US Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions, Affecting Thousands of Foreign Workers

On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented a new interim final rule that eliminates the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for many categories of foreign workers, including H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders and applicants with pending Adjustment of Status applications. This change ends a safety net that previously allowed foreign nationals to continue working while their EAD renewals were processed, with extension periods having ranged from 180 to 540 days under prior policies. The rule aims to enhance vetting and national security but has raised concerns about forcing many foreign workers, especially the Indian diaspora, to halt employment or potentially leave the U.S. The policy does not apply retroactively to renewals filed before the effective date and exempts certain categories like some Temporary Protected Status holders. Employers are advised to closely monitor their foreign national employees' work authorization status and encourage timely renewal filings to avoid employment disruptions. This shift marks a significant rollback of protections established during the Biden administration to mitigate work permit backlogs and maintain workforce stability.