DHS Proposes Changes to Employment Authorization for Asylum Applicants

Key Point 

Employment Authorization for Asylum Applicants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants (91 FR 8616, Feb. 23, 2026). The proposal would significantly revise the criteria for employment authorization for individuals with pending asylum applications. Public comments are due April 24, 2026.

DHS states that (c)(8) employment authorization applications have reached historic levels, straining USCIS operations. The agency aims to reduce incentives for filing fraudulent or non‑meritorious asylum claims submitted primarily to obtain work authorization and to redirect resources toward adjudicating existing asylum cases.

Key Proposed Changes 

• Pause on initial (c)(8) EAD filings whenever the average affirmative asylum processing time exceeds 180 days over a 90‑day period. Filings would resume only when processing times fall back to 180 days or less.
• Extension of the waiting period to apply for an initial asylum‑based EAD from 180 days to 365 days.
• Revised processing timelines, replacing the current 30‑day adjudication requirement with a 180‑day timeframe for new applications.
• New eligibility restrictions, including bars related to certain criminal grounds, late‑filed asylum applications, and unlawful entry after the rule’s effective date (with limited exceptions).
• Biometrics are required for all initial and renewal applications, with failure to appear resulting in denial.
• Prioritization of asylum cases with derogatory information, allowing USCIS to move those cases ahead in the queue.
• Automatic termination of (c)(8) EADs following asylum denials at various stages, depending on appeal rights.

Next Steps 

The NPRM is open for public comment through April 24, 2026. DHS will review submissions before issuing a final rule. 

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.