Immigration agency extends work permit validity

“It does not, however, address the immediate need of those currently waiting for their work permit to be renewed, but will allow people more time in between filings for renewals,” she said by email.

The change comes in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s request for public feedback on how to improve the legal immigration system, including by making it more efficient and accessible. The April request for input was issued following President Joe Biden’s February 2021 executive order calling to restore faith in the U.S. immigration system.

The change also comes as USCIS faces severe processing delays that have left foreign citizens waiting months or longer for their work permits to be renewed or approved — and caused some to lose their jobs in the meantime.

USCIS Director Ur Jaddou addressed the backlogs and processing delays during a stakeholder briefing last week, insisting that every foreign citizen who applies for an immigration benefit “is entitled to a timely decision, be it yes or no.”

“Let me be very clear. Our processing times are too long. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it,” she said.