USCIS Cuts Work Permit Validity From 5 Years to 18 Months: What Immigrants Need to Know
USCIS has announced a major policy change that affects thousands of immigrants who rely on Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to legally work in the United States. Instead of issuing work permits with up to five years of validity, USCIS will now limit most new and renewed EADs to 18 months.
This shift shortens the stability workers and employers have come to expect and means many applicants may need to prepare for more frequent renewals.
Why Did USCIS Make This Change?
According to USCIS, the goal of reducing EAD validity is to maintain tighter oversight of eligibility and ensure that applicants still qualify at shorter intervals.
However, this also means:
More applications will cycle through USCIS.
Processing workloads may increase.
Applicants will need to track expiration dates far more carefully.
For many families, this change may feel like a setback, especially after USCIS recently expanded automatic extensions for certain categories to help address long delays.
Who Is Affected?
This policy applies to most immigrants who qualify for work permits, including:
Adjustment-of-status applicants
Certain humanitarian categories (such as asylum applicants and parolees)
Individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Spouses of H-1B and L-1 workers (depending on category)
If your EAD category previously allowed up to 5 years, you should now expect a shorter approval.
What This Means for Workers
More Frequent Renewals
Instead of renewing every five years, many applicants will need to file nearly every year to avoid lapses in authorization, especially when factoring in processing times.
Risk of Employment Gaps
If USCIS delays occur or if an applicant waits too long to file, there is a higher risk that:
Work authorization will expire
Employers may need to remove the person from payroll
Families could lose income during the lapse
Higher Costs and More Paperwork
More renewals mean:
Increased filing fees
More time gathering documents
More attorney consultations
More pressure to track deadlines carefully
What This Means for Employers
Employers who rely on foreign talent must prepare for:
More frequent I-9 updates
Possible employment interruptions during processing
Increased HR workload
Greater need for proactive planning around travel, renewals, and staffing
For companies with multiple sponsored workers, failure to plan ahead may disrupt business operations.
How Applicants Can Prepare
Although the new rule brings challenges, there are steps you can take to avoid interruptions:
1. Track Your EAD Expiration Date Immediately
Set reminders 6–8 months before your card expires. Early filing is essential.
2. Renew As Soon As You Are Eligible
Do not wait. The earlier you file, the stronger your protection against gaps in work authorization.
3. Review Automatic-Extension Eligibility
Some categories can receive automatic extensions if the renewal is filed on time.
4. Keep Your Case Information Updated
Make sure your address, documents, and immigration records are accurate and current.
5. Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney
If you are unsure how this change impacts your specific case, speak with a qualified lawyer who can advise on timelines, risks, and the best steps forward.
USCIS reducing EAD validity from 5 years to 18 months represents a major shift for immigrants and employers alike. While the policy may create more administrative work and uncertainty, proper planning can help minimize disruptions.
If you need help understanding how this change affects your case, preparing your renewal, or avoiding employment gaps, our office is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact The Law Office of Adebimpe Jafojo for guidance and strategic planning on your work authorization needs.
