October 30, 2025

Big news from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)! They have just ended the practice of automatically extending work permits for certain immigrants with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change throws new challenges, especially for Indians holding EADs, who now face bigger hurdles working legally when their permits expire and they apply for renewals. Here’s the deal: Earlier, under the Biden administration, if immigrant workers filed their EAD renewals on time, they got an automatic extension to keep working—no break in the job. But from October 30, 2025, that automatic extension ends. DHS explained, “Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct. 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD.” They added this change helps them focus on better screening and vetting of applicants before extending work permits. Who does this affect the most? Spouses of H-1B visa holders (those on H4 visas), dependents of L1 visa holders, and students on F1 visas working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) holding EADs. Also, asylum seekers and refugees with work permits will see this impact. But relax—green card holders and those on H-1B or L-1 visas do not need work permits and remain unaffected. This means if you are an Indian professional on an H4 visa with an EAD, your job depends on your renewal application being processed quickly. If your old EAD expires before the new one comes through, you can’t work legally anymore until it’s approved. Immigration experts warn this rule could cause extra troubles because USCIS often takes longer than the 6 months they allow for renewal filings. Many cases are already backlogged. Right now, over 165,000 work permit renewals have been waiting for more than 180 days! Employers also have a role now—they must check their foreign workers’ EADs carefully and remind them to apply for renewals early. Otherwise, both worker and company face risks of penalties or job loss. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated, “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.” Earlier, the Biden administration had allowed up to 540 days of automatic extension to help with COVID-related delays. But that support is going away. So, from late 2025, Indians and other immigrant workers with EADs must gear up for stricter rules and longer waits. The American dream just got a little spicier with this new challenge in the job market!

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Tags: Us department of homeland security, Ead renewal, Indian workers, H4 visa, Opt students, Uscis processing delays,