The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will stop automatically renewing work permits (EAD) for immigrant workers starting October 30, 2025, affecting thousands. The Trump administration aims to enhance security through stricter vetting and more frequent background checks. USCIS advises filing renewals 180 days in advance. H-1B visa updates include a $100,000 annual fee and restrictions on hiring foreign workers in Florida universities.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has introduced a new rule stating that work permits (EAD) for immigrant workers will no longer be automatically renewed. This policy change is expected to impact thousands of foreign workers.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, effective Thursday, October 30, 2025, immigrant workers applying to renew their EADs will no longer receive automatic extensions. EADs that were automatically extended before October 30 will remain unaffected.
The Trump administration explained that the new rule aims to enhance “public safety and national security through more thorough vetting.”
This move modifies a previous Biden administration policy, which allowed immigrants to continue working for up to 540 days past the expiration of their work permit, provided they applied for renewal on time and met certain conditions.
The U.S. administration also stated that immigrant workers will now be subject to more frequent background checks to “prevent fraud and identify individuals with harmful intentions against the United States.”
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described the decision as “a commonsense measure” and emphasized that working in the U.S. is “not a right for immigrant workers but a special opportunity.”
USCIS has advised immigrants to submit EAD renewal applications 180 days before their current permit expires. Delays in filing may increase the risk of temporary work stoppages due to lack of legal authorization or proper documentation.
What is an EAD and who needs it:
An EAD (Form I-766) is a document that authorizes individuals to work in the United States for a specified period.
Permanent U.S. residents, including green card holders, do not require an EAD.
Other specialized visa holders, such as H-1B and L-1B, typically do not need this document.
Additional H-1B visa updates:
In September, the Trump administration increased the annual fee for new H-1B visas to $100,000, aiming to attract only “highly skilled” workers.
Furthermore, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis instructed universities to halt hiring foreign workers under H-1B visas, prioritizing employment for U.S. citizens instead.