In a transfer that would influence 1000’s of migrant employees, together with many Indians, the USA has ended the automated renewal of Employment Authorisation Paperwork (EADs), the official work permits that permit non-citizens to work legally within the nation.
What Has Modified?
The US Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) introduced that immigrants who apply to resume their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will now not obtain an automated extension of their work permits.
Till now, migrant employees have been allowed to proceed working even after their EAD expired, so long as that they had filed a renewal software in time, a coverage launched beneath the Biden administration to stop work disruptions.
Who Will Be Affected?
The change is anticipated to have an effect on tens of 1000’s of international employees, notably Indian professionals, who symbolize one of many largest migrant teams within the US workforce throughout sectors equivalent to expertise, healthcare, and schooling.
Current EADs that have been routinely prolonged earlier than October 30, 2025, will stay legitimate till their permitted extension interval ends.
Why Has The Coverage Modified?
In response to DHS, the brand new rule goals to strengthen “vetting and screening to guard public security and nationwide safety.”
The Trump administration, beneath which the rule has been launched, mentioned extra frequent background checks will assist detect fraud and determine people with probably dangerous intent.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Sure. DHS clarified that there will probably be restricted exceptions, together with: Extensions supplied by legislation and renewals granted beneath Non permanent Protected Standing (TPS) by way of a Federal Register discover.
What Does The US Authorities Say?
Calling the choice a “common sense” measure, US Citizenship and Immigration Providers (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow mentioned that working in the USA is a “privilege, not a proper.”
He urged immigrants to use early for renewals, as much as 180 days earlier than their EAD expires, to keep away from any lapse in work authorization.
“The longer an alien waits to file an EAD renewal software, the extra seemingly it’s that they might expertise a short lived lapse of their employment authorization or documentation,” USCIS mentioned in a press release.
What It Means For Indian Employees
Indian nationals make up a big share of the US’s short-term and long-term migrant workforce, particularly these on H-1B and dependent visas who additionally depend on EADs for employment. The top of automated extensions might imply potential job interruptions or durations of unemployment for individuals who fail to resume their permits upfront.
H-1B Visa Charge Hike
This transfer follows the Trump administration’s latest choice to lift the visa price for brand new H-1B petitions to $100,000, triggering concern amongst tech corporations, healthcare establishments, and international workers.