We would like to share the following recent U.S. immigration-related updates announced by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in April 2024.
Automatic Extension of EAD Cards From 180 Days to 540 Days
On April 4, 2024, USCIS announced a temporary rule that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and EADs available to certain EAD renewal applicants from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This temporary final rule will apply to:
(1) Applicants who timely and properly filed their Form I-765 applications on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on April 8, 2024 (not including certain TPS applicants and current TPS holders); and
(2) Applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application on or after April 8, 2024, and on or before Sept. 30, 2025 (540 days after publication of this temporary final rule in the Federal Register).
Eligible applicants will receive EAD extension notices (Form I-797C, Notice of Action receipt notice) which will include information regarding the up to 540-day automatic extension. These notices will serve as proof of continuous employment authorization.
Form I-693 Medical Examination Report Completed On/After November 1, 2023, Deemed Valid Indefinitely
On April 4, 2024, USCIS announced that I-693 medical examination reports properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023 do not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence that the applicant is not inadmissibility based on health-related reasons. I-693 medical examination reports completed before November 1, 2023 will remain valid for two (2) years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.
USCIS officers may request additional evidence or a new/updated I-693 medical examination report if there is reason to believe the applicant’s medical condition has changed since the civil surgeon signed Form I-693 or the signed Form I-693 does not accurately reflect the applicant’s condition.
Third Gender Option on Form N-400.
USCIS revised Form N-400, “Application for Naturalization”, to provide a third gender option, “X”, which USCIS defines as “Another Gender Identity.” The new Form N-400 (04/01/2024 edition) is the first USCIS form to include the X gender option. Applicants with pending Forms N-400 may request to update their gender after April 1, 2024 by submitting a written request to USCIS.
U.S. Citizenship Applicants Can Opt for Social Security Updates
Starting on April 1, 2024, applicants for U.S. citizenship can now request an updated original or replacement Social Security Card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by making a request on Form N-400 (04/01/2024 Edition). New U.S. citizens will no longer need to visit the SSA Office to update their social security records.
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