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ARTICLE · 10 NOVEMBER 2025

U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services Ends Automatic Extensions Of Most Employment Authorization Documents

Barnes & Thornburg LLP
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As of Oct. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will no longer permit automatic extensions of most Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).

United StatesImmigration
Tejas Shah
Tejas Shah
Sarah J. Hawk
Sarah J. Hawk
Mandira Sethi
Mandira Sethi
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Highlights

  • As of Oct. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will no longer permit automatic extensions of most Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
  • With current processing periods for renewals spanning between six and 12 months, the new rule may significantly increase the risk of a lapse in work authorization.
  • Barnes & Thornburg urges impacted inpiduals to file extensions as early as possible to avoid a lapse in work authorization and encourages employers to consult with legal counsel to assess the impact of this announcement on work authorization for employees who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Last week, citing public safety and national security interests, the DHS announced an interim final rule terminating the regulatory provision that allowed automatic extensions for most EAD categories upon the filing of a timely renewal application. This change took effect immediately upon publication in the Federal

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