CYA is excited to share news of a positive change to immigration! On November 10, 2021, USCIS entered into a Settlement Agreement as a result of a lawsuit (Shergill, et al. v. Mayorkas) that was filed because of record-long delays in processing EADs (employment authorization documents). As a result of this settlement, USCIS is changing its policy to acknowledge that L-2, E-1, E-2 and E-3 spouses have employment authorization incident to their immigration status. Thus, these spouses will no longer need to apply and be approved for an EAD in order to legally work in the U.S. Woo hoo! This is a welcome change, and USCIS is in the process of implementing this change now.

At present, L-2, E-1, E-2 and E-3 spouses who are now entering the United States from abroad are being issued updated I-94s that make it clear that they are employment authorized. For L-2, E-1, E-2 and E-3 spouses who are already present in the United States, USCIS recently announced that on April 1, 2022 it will begin a process of mailing notices to these individuals. This USCIS notice along with an unexpired Form I-94 will prove employment authorization. For more information on this evolving change in USCIS policy please keep an eye on our CYA blog or reach out to your attorney for a consultation.