USCIS Shortens Employment Authorization Document Validity

Key Point  

• USCIS will shorten the validity periods of Employment Authorization Documents to ensure more frequent screening of foreign nationals working in the U.S. 

EAD Validity Reduction 

On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new measures to increase screening and vetting of foreign nationals authorized to work in the U.S.

Under the revised policy, USCIS will shorten the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for several categories, including refugees, asylees, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, parolees and applicants for adjustment of status.

Key Changes to EADs

Effective December 5, 2025, USCIS will shorten the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs from five years to 18 months. This applies to:

• Refugees admitted to the U.S.
• Individuals granted asylum
• Individuals granted withholding of deportation or removal
• Applicants with pending asylum or withholding of removal cases
• Applicants with pending adjustment of status under INA 245
• Applicants with pending suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal or relief under NACARA

Following the passage of H.R. 1, USCIS introduced new limits on the validity of EADs. Under this policy, EADs for certain categories will be valid for up to one year, or until the end of the authorized parole or TPS period, whichever comes first. This applies to:

• Refugees paroled into the U.S.
• Individuals granted TPS
• Individuals granted parole
• Applicants with pending TPS cases
• Spouses of entrepreneur parolees

These requirements apply to any Form I‑765, Application for Employment Authorization, pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025.

Why the Change?

USCIS stated that shorter validity periods will allow for more frequent vetting, helping to deter fraud and identify individuals who may pose security risks. Employers should anticipate more frequent EAD renewals and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions in work authorization.

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