US Ends Automatic Renewal of Work Permits, Impacting Indian Workers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new interim rule that will end the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for immigrants who file renewals on or after October 30, 2025. Under the previous policy, certain categories of EAD holders could continue working for up to 540 days after their permit expired if they had filed a timely renewal application. The new measure removes that automatic extension and requires fresh screening before work authorisation can continue.
Who is Affected
While the policy change applies broadly to all eligible migrants with EADs, it is expected to particularly affect Indian nationals. Many Indians working in the U.S. on employment-based visas (and their spouses) rely on EAD renewals during long green-card backlogs. The move may therefore increase job uncertainty for those waiting years for permanent residency.
What the Rule Changes
From October 30, anyone filing to renew an EAD will no longer receive automatic work authorisation while waiting. EADs extended automatically before that date remain valid. For employers and workers, this means a potential lapse in authorised employment if renewals are delayed. DHS has advised filing renewal applications up to 180 days in advance to reduce risk of disruption.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The change signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy toward stricter vetting and screening of non-citizen workers. While the administration says the move is intended to safeguard public safety and national security, critics warn it could slow hiring of highly-skilled foreign talent and hurt sectors reliant on immigrant labour. For Indian professionals and their families, this marks a significant change in employment stability in the U.S.
