Aytes Memo on Processing Delays for EADs as Response to CIS Ombudsman

1. Adhere to regulations that state USCIS shall issue EADs within 90 days, or issue interim EADs, to prevent unnecessary loss of employment.
2. Expeditiously provide information to the public stating the cause of EAD processing delays and how the delays will be addressed.
3. Ensure USCIS provide consistent guidance to the public regarding EAD applications pending more than 90 days via the National Customer Service Center toll-free number and local offices.
4. Reconsider Ombudsman recommendation FR2006-25 to issue multi-year EADs.
5. Modify USCIS I-797 Receipt Notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to provide for continued employment authorization
6. Affix fraud proof stickers to expired EADs upon determination of an applicant’s eligibility for an extension.

USCIS believes it would be more efficient, secure, and customer-friendly to issue a new EAD rather than to place a sticker on an expired one. EADs are adjudicated at service centers, not at the Field Offices. Unlike placing a service request with the NCSC, use of a sticker to extend employment authorization to applicants would require that applicants schedule an appointment and visit their local office. This could be burdensome for many applicants, where the local office is some distance from the applicant’s residence or the applicant has children; and, it likely would not be any quicker than if USCIS mailed them new card upon approval. Additionally, mailing a new card would be more secure as the applicant would only have one valid EAD at a time. With a sticker, there would likely be some overlap and one person could have two valid EADs.