The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced a new policy ending automatic work permit extensions for certain noncitizens, significantly affecting H-1B spouses and F-1 students.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new policy that will take effect on October 30, 2025. This policy will end the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for specific noncitizens who are applying for renewals. The change particularly affects H-4 visa holders, who are spouses of H-1B workers, F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), asylum seekers, and others who depend on EADs to work legally in the United States.
Under the previous policy, individuals filing timely renewal applications could continue to work for up to 540 days while their renewal was being processed, thanks to an automatic extension. However, this automatic extension will no longer be available, except in exceptional cases that are explicitly outlined by law or under Temporary Protected Status provisions.
DHS has described this policy shift as a necessary measure to enhance security by increasing vetting and background checks. The goal is to better detect fraud and identify potential public safety risks. Joseph Edlow, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), emphasized that working in the U.S. is a privilege that necessitates rigorous screening to ensure national security.
In light of this new policy, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their renewal applications up to 180 days before their current EAD expires. This proactive approach is crucial to avoid potential gaps in work authorization, which could occur if there are delays in the renewal processing.
This sudden policy change is expected to impact thousands of foreign workers, particularly Indian nationals, who represent the largest group of H-1B visa holders and international students in the U.S. In 2024, approximately 27% of all international students in the U.S. were from India, and Indian nationals accounted for around 71% of approved H-1B visa recipients.
The decision to end automatic work permit extensions marks a significant tightening of immigration work authorization policies. This shift reverses earlier expansions made by the Biden administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, which aimed to address processing backlogs. The current administration’s focus appears to be on stronger immigration enforcement that aligns with national security priorities.
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, many affected individuals will need to navigate this new landscape carefully to maintain their work authorization and avoid disruptions in their employment.
Source: Original article