The Trump Administration has ended automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain visa holders, including H-4 spouses, F-1 students on OPT, and asylum seekers. The change, effective immediately, forces applicants to undergo fresh vetting before their work permits can be renewed.
US Work Permit Rule Change Disrupts Thousands
According to the India Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the new rule on October 30, 2025. Previously, eligible applicants received automatic extensions of up to 180 or even 540 days while their renewals were pending. Now, they must wait for full adjudication before continuing employment.
Impact on H-4 Visa Holders and F-1 Students
This change disproportionately affects Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders and international students in the US. Around 450,000 people apply for EAD renewals annually, many of whom are Indian spouses and students relying on timely approvals to maintain their jobs and internships.
“Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30 will no longer receive an automatic extension,” DHS stated in its official release. Limited exceptions apply only to TPS-related documentation or specific legal provisions.
Fresh Vetting Raises Concerns Over Delays
Immigration attorneys warn that the new vetting process could lead to significant delays, especially given USCIS’s existing backlog. Without automatic extensions, workers may face employment gaps, loss of income, and even termination.
“This is a step backward for legal immigrants,” said Reddy Neumann Brown PC in a legal analysis. “It dismantles a system that protected thousands from job loss due to processing delays.”
Indian Workforce Hit Hard
Indians are among the most affected by this overnight change. With over 75% of H-4 EAD holders being Indian women and thousands of F-1 students enrolled in STEM programs, the rule threatens both personal livelihoods and broader workforce stability.
What Comes Next?
Applicants must now plan renewals well in advance and prepare for possible employment gaps. Immigration experts recommend tracking USCIS updates and consulting legal advisors to avoid disruptions.
As the US tightens its immigration policies, this rule change highlights the growing uncertainty faced by legal immigrants—even those contributing to critical sectors like tech, healthcare, and education.
