USCIS announces expedited processing of EAD Renewal Applications thanks to AHCA/NCAL

• By: Nadine Grosso
• On: 01/13/2022 11:17:43
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

In an AHCA/NCAL led Coalition letter to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Coalition noted that the U.S. currently has a labor shortage in many sectors, especially the health care industry. One issue is the significant delay in USCIS processing Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals. Some employees have had to stop working due to USCIS not timely processing the EAD renewals, while others are at risk of soon losing work authorization due to the delays. 
 
On December 28th, USCIS announced that “Effective immediately, if you are a healthcare worker who has a pending Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal application (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) and your EAD expires in 30 days or less or has already expired, you can request expedited processing of your EAD application.” USCIS referenced a DHS advisory memorandum (“Healthcare / Public Health” section, pages 7-9) which lists critical healthcare occupations. The USCIS noted that an applicant will need to be prepared to provide evidence of profession or current employment as a healthcare worker to request the expedited processing. A request to expedite can be made by the applicant or his/her attorney by calling USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
  
This change is the direct result of your membership dues at work at the national level. MHCA thanks the advocacy team at AHCA/NCAL for its efforts on this workforce initiative. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit uscis.gov. 

Staff contact: ngrosso@mehca.org