US Ends Automatic 540-Day Work Permit Extensions for Certain Immigrants

The United States has finalized a rule ending automatic extensions of employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain immigrants renewing their work permits. The change could force some foreign workers to temporarily stop working if their current permits expire before their renewal applications are approved.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized the rule following an earlier policy change introduced in October 2025. Under the previous system, eligible immigrants who filed timely renewal applications could receive automatic work authorization extensions of up to 540 days while waiting for their applications to be processed.

Under the revised rule, filing a renewal application generally will no longer be sufficient to extend work authorization automatically for applications filed on or after October 30, 2025. Workers whose existing permits expire before their renewals are approved may have to suspend employment unless they qualify for another valid basis for work authorization.

The policy could affect immigrant employees whose jobs depend on maintaining valid work authorization, including certain applicants awaiting permanent residency and some spouses of visa holders. Processing delays could leave affected workers without income and create staffing challenges for employers required to verify employees’ eligibility to work.

However, the rule does not automatically cancel extensions that were already granted before October 30, 2025. Certain categories of workers may also qualify for exceptions under specific laws or government notices. Eligibility depends on an individual’s immigration category and the applicable regulations.

Immigrants working in the United States are advised to monitor their work permit expiration dates, submit renewal applications according to official guidance and verify whether any exceptions apply to their cases. A pending renewal application should not be assumed to provide continued work authorization after the current permit expires.