DHS’s new rule to halt automatic EAD extensions from October 30, 2025, prioritizing background checks and national security, with limited exceptions for TPS holders.
United States has announced it will end automatic extensions of work permits for many immigrants, marking a significant shift in its employment authorization policy. The change, which takes effect on Thursday October 30, 2025, was confirmed on Friday October 31, 2025, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which cited national security concerns as its primary motivation.
The updated policy will affect immigrants seeking to renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Until now, eligible applicants could continue working while their renewal forms were being processed. Under the new rule, that practice will cease, and renewals will only be approved once all background checks have been completed.
“Immigrants filing to renew their EAD on or after Thursday October 30, 2025, will no longer be eligible for automatic extension. This rule prioritizes comprehensive screening and vetting before granting extensions of employment authorization,” the DHS stated in a public announcement.
The department clarified that exceptions will exist, particularly in cases tied to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or other federal legal provisions. Still, the overall objective is to close what DHS officials say is a security loophole.
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Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), described the change as a move away from what he called “convenience-focused policies” of the past. “USCIS is reinforcing rigorous alien screening and vetting, moving away from policies of the previous administration that placed convenience ahead of Americans’ security,” Edlow said.
The decision signals a broader shift by U.S. authorities toward prioritizing scrutiny and vetting in immigration processes. Officials argue that more rigorous background checks are necessary to prevent fraud and to identify individuals who may pose security risks before allowing them to continue working in the country.
Immigrants are now encouraged to submit their renewal applications up to 180 days before the expiration of their current work permits to avoid employment gaps. DHS warned that those who delay may face temporary lapses since automatic extensions will no longer be granted during processing.
The agency also noted that any existing automatic extensions issued before the October 30 deadline will not be affected.
Separately, DHS also confirmed that applicants submitting paper-based immigration forms must now make payments electronically. This aligns with a federal push toward fully digital payment systems, as directed by Executive Order 14247.
The policy adjustments reflect the administration’s stated focus on tightening immigration controls while modernizing application systems.
