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USCIS Reduces EAD Validity Periods: Essential Updates for U.S. Workers

December 7, 2025 7:06 am

USCIS Reduces EAD Validity Periods: Essential Updates for U.S. Workers

Attention all prospective workers: Significant changes have arrived regarding Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has shortened the validity periods for many EAD cards to increase security and ensure eligibility. These adjustments impact both new and pending applications, so it’s essential to understand the implications for your work status in the United States.

Overview of Changes

Starting soon, many individuals will only receive 18 months or even one year of work authorization. This shift applies to various categories of EAD applicants, emphasizing the need for regular checks and updates on eligibility.

Rationale Behind the Changes

USCIS aims to enhance its vetting process and reduce incidents of fraud. By regularly reviewing applicants’ circumstances, the agency seeks to identify potential security issues more swiftly. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow highlighted that these adjustments would protect public safety and facilitate ongoing background checks. This decision follows concerns about a violent incident involving an immigrant in Washington, D.C.

Key Groups Affected by New Validity Periods

Here’s a breakdown of how the validity periods will change for different groups:

1. Standard Validity Periods

The maximum validity for both initial and renewed EADs has been reduced to 18 months (previously five years). This change affects the following groups:

Refugees
Individuals granted asylum
Those with withholding of deportation
Applicants with pending asylum or withholding cases
Individuals waiting for green card applications (adjustment of status)
Those with pending cases for deportation suspension or cancellation of removal

These rules apply to any EAD applications submitted or pending as of December 5, 2025, under the listed categories.

2. Shorter Validity Periods for Additional Categories

A law enacted on July 4, 2025 (H.R. 1) introduces even stricter limits. The following groups will receive only one year of EAD validity or until their parole/Temporary Protected Status (TPS) period ends, if shorter:

Paroled refugees
Individuals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Paroled individuals
Applicants with pending TPS applications
Spouses of entrepreneur parole recipients

These changes apply to any Form I-765 filing pending or submitted after July 22, 2025.

Preparing for the Changes

If you belong to any of these groups, be prepared for more frequent renewals. Taking proactive steps now can help you maintain steady employment without interruptions. Stay organized, monitor renewal deadlines, and ensure all documentation is up to date.

Conclusion

In summary, the USCIS has implemented significant reductions in EAD validity periods for various categories. These changes aim to enhance security and ensure compliance among workers. If your EAD is affected, plan ahead to minimize any risk of employment gaps. Keep informed to safeguard your ability to work legally in the United States.