Weeks after raising the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000, the United States government has announced the end of automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) — a move that is expected to significantly affect thousands of Indian immigrants and skilled professionals across the country.
In a statement issued on October 29, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that foreign nationals applying to renew their EADs on or after October 30 will no longer receive automatic extensions while their applications are pending.
“Ensuring proper vetting and screening before authorizing employment is a matter of national interest,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow. “Working in the United States is a privilege, not a right.”
The DHS described the policy shift as part of broader efforts to tighten screening procedures for non-citizens seeking work authorization.
Who Is Affected
The change will impact a wide group of foreign nationals who rely on renewable EADs to maintain employment, including:
H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B workers)
Spouses of L and E visa holders
Individuals granted refugee or asylee status
Under the new policy, applicants are encouraged to file renewals up to 180 days before their EAD expires. However, immigration attorneys caution that even early filing may not prevent employment interruptions due to existing processing delays.
The DHS noted that the change will not apply to:
EADs that received automatic extensions before October 30
Individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Cases where federal law explicitly authorizes extensions
Under the previous policy introduced during the Biden administration, eligible applicants were granted an automatic extension of up to 540 days, allowing them to continue working while renewal applications were processed.
Impact on Indian Workers
Indian nationals are expected to be among the most affected. Indian professionals represent a large share of the U.S. tech, healthcare, and research workforce, and many rely on renewable work permits while waiting for permanent residency. Due to per-country green card caps, some Indian applicants face wait times exceeding 20 years.
“This policy could lead to a wave of forced job losses among highly skilled workers who have lived and contributed in the U.S. for years,” said a New Jersey-based immigration consultant. “Even a one-day lapse in authorization means they cannot legally work.”
Immigration lawyers warn that the rule could lead to:
Sudden employment termination
Loss of health insurance benefits
Visa status complications
Disruption for employers relying on specialized talent
Part of a Broader Restrictive Shift
The new EAD rule follows a series of immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration. In September, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising annual H-1B fees to $100,000, citing the protection of American workers. Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed state universities to stop hiring foreign nationals on H-1B visas.
Taken together, the changes reflect a tightening of pathways for foreign workers, particularly in sectors where Indian professionals play a critical role.
For now, the DHS decision adds yet another layer of uncertainty for Indian families navigating America’s complex and often prolonged immigration process.
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