The United States Adjusts the Validity of Work Permits and Strengthens Security Reviews for Foreign Nationals
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced new changes to its Policy Manual that reduce the maximum duration of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for various categories of noncitizens. These changes implement requirements established by recent legislation and seek to ensure more rigorous security investigations and background checks for those applying for permission to work in the United States.
By shortening the validity of certain employment permits, USCIS will be able to conduct more frequent reviews, which—according to the agency—will help detect immigration fraud and identify foreign nationals who pose risks to public safety. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that recent incidents highlight the need to more frequently evaluate those who receive authorization to work in the country.
The measure reduces the maximum validity period of initial and renewal EADs from five years to 18 months for several categories, including refugees, asylees, individuals with withholding of deportation or removal, applicants for asylum or adjustment of status, and certain foreign nationals with pending immigration petitions. This update applies to applications processed or filed on or after December 2, 2025.
Additionally, pursuant to H.R. 1, enacted on July 4, 2025, work permits for individuals with temporary protected status, TPS, parole, or other similar categories will have a maximum period of one year, or the time authorized by their status, whichever is shorter.
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