USCIS has updated its guidance to clarify that automatic extensions of TPS based EADs are now significantly reduced for many beneficiaries due to three major changes:
- Country specific Federal Register notices
- DHS interim final rule effective Oct. 30, 2025
- Implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) on July 22, 2025
As a result, many TPS applicants can no longer rely on the longer, up to 540 day automatic EAD extensions previously available.
Key Change: 1 Year Limit on Certain Automatic Extensions
If you have TPS, hold a TPS based EAD, and filed your EAD renewal on or after July 22 but before Oct. 30, 2025, USCIS will only grant an automatic extension of:
- Up to 1 year, or
- The remaining duration of the country’s TPS designation,
whichever is shorter.
Even if your Form I 797C receipt notice lists a 540 day extension, you cannot use it if it falls under this time window.
Exception: Renewal Applications Received on or Before July 21, 2025
If your I 797C receipt notice shows a Received Date of July 21, 2025, or earlier, then:
- The up to 540 day automatic extension still applies.
- However, any portion after July 22, 2025, is also capped at:
- 1 year from July 22, 2025, or
- The end of the TPS designation, whichever is sooner.
