The US Department of Homeland Security has ended work permit automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from Oct 30, 2025. Indians on H-4, OPT and pending green cards face immediate work-loss risk unless renewals are approved before expiry. Here’s what affected workers must do now.
Work Permit Rule Change
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved on Oct. 30, 2025 to end automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a step that could force thousands of foreign workers — including large numbers of Indians — to stop working the day their current permit expires if their renewal is still pending.
Previously, renewal applicants could lawfully continue employment for up to 540 days while USCIS processed their applications; the new rule removes that safety net and places the onus on applicants to file renewals as early as 180 days before expiry.
Policy experts warn the measure will hit H-4 spouses, STEM OPT students, H-1B holders stuck in green-card backlogs and employment-based adjustment-of-status applicants hardest — groups in which Indian nationals are heavily represented. With USCIS processing times stretching from months to over a year in some categories, even early filers could face temporary lapses in work authorisation.
