A Federal Register notice was posted on April 4th, 2025, with information on the extension of Deferred Enforced Departure for eligible Hong Kong residents. The register also provided instructions for related travel authorization and the application process for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
Hong Kong is one of four locations with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Authorized by the president, residents of countries with a DED designation, if eligible, may remain in the United States and are protected from deportation for the duration of the DED status. Additionally, individuals who have DED protections may be eligible to receive Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which would allow them to work while they are in the US. However, DED does not provide a path to citizenship.
On January 15, 2025, the DED status for Hong Kong residents was deferred until February 5, 2027. The USCIS announced last week that current EADs associated with Honk Kong DEDs will also remain valid until February 5, 2027. EADs with expiration dates on February 5, 2023, or February 5, 2025, are extended through this new date.
Hong Kong residents who are eligible to apply for an EAD can do so by submitting form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. If you have any questions, contact us and we are happy to speak with you.