The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual to shorten the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change aligns with recent legislation and aims to strengthen vetting and screening of individuals authorized to work in the United States.
Why the Change?
Reducing EAD validity periods will allow USCIS to conduct more frequent security checks, helping to:
- Deter fraud
- Detect individuals who may pose national security or public safety risks
- Ensure compliance with US immigration laws
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized the importance of these measures following recent security incidents:
“Reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies.”
New Validity Periods
Effective December 5, 2025, the maximum validity for initial and renewal EADs will be reduced from five years to 18 months for the following categories:
- Aliens admitted as refugees
- Aliens granted asylum
- Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal
- Aliens with pending asylum or withholding applications
- Aliens with pending adjustment of status under INA 245
- Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or NACARA relief
Legislative Changes Under H.R. 1
As required by H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), signed July 4, 2025, the validity period for certain categories will be one year or the end date of the authorized parole/TPS period, whichever is shorter:
- Aliens paroled as refugees
- Aliens granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Aliens granted parole
- Aliens with pending TPS applications
- Alien spouses of entrepreneur parole applicants
These requirements apply to any Form I-765 filed on or after July 22, 2025.
Impact
Applicants with pending or newly filed EAD requests under these categories should expect shorter validity periods and more frequent renewals, ensuring continuous compliance and security screening.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.