USCIS Responds on Delayed CNMI Long-term Resident EAD Renewal Applications

Following multiple letters I wrote to USCIS Director Edlow on the state of CNMI Long-Term Resident EAD renewal processing, we received a response from USCIS. In the response, Director Edlow provided that, in the first half of FY 2026, 162 applications were rejected, including 92 for incorrect fees and 39 due to declined payments. In response to my specific question on employability of long-term residents, USCIS provided that CNMI Long-Term Residents remain employment authorized incident to status, and that renewal of an EAD is not required for the individual to remain employment authorized in the CNMI. However, USCIS also states that an expired EAD is no longer valid evidence of employment authorization, and that automatic extensions cannot be provided under current regulations. This distinction is important. While status may continue to carry employment authorization, employers still have legal obligations to confirm employment eligibility, which they may not be able to do with an expired EAD alone. We are seeking clarification on what documents employers may rely on while renewals are pending, delayed, returned, or rejected and the basis for the delays we have been witnessing. Residents and employers should keep copies of USCIS correspondence and seek qualified legal guidance before making decisions based on an expired EAD.