 days to 540 days, a significant relief for thousands of workers impacted by bureaucratic delays.

Who benefits?

This policy shift is particularly beneficial for dependent spouses who rely on EADs to legally work in the United States. Among the primary beneficiaries are spouses of H-1B visa holders, a group largely comprising skilled professionals in the tech and engineering sectors. Additionally, L-1 visa holders, who work in managerial or specialized roles for multinational companies, will also see their families gaining from this change. The extended work authorization period is expected to positively impact approximately 100,000 individuals, most of whom are Indian women who face challenges in navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Why the change?