USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Period for Some Work Permits

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reduced the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories. This update also incorporates changes to EAD validity periods made by recent legislation, USCIS said. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the reductions will enable increased vetting and “ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies.”

The maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs has been changed from five years back to 18 months in several categories for applicants for work authorization that were pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, including those:

• Admitted as refugees or granted asylum or withholding of removal;
• With pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
• With pending applications for adjustment of status under INA § 245; and
• With pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

As required by H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be one year or the end date of the authorized parole period or duration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), whichever is shorter, for those whose work authorization applications were pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025, including those:

• Paroled as refugees or granted TPS or parole;
• With pending TPS applications; and
• Who are noncitizen spouses of persons with entrepreneur parole.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Partner, Catherine Betancourt at catherine@flynnhodkinson.com.