On January 17, 2017, a new rule, “Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers” amending DHS regulations went into effect.  The regulatory amendments provide for the automatic extension of the validity periods of certain Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766) for up to 180 days if the employee: 

-Timely filed to renew Form I-776, Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
-Is applying to renew such EAD in the same category as the previous EAD (A12 and C19 are considered the same category for this extension); and
-Is in a category that is eligible for the extension.