In a significant immigration policy shift, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of the practice of automatically extending Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) for certain
noncitizens who file renewal applications, a rule which may impact Indians there.
According to the rule, which takes effect on October 30, 2025, immigrants applying to renew their work permits will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD unless specifically provided by law or under special Temporary Protected Status (TPS)-related provisions published in the Federal Register.
The Department of Homeland Security said the change is aimed at enhancing security by ensuring each applicant undergoes full background screening before their employment authorisation is extended.
“USCIS is placing a renewed emphasis on robust alien screening and vetting, eliminating policies the former administration implemented that prioritised aliens’ convenience ahead of Americans’ safety and security,” an official release quoted USCIS Director Joseph Edlow.
“It’s a commonsense measure to ensure appropriate vetting and screening has been completed before an alien’s employment authorisation or documentation is extended. All aliens must remember that working in the United States is a privilege, not a right.”
This marks a departure from the former US President Joe Biden administration’s 2022 rule, which allowed automatic extensions of up to 540 days for certain renewal applicants to prevent job losses while USCIS processed backlogged applications.
DHS now says that ending these automatic extensions will result in “more frequent vetting” of applicants, allowing the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to detect fraud or identify individuals who pose potential security risks.
The agency has advised immigrants to file renewal applications up to 180 days before their EAD expires to avoid employment gaps, warning that delays in filing could result in temporary lapses in work authorisation.
The rule will not affect EADs that were automatically extended before October 30, 2025.
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