Here is an update about the new EAD work permit validity period for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain applicants.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently changed the duration of some work permits with its termination of the automatic EAD extension rule. As a result, the maximum validity period has been reduced from 5 years to 18 months for certain EAD applicants.
EAD and Work Permit Applicants Affected by the New Validity Rule
The EAD applicants affected by this change are:
- Refugees;
- People granted asylum;
- Withholding of deportation or removal grantees;
- Applicants with pending asylum applications
- People with pending form I-485 Adjustment of Status or green card applications
- Applicants with pending applications for Suspension of Deportation, Cancellation of Removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA).
This new EAD validity date rule affects people with EAD applications that are processed or filed on, or after December 5, 2025, and based on any of the above categories.
What the New Validity Date Rule Means for EAD and Work Permit Applicants
The new EAD validity date rule means that the affected EAD applicants will need to renew their work permits regularly. This is because their work permits will expire faster.
Secondly, applicants will have additional filing fee costs for their frequent work permit applications.
Thirdly, applicants may face work permit delays and USCIS processing backlogs as the USCIS now has more applications to process.
Finally, as a result of these changes, applicants should plan to apply for their work permit renewals in good time to avoid gaps in employment due to EAD processing delays.
Thank you for reading this article. Note: This general information guide is not a substitute for specific legal advice from your own lawyer.
Contact Our Immigration Lawyer
To contact our immigration lawyer for your immigration applications or find out the best path for you, please select Book Appointment on our website www.emenikelaw.com. Law Offices of Doreen A Emenike (626) 256-8500.
Read more: Speed Up Your EAD Work Permit Process by Avoiding These 6 mistakes
Read more: How To Speed Up EAD or Work Permit Renewals
Related reading: How to respond to a USCIS Request For Evidence (RFE)
