In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major reduction in the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for several categories of legal immigrants. Under this new 18-month work permit policy, effective immediately for applications submitted or pending as of December 5, 2025, the maximum validity of these work permits has been cut from five years to just 18 months.
This measure represents a reversal of previous policies aimed at reducing administrative burdens and paves the way for what the agency describes as “more frequent background checks” for foreign nationals working in the United States.
Who Is Affected?
The new 18-month limit applies to a wide range of applicants who previously benefited from the longer five-year validity period introduced under the previous administration. Affected categories include:
- Individuals with pending adjustment of status applications (permanent residence or Green Card).
- Asylum applicants with pending cases.
- Refugees and individuals granted asylum.
- Individuals granted withholding of removal.
- Applicants for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.
Additionally, under the newly implemented “One Big Beautiful Bill,” other groups—such as those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or certain parole beneficiaries—will see their work authorization limited to one year or the end of their authorized status, whichever is shorter.
Why the Change?
According to USCIS, the main reason for this policy change is national security. The agency stated that shortening the renewal cycle allows for more frequent background checks and evaluations. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow cited recent security incidents, including an attack on National Guard members, as justification for stricter oversight, arguing that frequent assessments are necessary to ensure that workers do not pose a threat to public safety.
Impact on Immigrants and the System
Critics and immigrant advocates warn that this policy is likely to worsen existing backlogs. Frequent EAD renewals will raise USCIS application volumes, increase fees to $275, and heighten the risk of temporary unemployment from processing delays.
For more detailed information on the specific categories and the agency’s official statement, you can read the original USCIS press release here.
Erika Rodriguez
