US Ends 540‑Day Automatic Work Permit Extension for Immigrants
What Happened
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register eliminating the 540‑day automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs). The policy, introduced under the Biden administration to offset USCIS processing delays, had allowed immigrants to continue working while renewal applications were pending. The new rule applies to applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, affecting categories such as H‑4 visa holders (spouses of H‑1B workers) and asylum seekers. DHS stated the change is intended to strengthen vetting and screening before granting continued work authorization. As of June 2026, USCIS had over 432,000 pending EAD renewals, including 91,000 delayed beyond 18 months.
Key Takeaways
The end of automatic extensions increases the risk of job interruptions for immigrants if USCIS delays persist. Employers and affected workers must now plan renewals carefully, as authorization lapses could occur without timely approvals.