The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made a significant decision to end the automatic extension of work permits, known as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), for foreign nationals, effective October 30, 2025. Foreign employees will no longer be allowed to continue working immediately after applying for a renewal of their work permits until the new permit is officially approved. This change will directly affect millions of immigrant professionals, with Indian employees forming the largest group impacted.
Stricter Work Permit Regulations
The US administration has linked this policy change to efforts to make the country’s immigration and labor system more secure and transparent. According to DHS, every work permit will now undergo a detailed background and eligibility check before issuance. Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated that working in the United States is not a right but a privilege, and ensuring transparency in the process is a government priority.
Edlow explained that the new rule will help identify potential fraud and security risks. Under this policy, if a work permit expires before the new one is issued, the individual will not be legally allowed to work. This means continuing employment after the permit’s expiration will now be considered illegal.
Significant Impact on Indian Professionals
This decision could be a major setback for millions of Indian professionals working in the US. A large number of Indian nationals work in the United States under H-1B visas, with family members often on H-4 visas who are employed through EADs. Under the new policy, if their work permits are not renewed on time, they will have to halt work. This could jeopardize not only their jobs but also their visa status.
The impact will be particularly visible in sectors such as technology, education, healthcare, and research, where Indian professionals have significant participation. Many IT companies may experience project delays due to this policy, as EAD renewal processes already take considerable time. With the end of automatic extensions, employment interruptions during processing delays are expected to increase.
Challenges for Students and H-4 Visa Holders
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students in the US on F-1 visas, working under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, will also face additional challenges. They will be unable to continue projects or internships until their new EADs are approved. This could stall their professional experience and impact potential job opportunities.
Similarly, spouses of H-1B employees, who can work on H-4 visas if they have a valid EAD, will have to stop employment if there are delays in the EAD renewal process. This may affect the financial stability of many families.
Stricter Rules and Warnings for Employers
USCIS has instructed employers to hire only foreign employees with valid and active work permits. Employing someone whose EAD has expired and whose renewal has not been issued will be considered a legal violation.
Organizations are also advised to keep their immigration compliance teams vigilant and encourage employees to apply for renewals on time. Employees are recommended to submit renewal applications at least 180 days in advance to prevent delays from affecting employment.
Exemptions
The US administration has provided exemptions for certain categories. Holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will not be affected by this rule, and their EAD automatic extension process will continue as before. Additionally, applicants who submitted work permit renewal applications before October 30, 2025, will not be subject to this new rule.
Potential Economic and Social Impact
Experts believe this move could affect the structure of the US labor market. The absence of a large number of foreign professionals, particularly Indians, could widen the talent gap in technology and healthcare sectors. For foreign students and employees, this uncertainty may prompt some to consider alternative countries.
Immigration lawyers have warned that the policy could also impact US innovation and technological growth, as a significant number of foreign professionals work in Silicon Valley and other key sectors. They advised foreign employees to check their document status immediately and start the renewal process well in advance.
Changes in the US Job Market, Impact on Indians
The Trump administration’s decision could mark a critical turning point in the US job market. At the same time, it may have serious implications for job stability among foreign employees. For Indian professionals, who play a crucial role in the US economy, this change is expected to bring new challenges in employment and visa security in the near future.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
