Article Summary

The US government will cease automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from October 30, 2025, a decision announced by the Department of Homeland Security aimed at strengthening background checks. This policy change poses a major disruption for Indian nationals, who constitute 71% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, and will affect H-4 dependents and Green Card applicants. Applicants are now advised to file EAD renewal requests up to 180 days before their current permits expire to prevent lapses in work authorization.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This news is critical for hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals and their employers. It means that any processing delay by USCIS for EAD renewals after October 30, 2025, will result in an immediate lapse of work authorization, potentially leading to mandatory unpaid leave or job termination. This introduces significant uncertainty and operational challenges for both employees and companies relying on foreign talent.

Previously, many EAD categories benefited from an automatic extension of their work authorization while a renewal application was pending, allowing for continuity of employment. This new rule eliminates that crucial buffer, except for specific statutory or Temporary Protected Status cases. For tech startups and other businesses employing skilled foreign workers, this change necessitates proactive workforce planning and close monitoring of EAD expiration dates. Employers must ensure employees file renewals well in advance to mitigate the risk of sudden work stoppages. For individual visa holders, particularly those on H-4 EADs or awaiting Green Card processing, meticulous attention to filing deadlines and potential USCIS processing backlogs becomes paramount to avoid career disruption. The critical deadline is October 30, 2025, after which automatic extensions will cease, with USCIS advising renewals up to 180 days prior to expiration.