In a major policy change, the United States has ended automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move expected to hit thousands of Indian professionals hard. The US Work Permit Rule Change, effective Thursday, eliminates the 540-day grace period that once allowed workers to keep their jobs while renewal applications were still pending.
From now on, if a foreign worker’s current permit expires before the new one is approved, their right to work ends immediately. This will significantly affect H-1B dependents, H-4 visa holders, students on OPT and STEM-OPT, and employment-based green card applicants, many of whom are Indian. The US Work Permit Rule Change could disrupt thousands of lives as USCIS currently takes three to twelve months to process renewals.
Immigration attorney Henry Lindpere said this shift marks one of the most consequential immigration changes in years. “Until now, most applicants could continue working while waiting for their renewals. Starting this week, nearly everyone will lose authorization if approval doesn’t come in time,” he explained.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended the decision, citing security concerns. He said the government must prioritize “American safety and integrity of the system” over administrative convenience. Officials pointed to a June 2025 Colorado attack involving an asylum seeker whose work permit was automatically extended as justification for skipping public comment before enforcement.
For Indians waiting years or decades for green cards, this US Work Permit Rule Change means repeated disruptions and job uncertainty. USCIS has advised applicants to file renewal requests at least 180 days before expiry to reduce risks of job loss.
FAQs
Q1: What is the new US Work Permit Rule Change?
A: The US Work Permit Rule Change ends the automatic extension system for employment authorizations in the US.
Q2: How will Indian professionals be affected?
A: Many Indians on H-1B, H-4, or OPT visas could lose jobs if renewals aren’t approved before expiry.
Q3: Why did the US government make this decision?
A: USCIS cited national security and system integrity after a recent security-related incident.
Q4: How can workers protect themselves from job loss?
A: They should file their renewal applications at least 180 days before expiry to avoid impact under the new US Work Permit Rule Change.
