The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to how Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) — also known as work permits — will be renewed.

As of October 30, 2025, the agency has eliminated the automatic extension policy that previously allowed eligible applicants to continue working while waiting for renewal approval.

This change means that many immigrants may no longer be authorized to work once their EAD expires, unless their new card has already been approved.

Key Changes

No more extensions:

Before this update, certain applicants automatically received up to 540 days of continued work authorization after timely filing their EAD renewal. That policy is no longer in effect.

Immediate effect:

The change went into effect October 30, 2025, and applies to all renewals filed from that date forward.

What This Means for Workers

Without the automatic extension, applicants must now wait until their new work permit is fully approved before resuming employment.

This could lead to temporary job interruptions for those whose renewals are still pending after their current EAD expires.

How to Prepare

If your work permit is expiring soon, here’s what you can do:

✅ File early: Apply for your work permit renewal as soon as possible. Generally, you can file as early as six months before your work permit expires


✅ Consult an attorney: You may qualify for alternative work authorization or expedited processing.

✅ Monitor USCIS updates: The agency may issue further guidance or exceptions in the coming weeks.

Takeaway

This policy change marks a significant shift in how work permits are managed and could impact thousands of immigrants currently working in the U.S.

Planning ahead and consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is the best way to avoid work interruptions and stay compliant with federal regulations.

If you’re unsure how this new rule affects your case, the team at Flora Legal Group is here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

📲 Contact Flora Legal Group today to schedule a consultation.
👉 www.floralegalgroup.com
📍 Indianapolis: (317) 983-3437


📍 Louisville: (502) 493-6009