Trump Administration Ends Automatic Renewal of Work Permit for International Workers

Who Requires an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is also known as a work permit in USA. It is a card issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document permits international skilled workers to legally work in the USA for a specified period of time. While individuals with non-immigrant work visas like the H1B, L1, O, or P do not require an EAD but many Indian workers depend on EADs, especially those issued to dependents or spouses.

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What is the New Rule for Migrant Workers in USA?

DHS has released a statement stating that any EAD renewals on or after October 30, 2025, will not be automatically renewed. This new rule aims to introduce a stricter screening process for reviewing the worker’s background. For this, the Trump administration will be conducting a thorough vetting process to protect national security. The USCIS also recommends that the renewal applicant file for a renewal at least 180 days prior to the expiration date of the EAD to avoid any errors.

This new rule replaces the older rule that permitted international workers to stay in the USA for 540 days irrespective of their work permit expiring. However, there were certain rules for this grace period.

• The renewal application was filed on time.

• The applicant was eligible for an automatic EAD extension.

• The EAD category matches the ‘Eligibility Category’ or ‘Class Requested’ mentioned on the receipt notice.

Impact of US Work Permit Ban on Indian Workers

The end of automatic work permit renewal in the USA will have a major impact on Indian professionals and their families. Many Indian workers depend on EAD, particularly those who are dependents of H1B visa holders. The impact on Indian workers is as follows:

• Without these automatic extensions, they risk losing their right to work if their renewal applications get delayed, which could lead to temporary job losses or interruptions in their careers.

• Automatic renewal ban is challenging for Indians stuck trying to get the green card, which is a permanent residency in the USA. These workers often rely on EADs to keep their jobs while waiting for their permanent residency to be processed.

• With the H1B visa fee hike, there is an ongoing uncertainty for US companies, especially in the tech sector. Now with the end of automatic EAD renewal, any gaps in work authorization could lead to project delays, talent shortages, and increased administrative burdens.

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