Cancellation of Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Por Sabrina Pinera, Life News Today

Reporter

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States are facing a change that could transform their working lives. As of Oct. 30, 2025, the federal government eliminated the automatic extension of most work permits. Previously workers were allowed to continue to work while renewals were processed.

Foreign nationals who apply to renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after Oct. 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD for up to 540 days. Exceptions include extensions provided by law or through a notice from the Federal Register for employment documentation related to Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

With this new rule, workers will have to wait for the final approval of their new permit to continue in their jobs. In a system where procedures can take months, experts warn that many could become temporarily unemployed, even if they have met all the requirements.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justify the measure as part of an effort to strengthen security checks, increase background checks and reduce work permit fraud. According to an official statement, work authorization "is a privilege that requires rigorous verification and should not be automatically renewed without a full review" according to USCIS. But immigration advocacy groups say the measure will unfairly punish families who have done everything to stay within the law.

Among the hardest hit are H-4 spouses of H-1B workers, asylum seekers, and those in the process of obtaining permanent residency. For them, even a short delay could mean losing income, health insurance, and even their housing stability.

Community organizations and attorneys recommend:

Submit the renewal of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as soon as possible, up to 180 days before the expiration to avoid setbacks at the time of the process or possible suspension of the benefit.

Save all USCIS shipping and receipt receipts for a cleaner and more organized processing history.

Talk to the employer to anticipate deadlines and temporary adjustments since the processing period is uncertain and no one is exempt from suspension.

Consult an attorney if you belong to a category with exceptions or special protections since in this new rule there are exceptions for some people depending on which law they obtained the benefit of the Work Permit.

The change promises to further strain an already overwhelmed immigration system. Thousands of families are waiting with uncertainty, wondering if their future work will officially be put on hold.

More information at:

DHS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorisation | USCIS