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.
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:
-
Individuals admitted as refugees
-
Individuals granted asylum
-
Individuals granted withholding of deportation or removal
-
Individuals with pending asylum or withholding applications
-
Individuals with pending adjustment of status under INA 245
-
Individuals 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 initial and renewal employment authorization documents will be one year or the end date of the authorized parole period or duration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), whichever is shorter for the following categories:
-
Individuals paroled as refugees
-
Individuals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
-
Individuals granted parole
-
Individuals with pending TPS applications
-
Individuals who are 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.