On December 4, 2025, as part of USCIS’ increased screening and vetting of foreign nationals working in the U.S., USCIS announced it will be reducing the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) categories (see below), whether they are initial or renewal applications.
Validity of 18 months (from 5 years) for EAD applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025:
admitted as refugees;
granted asylum;
granted withholding of deportation or removal;
with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245; and
with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.
Validity of 1 year or end date of authorized parole period or duration of Temporary Protected State (TPS), whichever is shorter:
paroled as refugees;
granted TPS;
granted parole;
with a pending TPS application; and
spouse of entrepreneur parole.
With auto-extension of EADs no longer available for certain categories, including I-485 applicants (C09) listed above, affected foreign nationals should file renewal applications at the earliest possible opportunity – ideally the full 180 days in advance – to avoid a lapse in work authorization.
Jennifer Carr © Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC 2025