U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced several changes affecting Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), commonly known as work permits — including how long work permits are valid, whether work authorization continues while a renewal is pending, and filing fee increases for certain categories. Below is a summary of what has changed, who is affected, and what applicants should know.
Shorter Validity Periods for Many EADs
In recent years, some EADs were issued with validity periods of up to five years. Under new USCIS policy, many categories will now receive shorter validity periods.
For EAD applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, USCIS will generally limit EAD validity to 18 months for certain humanitarian and family-based categories, including refugees, asylees, individuals granted withholding of removal, and applicants with pending asylum, adjustment of status, or cancellation of removal cases.
For certain parole- and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)-based cases, EADs pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025 will generally be valid for one year or until the underlying status or parole period ends, whichever is shorter.
Important:
Existing EADs — including five-year EADs — remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card. These changes apply only to new or renewal applications filed on or after the applicable effective dates.
End of Automatic EAD Extensions for Most Categories
Previously, many EAD holders could continue working while a renewal application was pending based on an automatic extension.
For renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, USCIS has announced that automatic extensions will generally no longer apply for many common categories, including adjustment-, asylum-, cancellation-, and parole-based EADs. In those cases, individuals typically must receive approval of the new EAD before continuing to work after their current card expires.
Some categories are not affected, including:
- Renewals filed before October 30, 2025
- F-1 STEM OPT applicants
- Certain TPS-based EADs extended by Federal Register notice
Filing Fee Increases for Certain EAD Applications
USCIS has also announced inflation-adjusted filing fee increases for certain immigration applications filed on or after January 1, 2026.
These increases apply only to specific categories, including some asylum-, parole-, and TPS-based EAD applications and related filings. Many other EAD categories — including adjustment of status–based EADs — are not affected.
Applications submitted with incorrect fees may be rejected, so it is important to confirm the required fee at the time of filing.
Know Your EAD Category
These USCIS changes apply only to certain EAD categories. Your category is printed on the front of your EAD card and contains a letter and a number — for example, (a)(12), (c)(8), or (c)(9) — and determines which rules apply to you. Specifically, your EAD category determines: how long your work permit is valid; whether automatic extensions apply; and whether these USCIS policy changes affect you.
[Read our full explainer: “Understanding Your EAD Category”]
(Includes how to find your category, a visual chart of common categories, and common mistakes to avoid.)
Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS EAD Changes
Many of these questions depend on your specific EAD category. You can learn more about how categories work in our Understanding Your EAD Category guide.
Will my current EAD be shortened because of these changes?
No. If you already have an EAD (including a five-year EAD), it remains valid until the expiration date printed on the card. The new rules apply only to new or renewal applications.
Can I continue working while my EAD renewal is pending?
It depends on your category and when the renewal is filed. For many categories, automatic extensions will not applyto renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025. In those cases, you generally must receive approval of the new EADbefore continuing to work after your current card expires.
Do these changes affect everyone with a work permit?
No. The changes apply only to certain EAD categories.
Are EAD filing fees increasing?
Yes, but only for certain categories and only for applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 and the increases are minimal.
When should I file my EAD renewal?
Filing timelines vary by category and individual circumstances. USCIS provides general guidance, but renewal strategy should be discussed with an experienced immigration attorney.
Please note: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. If you have questions about your particular situation, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney. If you are an existing client of Joseph & Hall, P.C., please contact the attorney or paralegal assigned to your case to discuss how these changes may affect you. You may call 303-297-9171 or use our online appointment scheduler to make an appointment with your attorney if you are an existing client, or to schedule a paid consultation if you are a prospective client: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/6c7a5321.
