The U.S. government implemented a significant change that impacts hundreds of thousands of immigrants who rely on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to support themselves financially while awaiting the resolution of their immigration cases. As of December 4, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reduced the maximum duration of these permits from five years to just 18 months, a change that applies to both new applications and renewals.
The new rule – which went into effect immediately – is part of the tightening of immigration policies promoted during President Donald Trump’s second term and is intended to allow more frequent evaluations of the eligibility of those who remain in the country under humanitarian programs or with pending immigration proceedings. According to USCIS, reviewing the status of each person more often will help “ensure the integrity of the immigration system” and keep the information of those who receive work authorization up to date.
Work permit validity reduced
USCIS is reducing the validity period of work permits to enhance vetting, deter fraud, and identify potential threats more frequently.
Learn more: https://t.co/YVq9l33t5G pic.twitter.com/rZSug5vSNI
– USCIS (@USCIS) December 4, 2025
The change encompasses a wide variety of migratory categories, including:
Asylum seekers with cases pending before USCIS or Immigration Court.
DACA beneficiaries, young people who came to the U.S. as children and receive temporary protection from deportation.
Persons under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Newly arrived refugees requiring work authorization while settling in.
Individuals with orders of suspension of deportation or open proceedings under NACARA.
Applicants for adjustment of status (permanent residence) with pending cases.
Migrants with special humanitarian permits authorized by USCIS.
Each of these categories depends on the EAD to work legally, maintain steady employment, access services and, in many cases, financially support their families. Now, with shorter permits, they will need to be aware of expiration dates and begin their renewals earlier.
What about those who already have a valid permit?
Tu donativo brinda terapias, esperanza y un futuro sin límites a niños con discapacidad. Haz la diferencia hoy.
Dona y cambia vidas
USCIS clarified that all EADs issued prior to December 4, 2025 will retain their original validity – of one, two, or up to five years – until their final expiration date.
However, any subsequent renewals will be subject to the new 18-month limit.
The agency also reminded applicants that submitting the renewal late may result in interruptions in their right to work, which could affect wages, jobs or even employment-related benefits.
In many cases, renewal can be initiated up to six months prior to expiration, a crucial recommendation given the current processing delays that, in some service centers, can exceed three to four months.
Filed under: Reduced validity of work permits
With information from EFE
