As of January 3, 2022, certain healthcare workers with pending I-765 Applications for Employment Authorization can request expedited processing. The new USCIS policy applies to applicants seeking renewal employment authorization documents (EADs) whose current EADs expire within 30 days or less, or already has expired. The guidance on who qualifies as a healthcare worker is expansive, including not only traditional healthcare workers who provide direct patient care (e.g., physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, etc.), but also workers involved in medical research and those required to support such areas as clinical operations, infrastructure, support services, administration, security, and intelligence operations across the full spectrum of healthcare including those working in accounting, administrative, engineering, certification, licensing, food service, housekeeping, medical records, information technology, and other sectors.
To request expediting processing, applicants are instructed to contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) and be prepared to provide evidence of current employment as a healthcare worker. Those whose expedite requests are granted should keep in mind that USCIS may still take several weeks to issue the new EADs. If you need the Firm’s assistance in requesting expedited processing, please contact us.