On October 2, 2026, USCIS published a technical update to Volume 10, Part A, Chapter 4 of the Policy Manual. This chapter covers how USCIS issues the work permit (Form I-766, known as the EAD). The update refines the language on automatic EAD extensions. It also adds category (c)(40) to the validity table, for people with a pending T nonimmigrant status application (Form I-914) for victims of human trafficking. These cases often rely on documents from another country, and many arrive in another language.
What USCIS says
The technical update changes Chapter 4 of the Policy Manual in two ways. First, it refines the language on when a work permit is extended automatically while USCIS reviews a renewal. The chapter itself puts it this way: “Aliens in certain employment eligibility categories who filed Form I-765 before October 30, 2025, to timely renew their EADs may have received automatic extensions of their expiring employment authorization or expiring EAD (or both).”
Second, it adds category (c)(40) to the EAD validity table. Someone with a pending, bona fide application for T nonimmigrant status can receive a permit valid for up to 4 years at first, and another 4 years on renewal. Before this update, the table didn’t list that category in this detail.
When it takes effect
The update was published on October 2, 2026. The source doesn’t give a separate effective date, so it applies from that publication date.
Don’t mix up two dates. October 30, 2025 isn’t the date of this update. It’s the existing cutoff for automatic extensions on certain EAD renewals. The October 2026 update clarifies that language but doesn’t change the rule. If a renewal was filed before that 2025 date, the same automatic-extension rule still applies to it.
Who this affects
This update mainly affects two groups. The first is anyone with a pending, bona fide Form I-914. If USCIS grants work authorization under category (c)(40), that EAD can last up to 4 years, on the first grant and on renewal, while the I-914 is pending.
The second group is anyone who filed Form I-765 to renew an EAD before October 30, 2025, under an eligible category. The update clarifies how the chapter describes that automatic extension. The benefit itself isn’t new.
If your EAD doesn’t fall into either group, this update doesn’t change your category or your validity period.
What to do
Before assuming anything changed for your case, check the category printed on your Form I-766. It appears as a code in parentheses, such as (c)(9) or (c)(40). That category, not the date of this update, sets your validity period.
If you have a pending Form I-914 and your latest EAD doesn’t show category (c)(40), read the Policy Manual chapter or ask an immigration attorney about your case. This article doesn’t replace that review.
This update clarifies language and adds a table entry. It isn’t a new form or a new filing requirement. If an EAD is close to expiring, the normal renewal process for that category still applies, so file with enough time before it expires.
If you need translations
The same chapter says that the evidence USCIS asks for to approve Form I-765 varies by category. Its examples include visas, the arrival-departure record, documents that establish a qualifying relationship, and documents from a related pending or approved application.
Some of those relationship documents come from another country and in another language, like a divorce decree showing a prior marriage ended. Under 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3), they need a complete English translation. If yours is Venezuelan, our guide to the Venezuelan divorce decree covers what to request before you translate it.
Before you file anything tied to your EAD, confirm three things:
- The exact category printed on your document.
- Whether your filing deadline differs for paper and online filings.
- Whether any supporting document is in another language.
A complete translation doesn’t change the outcome of your case, but it helps USCIS read every page you submit. Jorge Cardona, founder and lead translator at Fidelis, signs every certificate of accuracy, and each translation gets a double review and verification before delivery.
Sources
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 10, Part A, Chapter 4: Adjudication, technical update of October 2, 2026.
Legal disclaimer
Fidelis Certified Translations is an independent translation service, not affiliated with USCIS or any U.S. government agency. This content is for information only and is not legal advice. For your case, talk to an immigration attorney.