Explained | What The US Ending Automatic Work Permit Renewal Means For Migrants, Indians | World News
The United States has ended the automatic renewal of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), official work permits that allow non-citizens to work legally in the country, in a move that could affect thousands of migrant workers, including many Indians.
What Has Changed?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that immigrants who apply to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025 will no longer have their work permits automatically extended.
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Until now, migrant workers were allowed to continue working even after their EADs expired, provided they applied for renewal in time; This was a policy implemented during the Biden administration to prevent business disruptions.
Who Will Be Affected?
The change is expected to affect tens of thousands of foreign workers, particularly Indian professionals, who represent one of the largest immigrant groups in the U.S. workforce in sectors such as technology, healthcare and education.
Existing EADs automatically extended before October 30, 2025 will remain valid until their approved extension period expires.
Why Did the Policy Change?
The new rule aims to strengthen “inspection and screening to protect public safety and national security,” according to DHS.
The Trump administration, which introduced the rule, said more frequent background checks would help detect fraud and identify people with potentially harmful intentions.
Are There Exceptions?
Yes. DHS announced that there will be limited exceptions, including: Extensions provided by law and renewals granted under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through a Federal Register notice.
What Does the US Government Say?
Describing the decision as a “common sense” measure, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow said that working in the USA is “not a right, but a privilege.”
He urged immigrants to apply for renewal early, up to 180 days before their EAD expires, to avoid any delays in their work permits.
“The longer an alien waits to apply for EAD renewal, the more likely they are to experience a temporary statute of limitations on their employment authorization or documentation,” USCIS said in a statement.
What Does It Mean for Indian Workers?
Indian citizens make up a large portion of the U.S. temporary and long-term immigrant workforce, especially H-1B and dependent visa holders who depend on EADs for employment. The end of automatic extensions could mean potential job interruptions or periods of unemployment for those who do not renew their permits in advance.
H-1B Visa Fee Increase
The move sparked concerns among tech companies, healthcare institutions and foreign workers following the Trump administration’s recent decision to raise the visa fee for new H-1B petitions to $100,000.
