For many years, immigrants who relied on Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)—often called work permits—had a bit of breathing room when it came to renewals. If you filed your paperwork before expiration, you’d get an automatic extension. This safety net meant you could continue working, sometimes for nearly a year and a half, while waiting for renewal approval.
But in a major shift effective October 30, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has done away with automatic extensions for most work permit categories. Now, if you submit a renewal on or after that date, you must stop working once your current EAD expires. You’re only allowed to return to your job once the new EAD is officially approved and the card is in your hands. The old days of simply relying on a receipt notice for work authorization are over for the majority of applicants.
This change impacts on a wide range of individuals, including those applying for:
- adjustment of status (green cards)
- H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders
- asylum applicants
- DACA recipients, and
- TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders.
If you happened to submit your renewal before October 30, you’re safe under the previous rule and can keep working, sometimes up to 540 days past your EAD’s expiration. However, anyone who files on or after the cutoff should be prepared for the risk of an employment gap.
USCIS says the move is about increasing vetting and security. But for immigrant families and employers, the abrupt change raises real concerns. Given that EAD renewals can now take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer, many applicants will need to plan well ahead and file as early as possible—up to 180 days before their work permit expires. HR departments should also be notified in advance, as they may need to prepare for situations where valuable team members could lose work authorization before their renewal goes through.
Are there exceptions? There are a few—some narrow situations like specific TPS categories with Federal Register notices and STEM OPT students, who have always benefited from a separate 180-day extension, may not be affected. But it’s crucial to get accurate legal information for your particular status; these rules are complex and frequently updated.
If you’re worried about your status or your ability to keep working, reach out to our firm or follow our immigration updates. We can clarify the rules, help you track USCIS processing, and keep you and your employer informed on how to avoid trouble moving forward.
This new policy is one more example of just how quickly immigration regulations can change, affecting everyday life and livelihoods. If you have questions, don’t wait—contact us before your work permit expiration date. We’re committed to helping you navigate these changes smoothly and stay informed.
Stay tuned for more explained guides on immigration changes and what they mean for you and your loved ones.
