The US Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for migrant workers, effective October 30, 2025. Under this rule, foreign nationals renewing their EADs on or after that date will no longer receive an automatic extension, though extensions granted before will remain valid. The Trump administration said the policy aims to strengthen “vetting and screening” to safeguard national security and prevent fraud.

This change replaces the Biden-era policy that allowed immigrants to continue working for up to 540 days after their EAD expired, provided they filed timely renewals and met specific eligibility criteria. The Department noted limited exceptions, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders covered under federal law or special notices.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called the measure “common sense,” emphasizing that working in America is a “privilege, not a right.” He urged applicants to file renewal requests up to 180 days before expiry to avoid employment gaps.

The decision follows other immigration tightening measures, including raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 and Florida’s directive prioritizing American hires at universities. These steps signal a broader push toward restricting foreign labor and reshaping US immigration policy.

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for migrant workers, effective October 30, 2025. Under this rule, foreign nationals renewing their EADs on or after that date will no longer receive an automatic extension, though extensions granted before will remain valid. The Trump administration said the policy aims to strengthen “vetting and screening” to safeguard national security and prevent fraud.

This change replaces the Biden-era policy that allowed immigrants to continue working for up to 540 days after their EAD expired, provided they filed timely renewals and met specific eligibility criteria. The Department noted limited exceptions, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders covered under federal law or special notices.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called the measure “common sense,” emphasizing that working in America is a “privilege, not a right.” He urged applicants to file renewal requests up to 180 days before expiry to avoid employment gaps.

The decision follows other immigration tightening measures, including raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 and Florida’s directive prioritizing American hires at universities. These steps signal a broader push toward restricting foreign labor and reshaping US immigration policy.