US Tightens Immigration Rules, Ends Automatic Work Permit Renewal

US Ends Automatic Renewal of Work Permits, Leaving Thousands of Migrants in Uncertainty

In a significant change in policy, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated migrants' automatic renewal of work permits. This decision, which will be implemented starting October 30, 2025, will have an impact on thousands of foreign workers, including a large number of Indians in the US under Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).

New Rule Ends Automatic EAD Extension

According to the DHS, individuals who file for EAD renewal on or after October 30 will no longer receive an automatic extension of their work permit. “Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct. 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD,” the department said in a statement.

This move replaces a Biden-era rule that allowed immigrants to work for up to 540 days after their work permit expired, provided they had applied for renewal in time. The USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) said the change is aimed at strengthening background checks and preventing fraud.

‘Working in the US is a Privilege, Not a Right’

The DHS statement added that the new rule would allow more vetting and screening to protect “public safety and national security.” USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called the measure a “common-sense” approach. “Working in the US is a privilege, not a right,” he said, urging immigrants to file renewals at least 180 days before expiry to avoid lapses in employment authorization.

Limited exceptions will remain for certain categories, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. But the majority of migrant workers, even those under employment-based categories, will now have to stay put until their renewal gets approved before they can resume work.

Impact on Indians and the H-1B Visa Row

The change is likely to have a major impact on the Indian professionals who make up a large part of the US immigrant workers. Many Indian immigrants depend on EADs for work during the process of waiting for green cards or changing their status.

The announcement follows a series of immigration reforms by the Trump administration. Earlier in September, the government raised H-1B visa fees to $100,000, arguing it would ensure only “highly skilled” workers are hired. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also directed universities to prioritize hiring Americans over foreign workers.

With these measures, the administration appears determined to tighten control over US work permit renewals and foreign hiring policies, marking a new phase in America’s ongoing H-1B visa row.