The Department of Homeland Security has announced a policy shift that will change how work permit renewals are handled across the United States.
Beginning October 30, 2025, applicants renewing their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will no longer receive an automatic extension while their request is pending, as the new DHS rule ends automatic work-permit extensions. Until now, immigrants who filed renewals on time could continue working legally as their applications moved through the system.
Under the new rule, that grace period disappears for most categories, except in limited cases such as those covered under Temporary Protected Status or extensions mandated by law. Officials describe the change as a security measure, designed to ensure that each applicant’s background is reviewed afresh before renewal.
The adjustment, however, comes at a time when backlogs are already extensive, raising concern among immigrant advocates and employers alike.
Who Is Most Affected and What That Means
According to the new interim final rule published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), most renewal applicants who file Form I-765 on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive the prior automatic extension of up to 540 days.
This change impacts key categories such as H-4 visa holders, adjustment of status applicants, and certain employment-authorization categories that previously depended on the extension during processing. Employers must now re-verify employment authorization when the EAD card expires, even if a renewal has been timely filed, unless a specific exception applies.
With processing times still lengthy, workers face increased risk of job interruption, and employers must prepare for compliance and workforce continuity issues.
The Human and Economic Ripple Effect
Groups likely to feel the strain most include asylum seekers, refugees, and dependents of skilled visa holders. For many, this could mean temporary job loss while renewal applications await review.
For businesses, it may mean the sudden absence of vital employees who form part of their workforce backbone.
Immigration experts have warned that without timely processing improvements, thousands could face avoidable disruptions to income and stability.
Staying Ahead of the Rule: Compliance and Workforce Planning
Employers and immigrant workers alike are urged to reassess their renewal timelines and internal verification procedures. Under the new rule, even a timely-filed renewal does not guarantee uninterrupted work authorization if the original EAD expires and no automatic extension applies.
Individuals should submit renewal applications as early as 180 days before expiration to minimize risk and consider backup plans if authorization lapses. Employers should flag employees in impacted categories, update I-9 compliance systems, and understand that receipt notices for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025, no longer serve as proof of work authorization in many cases.
Acting well in advance remains the most practical safeguard against unintentional lapses in authorization. Proactive planning now can reduce legal exposure and employment disruption down the line.
Why Trusted Legal Counsel Matters
Policy changes of this nature directly affect livelihoods, families, and futures. Navigating these shifts without guidance can leave even diligent applicants vulnerable to costly errors or missed timelines.
At Qazi Law Offices, our team stays ahead of every regulatory update to ensure that our clients remain informed, compliant, and protected. We work closely with individuals, families, and organizations to manage renewals efficiently and prevent unnecessary setbacks.
Call us today at 630-504-0648 or book a consultation with Attorney Farrah to discuss how this change may affect your work authorization or your organization’s immigrant workforce.
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