Big change alert: thousands of immigrants who are lawfully employed in the United States will be impacted by a recent decision made by the government. The majority of applicants will no longer be eligible for automatic work permit renewals, according to a formal announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Unless they fall into one of a few specific categories, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, immigrants who apply to renew their work permits (EADs) will no longer be permitted to continue working while they await approval as of October 30, 2025.
What’s Changing
Up until now, if you applied for a work permit renewal, USCIS would automatically grant you an extension (up to 540 days) while your case was being processed. For many, that rule saved their lives because it allowed them to continue working while they awaited lengthy government paperwork.
However, DHS has now announced that the automatic extension will be terminated. They claim the new rule will make the system more “secure and efficient,” focusing on stricter background checks and verification.
In theory, it seems reasonable. However, in reality, it might put many working immigrants in serious trouble.
Why People Are Worried
The problem is that immigration documentation can take several months, if not longer. Even if they did everything correctly, people whose EADs expire before their renewal is approved will find themselves without a job in the absence of an automatic extension.
That translates to missed income, disrupted careers, and needless stress.
And it will affect more than just employees. Employers may lose workers abruptly if their permits expire in the middle of renewal, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and hospitality. Consider losing a valuable employee simply because their new card wasn’t delivered on schedule.
Immigration advocates claim that those who are abiding by the law are harmed by this rule. One advocate remarked, “They’re not requesting handouts.” “All they’re requesting is a fair procedure that doesn’t cost them their jobs.”
Who’s Going to Be Affected
This rule impacts most people who rely on EADs, including:
Asylum seekers
- Green card applicants waiting for approval
- Spouses of H-1B or L-1 visa holders
- International students working on OPT or STEM-OPT programs
If your renewal is filed on or after October 30, 2025, you’ll be under the new system. If you filed before that date, your automatic extension should still be valid.
For Indian and international students in the U.S., this is a big deal — delays could mean losing job opportunities or even risking visa status.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re an immigrant worker or employer, here’s how you can stay prepared:
✅ File renewals early — USCIS allows up to 180 days before your EAD expires.
✅ Keep track of processing times on the USCIS website.
✅ Employers: double-check expiration dates so no one falls out of status by accident.
✅ Students: stay in touch with your DSO for OPT/STEM paperwork.
Basically — don’t wait until the last minute.
For actual people, this policy change is life-altering, even though it may seem like just another bureaucratic regulation. Due to the length of time required for paperwork, it entails increased stress, lost income, and uncertainty.
The government does want more robust checks and balances, but that shouldn’t mean that hardworking people lose their ability to make a living.
We’ll see if DHS can strike a balance between security and compassion once the rule takes effect, or if this turns into yet another barrier for immigrants who call America home.