The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) decided to exercise its discretion and extend the work authorization validity periods. Rather than issue an employment authorization card (“EAD card”) with a 1-year validity period, USCIS will issue EAD cards with 2-year validity periods after 7 February 2022. This policy change impacts foreign nationals in the following categories: asylees and refugees, noncitizens granted withholding of deportation or removal, and VAWA self-petitioners. For foreign nationals granted deferred action or parole, USCIS may grant work authorization until the end of the authorized stay. This policy change applies to initial and renewal employment authorization cards.