USCIS will now issue green card-based work permits (EADs) for only 18 months instead of five years for all applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025.

Introduction

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made an official announcement discussing a major change to work permits (Employment Authorization Documents, or “EADs”) for many immigrants who are already inside the United States and applying for long-term status. As part of a new screening and vetting initiative, USCIS will now issue shorter-term EADs so it can review certain applicants more frequently.

Most importantly for individuals with pending green card applications (Form I-485), the adjustment-based EAD will no longer be valid for up to five years. Instead, for affected cases that are pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity will be 18 months.

Who Is Affected?

This policy change covers several categories of immigrants who rely on EADs, including:

• Refugees and asylees
• Individuals granted withholding of removal
• Individuals with pending asylum or withholding applications
• Individuals with pending I-485 Adjustment of Status (green card) applications
• Individuals with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or certain Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) relief

Who Is NOT Affected?

Many other work-authorization categories are not affected by this policy and will continue under their existing rules unless USCIS announces separate changes in the future.

The examples below are a non-exhaustive list of unaffected cases, highlighting several commonly used categories that remain the same under this policy change:

• STEM OPT Extensions

Students with STEM OPT work authorization will continue to receive the standard validity periods allowed under F-1 regulations.

• H-4 EAD Holders

Spouses of H-1B workers with H-4 EADs are not included in this change and will continue to receive EAD validity as permitted under existing H-4 rules.

What Exactly Is Changing for I-485-Based EADs?

The following changes for I-485-based EADs are now in effect:

• New maximum validity:
  • I-485-based EADs will now be issued for up to 18 months, instead of up to 5 years.

• Which applications are covered:
  • The 18-month limit applies to both initial and renewal EAD applications that are pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025.
  • This means that if your Form I-765 was still pending on December 5, 2025, or you file after that date, you should expect an 18-month card even if you filed when the five-year rule was still in place.

• What does not change:
  • If you already have a five-year EAD in hand, this policy does not shorten the validity printed on your card. It remains valid until it expires, unless your underlying immigration case is denied or your eligibility otherwise ends.

• No more automatic extensions:
  • Because USCIS has already eliminated automatic EAD extensions for most categories—including adjustment-based applications—your current five-year card will not extend automatically when you file a renewal. This means that once your card nears expiration, you will need to file a renewal up to 180 days in advance to avoid a gap in work authorization.

Practical Steps for Applicants

• Plan renewal timing carefully.

Under current rules, you generally can file an EAD renewal up to 180 days before your current card expires. In light of the new 18-month limit and the end of automatic extensions for many categories, we strongly recommend filing as early as the rules allow to reduce the risk of any work gap.

• Maintain underlying status where possible.

If you still hold valid nonimmigrant status (e.g., H-1B or L-1), it is wise to keep that status in good standing as an additional layer of protection in case of EAD processing delays.

• Employees and their employers should coordinate early.

If you are an employee, share your EAD expiration date and renewal timeline with your employer so they are aware of the timing and can plan ahead. Employers should also take note of upcoming EAD expiration dates for their employees to ensure nothing is overlooked.

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading any content on our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney.