US Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions for Foreign Employees
The United States has introduced new restrictions affecting foreign workers as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially ended automatic extensions of work permits for those awaiting renewal approvals. The change took effect on October 30, leaving thousands of workers facing immediate uncertainty over their employment status.
Under the previous policy, noncitizen employees were allowed to continue working for up to 540 days while their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications were being processed. That grace period has now been removed. Under the new rule, work authorization will expire immediately after the current permit lapses, unless a renewal has already been approved.
The change disproportionately affects professionals from countries like India, who make up a large portion of the H-1B and H-4 visa workforce. Reports indicate that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also instructed state universities to prioritize hiring American citizens over foreign visa holders, further tightening opportunities for skilled migrants.
With processing times for work permit renewals by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) often ranging from three to twelve months, immigration attorneys are urging workers to apply for renewals at least 180 days before expiration to minimize employment gaps.
The DHS decision reflects a broader federal and state-level trend toward stricter immigration enforcement and reduced reliance on foreign labor. Critics warn that the change will disrupt families, hinder skilled professionals, and create uncertainty for industries reliant on specialized foreign talent.
The policy marks one of the most significant recent shifts in US employment-based immigration, signaling a tougher environment for international workers seeking long-term stability in the country.
