No more automatic extensions: Indians in US brace for job loss risk

The rule, which takes effect Thursday, eliminates automatic extensions of Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) - the legal work permits required for non-US citizens to be employed in the country.

"Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct. 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD. Ending automatic extensions of EADs results in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for employment authorization to work in the United States," DHS said in a statement.

Until now, workers could continue their jobs for up to 540 days while their renewal applications were pending approval.

Under the new rule, anyone whose renewal is not approved before their current EAD expires must stop working immediately.

“USCIS recommends aliens seek a timely renewal of their EAD by properly filing a renewal application up to 180 days before their EAD expires. The longer an alien waits to file an EAD renewal application, the more likely it is that they may experience a temporary lapse in their employment authorization or documentation,” DHS said.