USCIS Ends Automatic Extensions for Work Permits

If you work in the United States with a work permit (EAD), a major change is coming. Starting October 30, 2025, many people who renew their Employment Authorization Document will no longer receive an automatic extension of their work authorization while waiting for the renewal to be approved.

This means that if your EAD expires and your renewal hasn’t been approved yet, you may temporarily lose your permission to work. Understanding this change and preparing early will be crucial to avoid gaps in employment.

Why USCIS Is Ending Automatic Extensions

For years, USCIS allowed automatic extensions for certain categories of EAD renewals. If you filed before your card expired, you could usually keep working for up to 180 days while waiting for your new card.

Now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it wants to tighten vetting and screening before renewing anyone’s work authorization. According to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, this rule “ensures appropriate vetting and screening has been completed before an alien’s employment authorization or documentation is extended.” In simpler terms, USCIS wants to review each person’s background more often to catch potential fraud or security risks.

Who This Rule Affects

This change will affect most people who file their EAD renewal on or after October 30, 2025.

If you file before that date and your EAD is automatically extended under current rules, your extension will not be affected. But anyone filing on or after the new date will lose that automatic extension unless they qualify for one of a few exceptions.

Exceptions include:

• Certain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) categories, if DHS announces extensions through the Federal Register,

• EADs that are extended by specific laws or humanitarian programs.

If your work permit is based on another category, such as a pending green card (adjustment of status), H-4 or L-2 dependent status, or asylum, it is very likely that you will be affected by this rule.

What This Means for You

Without automatic extensions, workers could face gaps in employment authorization while waiting for renewals to be processed. That could cause stress for both you and your employer.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

1. File Your Renewal Early

USCIS allows EAD renewals to be filed up to 180 days before your current card expires. Don’t wait until the last minute, filing early gives USCIS more time to process your case before your work authorization runs out.

2. Track Your Case

Keep copies of your receipt notice and check your case status online regularly, if processing times are long, you will want to know your timeline well in advance.

3. Talk to Your Employer

Let your HR department know about this change so they understand why your new EAD might take longer to arrive. Employers will need to update your I-9 form once your new card is approved.

4. Get Legal Guidance

Because this rule affects many immigration categories differently, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced immigration attorney. A lawyer can help you figure out whether you qualify for an exception and how to avoid interruptions in your ability to work.

Why Acting Early Matters

Processing times for EADs can vary widely, and in recent years, delays have been common. Without automatic extensions, even a short delay could mean a few weeks or months without the ability to work legally.

By filing early and planning ahead, you can minimize those risks. Remember, USCIS recommends filing as early as possible within the 180-day window before expiration.

Final Thoughts

This change may seem small, but it will have a major impact on thousands of workers across the United States. The end of automatic EAD extensions means you must take control of your renewal timeline to avoid any interruption in your job.

If you are unsure whether this rule affects you or how to prepare, Tran Flores Law can help. Our attorney can review your specific immigration category, ensure your renewal is filed on time, and help protect your ability to work legally in the U.S.

📞 Call us today at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and make sure your work authorization stays on track.