Washington— In another significant shift in its immigration policy, the United States has announced the end of automatic extensions for Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD), a decision expected to affect thousands of Indian professionals and immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared on Wednesday that foreigners who apply to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive automatic extensions. The move comes weeks after the US government increased H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 per year, signaling a tougher stance on foreign employment.
According to DHS, the measure aims to ensure “proper screening and vetting of aliens” before extending their work permits. “It’s a common-sense measure to make sure appropriate vetting has been completed before an alien’s employment authorisation is extended. All aliens must remember that working in the United States is a privilege, not a right,” said US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow in an official statement.
The decision will impact several categories of workers, including spouses of H-1B, L, and E visa holders, as well as individuals holding refugee or asylee status. Foreign nationals are now required to apply for renewal up to 180 days before their EAD expires to avoid lapses in their employment eligibility.
However, DHS clarified that the new rule will not affect EADs automatically extended before October 30.
Under the previous rule introduced during the Biden administration, applicants who timely filed for EAD renewal received an automatic 540-day extension, ensuring uninterrupted work authorization. The new policy effectively ends this benefit, introducing potential delays and job insecurity for thousands of foreign professionals.
The changes come amid a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation increasing H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 annually, citing the need to prioritize American workers and strengthen national vetting standards.
As of 2022, the United States had around 4.8 million Indian Americans, according to the US Census Bureau, with 66 percent being immigrants and 34 percent US-born. The new rules are likely to affect a considerable portion of this community, particularly those employed in the technology, healthcare, and academic sectors.
