U.S. Work Permits Now Expire Much Faster

Last updated on 1 hour ago

(Visas & Travels) – If you are living and working in the United States under refugee status, asylum, TPS, parole, or while waiting for a green card, the rules governing your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) have just become much stricter. Starting this month, most of these work permits will expire far sooner than before, meaning more frequent renewals, higher costs, and tighter timelines.

1. Major Cut for Refugees, Asylees, and Adjustment Applicants – Effective December 5, 2025

USCIS has rolled back a previous policy that allowed up to 5-year EADs. Effective immediately for any application pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity is now only 18 months for the following groups:

Admitted refugees and individuals granted asylum
People granted withholding of removal or deportation
Pending asylum applications (c)(8)
Pending withholding-of-removal cases
Pending adjustment of status to permanent residence (green card applications under INA §245 – (c)(9))
Certain legacy relief cases (cancellation of removal, suspension of deportation, NACARA)

Result: Instead of renewing every 4–5 years, you will now need to file Form I-765 every 18 months at most.

2. One-Year Limit (or Less) for Parole and TPS – Already in Effect Since July 22, 2025

A new federal law — H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed on July 4, 2025 — imposed even stricter limits for:

All parole categories (humanitarian parole, refugee parole, entrepreneur parole spouses, etc.)
Current TPS holders and pending TPS applicants from any designated country

Work permits for these individuals are now valid for only 12 months or until the end date of the authorized parole/TPS period — whichever is shorter. This rule has been in force since July 22, 2025.

Why Is This Happening?

USCIS states that shorter validity periods allow more frequent background checks, fingerprinting, and security vetting. The agency cites fraud prevention and national security concerns as the primary reasons for the change.

What This Means in Real Life

More paperwork and fees every 12–18 months (current filing fee $520–$630 depending on category; biometrics usually included).
Processing times remain long — currently 6–15 months at many service centers.
Automatic 540-day work authorization extension is still available if you file your renewal on time (before your current card expires).
Employers must continue accepting the automatic extension notice (Form I-797C) + expired EAD as proof of work eligibility for up to 540 days.
Risk of gaps: If you file late or USCIS delays beyond the 540-day extension, you could lose legal work authorization.

Action Steps You Should Take Right Now

Check your current EAD expiration date today.
File your renewal at least 6–8 months in advance — do not wait until the last month.
Keep copies of your filing receipt (I-797C Notice of Action) — this is your proof for the 540-day extension.
Update your employer’s HR department as soon as you receive the receipt notice.
Budget approximately $600 every 1–1.5 years for renewal fees.

Who Is NOT Affected (for now)

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, DACA recipients (separate program), and most employment-based visa holders (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) are not impacted by these specific changes.

Visas & Travels will continue monitoring processing times, fee changes, and any new legislation that could affect work authorization. We’ll send alerts the moment anything else changes.