12 Mar Status of Asylum Employment Authorization document

As of March 2026, the status of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) depends on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing.
For Initial (First-Time) Applicants

• 180-Day Rule Still Active: You can currently apply for an initial EAD 150 days after filing your asylum application.
– The government cannot issue the EAD until the application has been pending for at least 180 days.

• New $560 Filing Fee: Unlike previous years, there is now a $560 fee for initial asylum-based work permits.

• Processing Time: USCIS is still generally required to process initial applications within 30 days, regardless of your country of origin.

• Threatened “Freeze”: A proposed rule published in February 2026 would halt all new (c)(8) EAD applications.
– This rule is not yet final; the public comment period closes April 24, 2026.
– Advocacy groups recommend applying now if you are eligible before any potential freeze is finalized.
– For Renewal Applicants

• Processing Paused for 40 Countries: USCIS has indefinitely suspended processing for (c)(8) EAD renewals for nationals of approximately 40 “high-risk” countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Syria.
– If you are from one of these countries, your renewal application will be received but will not be decided until the pause is lifted.

• End of Automatic Extensions: USCIS stopped issuing new 540-day automatic extensions for those who filed on or after October 30, 2025.
  – If you received an extension notice before this date, it remains valid.
• Increased Fees: Renewal fees have risen to $745 (online) or $795 (mail).
• Reduced Validity: Any renewal EAD issued after December 4, 2025, is now only valid for 18 months, down from the previous 5 years.

General Asylum Case Status

• Adjudication Hold: USCIS has placed an indefinite hold on making final decisions to grant or deny asylum applications (Form I-589) for all nationalities.
• Annual Fee: If your asylum case has been pending for over one year, you must now pay a $102 annual fee to keep the case active.

Note: This is not legal advice

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

PETITION FOR CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with Care Home Facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Caregivers in the US

You may qualify if you have six months experience as Caregivers.
If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.