Many green card applicants are able to apply for employment authorization in the U.S. while their application remains pending. The government grants employment authorization documents in its discretion. Such work permits were previously valid for two years at a time. In January 2021, the government changed the validity period to one year.
Some green card applicants have to wait many years for a visa to become available to them. They often rely on these work permits for employment authorization while they wait. These folks should pay close attention to this change. They must now renew their employment authorization every year, instead of every two years. It is important to timely request a renewal in order to avoid a gap in employment authorization.