University of Illinois System

Auto-Extensions: Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

EAD Auto-Extensions were ended on October 30, 2025 by federal rule. This job aid applies only for EAD renewal applications which were filed on or before October 29, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

An employee who is eligible for an EAD auto-extension may present their facially expired EAD and a Form I-797C Receipt Notice to prove an extension of work authorization for up to 540 days. To be eligible for the auto-extension, all of the following conditions must be met:

  • The employee must be in a Category Code that is eligible for an auto-extension.
    • See the USCIS website and expand the “Categories Eligible for Automatic Extensions” section for eligible category codes.
  • The employee must be applying for the same Category Code as what is shown on the expired EAD.
  • The I-797C must show a “Received Date” that is earlier than the “Expiration Date” that is shown on the expired EAD.
  • The I-797C “Received Date” is on or after May 4, 2022, and on or before October 29, 2025.

If an employee is not in an eligible Category Code, did not file a timely renewal application, or filed a renewal application on or after October 30, 2025, the employee is not eligible for an auto-extension and the documentation must not be accepted.

Procedures in Tracker

If these conditions are met, the employee may present the expired EAD and I-797C as proof of work authorization. In Tracker, take the following steps:

  1. Navigate to the most recently completed section of the I-9. If the employee has never been reverified, this is Section 2. If the employee has been reverified at least once before, this is the most recent Section 3 reverification.
  2. Under the List A section, choose the Additional Documents dropdown.
  3. Select the EAD Auto-Extension option, then Continue with Selected Document(s).
  4. Check that the EAD information is correct. Enter the Form I-797C Receipt Number in the appropriate field.
  5. The Reverification Due Date and Additional Information fields will auto-populate; do not change these.
  6. Click Save to record the changes.
  7. Once the employee receives a decision from USCIS, you must reverify the employee’s work authorization with their renewed EAD.

Questions

If you have any questions, or are unsure whether an employee is eligible for an auto-extension, contact your central HR office.