On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced increased vetting procedures and reduced validity periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These policy changes are part of larger effort to increase government scrutiny towards immigration and visa screening. These policy changes are effective immediately.
The announcement reduced the validity period of EADs from five years to eighteen months. The change applies to the following categories of foreign residents:
- Individuals admitted as refugees.
- Individuals granted asylum.
- Individuals granted withholding of deportation or removal.
- Individuals with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal.
- Individuals with pending applications for:
- Adjustment of status under INA 245.
- Suspension of deportation.
- Cancellation of removal.
- Removal relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.
The change applies to individuals with work permit applications under the above categories filed or pending as of December 5, 2025. Additionally, individuals with work permit applications under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the following conditions now have a validity period of one year:
- Individuals paroled as refugees.
- Individuals granted TPS.
- Individuals granted parole.
- Individuals with a pending TPS application.
- Spouses of entrepreneur parole recipients.
The validity period changes are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.