The United States government announced on Thursday that work permits for several immigrant groups will no longer be valid for five years. Instead, they will only be valid for 18 months, according to a statement from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Effective this Friday, December 5, the decision impacts refugees, asylees, asylum seekers with pending cases, and individuals applying for permanent residency or deportation relief.
USCIS clarified that this change is intended to enhance background checks on immigrants and prevent fraud in work permits. The agency stated that the reduction will allow for "more frequent evaluations" of those legally working in the country.
Joseph Edlow, the director of USCIS, noted that the policy will ensure that "those seeking employment in the United States do not pose a public safety threat or promote ideologies contrary to national values."
This measure is part of the H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, which mandates shorter validity periods for beneficiaries of humanitarian programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or parole.
USCIS specified that the new limits will apply to both pending applications and those submitted after the regulation takes effect.
The agency further mentioned that the measure will enable quicker identification of immigrants with illegal intentions or those posing national security risks.
In October, USCIS announced a significant change in the renewal process for immigrant work permits, affecting millions of individuals in non-permanent immigration status. Starting October 30, 2025, automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will be eliminated, with only a few exceptions.
This policy shift, driven by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), altered a previous policy from 2022 that allowed certain immigrants to continue working while awaiting renewal approval.
Recently, the U.S. government issued a direct warning to foreigners who have overstayed their permitted duration, stressing that they will be identified and deported. Through its official account on X, USCIS urged those "out of status" to utilize the voluntary self-deportation tool.
"You may have entered the U.S. legally for a temporary visit, but if you overstay, you will be identified and deported. If you have exceeded your allowed stay, use the CBP Home app for self-deportation," the agency emphasized.
Understanding the Implications of U.S. Work Permit Changes
Who will be affected by the new work permit validity period?
The new 18-month validity period will impact refugees, asylees, asylum seekers with pending cases, and individuals applying for permanent residency or deportation relief.
Why did USCIS reduce the work permit validity period?
USCIS reduced the validity period to enhance background checks and prevent fraud, allowing for more frequent evaluations of those legally working in the U.S.
What are the consequences for overstaying a permitted duration in the U.S.?
Foreigners who overstay their permitted duration will be identified and deported, with USCIS encouraging the use of the CBP Home app for voluntary self-deportation.