The US has sharply curtailed the duration of many immigrant work permits. Under a new policy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories will now be issued for a maximum of 18 months, instead of the previous five-year validity.
The revision takes effect for all EAD applications — both initial and renewals — submitted on or after 5 December 2025. Existing EADs issued under the older five-year policy remain valid until their original expiration date.
Who is directly affectedThe new 18-month cap applies to EAD applicants in the following categories:
| Category | Description |
| Adjustment-of-status applicants | Includes employment- and family-based applicants under pending I-485 (green-card) applications |
| Refugees and asylees | Individuals granted asylum or refugee status |
| Those granted withholding of removal or other humanitarian protections | Includes those under withholding of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under NACARA |
| Pending asylum or withholding-of-removal applicants | People waiting for decisions on asylum or related relief applications |
Under the new rule, each of these groups will now need to renew their EADs every 18 months rather than relying on a longer-term permit.
Who is not affected directlyThe change does not apply to individuals working under standard visa-based work authorisations — for example those on H-1B, L-1, O-1 or similar non-immigrant visas. These visa holders continue under their existing work-authorisation statuses.
Only those who rely specifically on EADs under the affected categories will need to follow the new 18-month cycle. If a person on H-1B or another visa is not seeking adjustment of status or another EAD-based status change, their work authorisation remains unchanged.
What the change means in practice- Individuals in the affected groups must submit renewal applications much more frequently, thereby increasing the administrative burden and cost.
- Renewals can be filed up to six months before EAD expiry. However, with processing delays at USCIS — already described as substantial — there is risk that renewals may not be completed in time.
- For people awaiting green cards or asylum adjudication, this change adds fresh uncertainty, especially if delays push beyond EAD expiry dates.
- Employers reliant on immigrant labour stand to feel additional strain, as staffing through EAD-based employees may become more volatile.
Why the change was introducedUSCIS says the move is meant to enable more frequent vetting of non-citizens working under EADs. The agency described the prior five-year EAD duration as allowing lengthy gaps between reviews. The change is part of a broader tightening of immigration oversight under the government of Donald Trump.
The update rescinds aspects of the policy adopted in September 2023 that granted five-year EADs.
The revised EAD validity rule will bring more frequent renewals and increased paperwork for many immigrants — especially those relying on pending green-card and asylum applications. Groups on standard work visas remain unaffected, but for those switching statuses or using EADs, the change could lead to significant impact on their legal work authorisation.
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