USCIS has started processing renewal applications for specific employment authorization categories in batches to increase efficiency and shorten processing times. Batch processing applies to EAD categories A17, A18, and C26. Batch Processing means that the end validity period will now be the first of the month for all cases irrespective of when the expiration date of the non-immigrant status was in that particular month. As such, the EAD end date may/will be different date than their Form I-94. Filing for an extension before expiration of the EAD as opposed to the I-94 should minimize any effects, ensuring an auto extension of employment authorization to the Form I-94 expiration date.
However we practitioners need to diligently monitor EAD and status expiration to prevent work without authorization.