US Stops Automatic Renewal of Work Permits, Indian Migrants to Face Impact

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced an interim rule that ends the automatic extension of Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) for migrant workers.

The change is expected to affect thousands of foreign professionals, including a large number of Indians who make up a significant share of the skilled workforce in America.

DHS Announces End of Automatic EAD Extensions

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Department clarified, "Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct. 30, 2025 (Thursday), will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD." However, those whose work permits were automatically extended before that date will not be impacted.

The Trump administration said the revised policy will introduce more "vetting and screening to protect public safety, national security."

This marks a major shift from the Biden-era policy that allowed immigrants to continue working in the US for up to 540 days after their EAD expired, provided that:

• The renewal application was submitted on time
• The EAD category was eligible for automatic extension

The category on the existing EAD matched the "Eligibility Category" listed on the receipt notice

According to DHS, "There are limited exceptions to this rule, including extensions provided by law or through a Federal Register notice for TPS-related employment documentation."

Stricter Screening and Immigration Oversight

The DHS stated that the new rule will require more frequent background checks on migrant workers, which it claims will help "deter fraud and detect aliens with potentially harmful intent."

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described the move as a "common sense" approach, stressing that "working in the US is a privilege, not a right."

The USCIS also urged foreign workers to renew their EADs well in advance-up to 180 days before expiry-to avoid any employment gaps. The agency cautioned, "The longer an alien waits to file an EAD renewal application, the more likely it is that they may experience a temporary lapse in their employment authorization or documentation."

Who Requires an EAD?

An Employment Authorisation Document (Form I-766) serves as proof that a person is legally permitted to work in the United States for a specific duration.

Permanent residents do not need an EAD, as their Green Card (Form I-551) already serves as valid proof of work authorization. Similarly, individuals holding non-immigrant visas such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P are also exempt from this requirement.

H-1B Visa Changes and State-Level Hiring Policies

In September, the Trump administration raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 (over ₹88 lakh), saying it ensures that only "very highly skilled" professionals are brought into the country and do not replace American workers. "We need workers. We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that that's what's going to happen," the former president stated.

However, this increased fee does not apply to individuals already residing in the US who are switching visa categories, such as international students moving from an F-1 visa to an H-1B.

Adding to this trend, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state universities should prioritize hiring American citizens for faculty positions, effectively restricting the recruitment of foreign professionals through the H-1B program.