USCIS Cuts Work-Permit Validity to 18 Mo.
On December 4, 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to shorten how long some work permits last. For several categories, the maximum validity of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) dropped from up to five years back to 18 months — which means more people will be renewing their work permits more often.
This is general information about a current change, not legal advice. Confirm the details at uscis.gov and the USCIS I-765 page.
What changed
USCIS reduced the maximum validity period for both initial and renewal EADs — from up to 5 years to 18 months — for several categories of applicants. The agency said the change (which also reflects recent legislation) is meant to allow more frequent vetting of people who apply to work in the United States. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow tied the move to stepped-up screening.
Effective date: the change affects applications for employment authorization that are pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, in the affected categories.
Why this matters: shorter permits + no automatic extension
This change does not stand alone. Read together with another recent rule, it has a real practical effect:
- Work permits in affected categories now last as little as 18 months, so you will need to renew more frequently; and
- Separately, automatic extensions of EADs ended for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025.
Put those together and the message is clear: track your EAD's expiration carefully and file each renewal early — USCIS allows filing up to 180 days (about six months) before your current card expires. With shorter cards and no automatic bridge, a late filing is more likely to cause a gap in your ability to work.
Who is affected
The reduction applies to certain categories, not all. Whether and how it affects you depends on the specific basis for your work authorization. If you are unsure which category you are in or when your next renewal is due, that is worth confirming.
How we can help
If your work permit falls in an affected category, or you simply want to stay ahead of shorter validity periods and the end of automatic extensions, we can help you calendar your deadlines and file on time. As a firm led by a former U.S. Immigration Judge, we help people protect their ability to work without interruption. If your EAD is coming up for renewal, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How long are work permits valid now?
For several categories, the maximum validity of an EAD was reduced from up to 5 years to 18 months, for applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025. Other categories may differ.
Does this mean I have to renew more often?
Yes — a shorter card means more frequent renewals. And because automatic extensions ended for new filings, timing matters: file each renewal as early as USCIS allows (up to 180 days before expiration).
Does this affect every work permit?
No. It applies to certain categories. Confirm whether your specific EAD category is affected.
This article is general legal information about a current change, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Policies and dates change; confirm the current requirements at uscis.gov and consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.