Certain I-765 applicants whose EAD extensions are pending have been able to avail of a period of up to 180 days of additional work authorization during the pendency period. For a limited time, USCIS is now changing the upper limit of 180 days to 540 days in certain cases. This increase will be available to 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 files a renewal Form I-765 during the 540-day period beginning on or after May 4, 2022, and ending October 26, 2023. Only certain categories of individuals can work while an EAD extension is pending, and additional conditions apply to specific categories such as the “C26” H-4 EAD program. Applicants can use the following calculator on the USCIS website to determine their exact extension eligibility
