U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a major policy update that reduces the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), increasing how often foreign nationals must undergo security screening before being allowed to work in the country.
The revisions, now incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual, align with new legislative requirements and are intended to strengthen fraud prevention, bolster national security, and ensure continued vetting of individuals seeking employment authorization.
According to USCIS, shortening the validity period of work permits will allow the agency to review applicants more frequently, potentially identifying fraud risks or individuals who may pose threats to public safety.
“Reducing EAD validity helps ensure that individuals authorized to work do not endanger public safety or promote harmful ideologies,” USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said. He referenced a recent attack involving a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., allegedly carried out by an immigrant admitted under the prior administration — an incident he said highlighted the need for increased screening.
EAD Validity Reduced to 18 Months for Key Immigration Categories
The maximum validity for initial and renewed Employment Authorization Documents is being reduced from five years to 18 months for the following groups:
- Refugees admitted to the United States
- Individuals granted asylum
- Individuals granted withholding of removal or deportation
- Applicants with pending asylum or withholding of removal cases
- Applicants with pending adjustment of status (INA 245)
- Applicants seeking suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or NACARA relief
This change applies to all EAD applications filed or pending on or after December 5, 2025.
Additional Reductions Under New Federal Law (H.R. 1)
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025, USCIS must further limit EAD validity to one year or the expiration of parole/TPS — whichever comes first for the following categories:
- Individuals paroled into the U.S. as refugees
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries
- Noncitizens granted parole
- Applicants with pending TPS requests
- Spouses of entrepreneurs under parole programs
These rules apply to all Form I-765 applications pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025, following the Federal Register implementation notice.
More Frequent Vetting Likely to Impact Applicants
The policy shift means many immigrants will need to reapply for their work authorization more often, a move USCIS believes will improve national security and fraud detection. However, it may also lead to increased processing burdens and potentially longer wait times for applicants.
USCIS encourages individuals to visit the agency’s official website for updated guidance on employment authorization and ongoing changes.
