The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) ending automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions for certain categories of applicants, including H-4 spouses and Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants.
The rule was published in the Federal Register and becomes effective October 30, 2025.

Overview of the Change

Under the current policy, eligible applicants who filed EAD renewal applications on time received an automatic extension of up to 540 days, allowing them to continue working while the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processed their applications.

Beginning October 30, 2025, this automatic extension will no longer apply. Once an EAD expires, applicants must stop working until USCIS issues a renewed card. Employers will be required to verify valid and unexpired EADs before allowing continued employment.

According to DHS, this rule is intended to strengthen identity verification, background screening, and vetting processes before extending work authorization. It does not affect extensions that are specifically authorized by law or through Federal Register notices for other limited categories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is affected by this rule?
   H-4 spouses and Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants who depend on USCIS-issued EADs.

    

2. When does the rule take effect?
   October 30, 2025.

    

3. What happens if my EAD expires after this date?
   You must stop working until USCIS approves and issues your new EAD.

    

4. Will receipt notices allow me to continue working?
   No. Receipt notices will no longer serve as work authorization.

    

5. How long does USCIS take to process EAD renewals?
   Typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the category and workload.

    

6. Can my employer continue my employment during renewal?
   No. Employment must stop once the EAD expires.

    

7. Are any categories exempt from this rule?
   Yes. Certain categories covered by law or special Federal Register notices remain unaffected.

    

8. What if I file my renewal before October 30, 2025?
   Your EAD will remain valid under the existing automatic extension policy.

    

9. What should applicants do now?
   File renewals as early as 180 days before expiration to avoid interruptions.

    

10. Does this apply to all EAD types?
    No. It applies primarily to H-4 and AOS-based EADs under this rule.

The end of automatic EAD extensions marks a procedural change for H-4 and AOS applicants. Starting October 30, 2025, continued employment will depend on timely approval of renewal applications. Applicants are advised to file early and track USCIS processing times to minimize potential work disruptions.

By: Rahul Reddy

Rahul Reddy is the founding partner of Reddy Neumann Brown PC. He founded our firm in 1997 and has over 28 years of experience practicing employment-based immigration. Rahul‘s vast knowledge of the complex immigration system makes him an invaluable resource and an expert in the field. His personal experience with the immigration system has made him empathetic to each of his clients’ cases and empowered him to help others achieve the American Dream.

Rahul‘s dedication to serving the immigrant community is evident, from his daily free conference calls to his weekly immigration Q&As on Facebook and YouTube Live. He is an active member of the immigrant community and one of the founders of ITServe Alliance. He has been a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association since 1995.