DHS Ends Automatic Work Authorization Extensions

On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants. 

This change has immediate implications for work authorization compliance and workforce planning.

Background

Prior to the rule change, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would automatically extend certain EADs based on a timely filing for renewal of authorization. During the Obama administration, renewal applicants received automatic extensions of up to 180 days past the expiration date on their EADs based on the EAD category. F-1 visa holders completing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) program were the first group to become eligible for automatic extensions, and the policy eventually expanded to include H-4 spouses, Adjustment of Status applicants, refugees and asylees, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and self-petitioners of benefits of the Violence Against Women Act, among others.

The Biden administration lengthened certain types of automatic extensions to 540 days for eligible applications filed on or after May 4, 2022, or pending as of that date.

Change

As of October 30, 2025, most foreign nationals who file EAD renewal applications will no longer receive automatic extensions. The Trump administration cited security concerns related to the vetting and screening of individuals receiving automatic extensions as justification for the change.

The interim final rule contains important exceptions, including:

• Automatic extensions already granted by the timely filing of an EAD renewal application prior to the publication date of October 30, 2025.
• Authorization by federal statute, regulation, or Federal Register notice for TPS beneficiaries. So far, this category includes:
  • F-1 STEM OPT extensions, which were never eligible for the 540-day automatic extension period. Instead, timely filed extension applications in this category will automatically extend employment authorization for 180 days.
  • Certain nonimmigrants with work authorization through a nonimmigrant visa category specific to their occupation, such as those in H-1B, L-1, or O-1 status. It appears that these individuals are not affected by the change and will continue to hold work authorization for up to 240 days following the expiration date of their current petition or until USCIS issues a decision, whichever comes first.

With current processing periods for renewals generally spanning between six and 12 months, the interim final rule significantly increases the risk of a lapse in work authorization among employees.

Next Steps

Employers should check the status of their employees’ work authorizations and contact legal counsel as soon as possible to discuss any individuals who might be affected by the rule change. Additionally, employers should:

• Monitor EAD processing times to help prepare for potential gaps in work authorization among their employees.
• Encourage affected employees to file for EAD renewals as early as possible within the expiration filing window.
• Revise internal I-9 procedures and trainings to ensure relevant employees are aware of the changes to automatic EAD extensions.
• Ensure human resources or legal teams coordinate with other departments whose operations might be affected by employees abruptly losing work authorization.
• Consider submitting a public comment regarding the interim final rule by December 1, 2025; comments can be entered here.