End of the Safety Net: US Halts Automatic Renewal of Work Permits for Migrants

What's Changing?

From October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will end the automatic extension of work permits (EADs) that is currently available. Previously, migrants who filed for renewal on time could work during the waiting period. Now, they can only go back to work after they get a new authorization.

This is a goodbye to the buffer that had been there for thousands of workers who were protected from losing their jobs due to ETA delays.

Why the Change?

On the official side, the action intends to improve security checks and cut down on fraud while strengthening immigration policy. That said, the opponents contend that it would only result in heightened anxiety among lawful migrant workers who rely on getting their renewals on time to keep their jobs.

For quite some time, the provision of automatic renewal has been a great help for foreign professionals and H-1B visa holders, thus they were able to continue their jobs seamlessly while awaiting the new permits. Now, it is gone, which means there will be stricter compliance and longer waits.

Who Will Be Affected?

This move mainly makes those who will be filing their renewal applications on or after October 30, 2025, the most vulnerable. Among these people are Indian professionals, H-4 dependents, and other individuals temporarily residing in the U.S. with legal status.

If there is an expired work permit, an employer without due diligence may not realize it and thus fail in some way to the next steps by either continuing to employ the workers or taking no action. On the other hand, a missed renewal could then mean uncontrolled employment gaps with the subsequent loss of income.

What Can You Do Now?

1.File your renewal application no less than 180 days prior to expiration so that you will not have any interruptions in your work.

2.Employers should undertake an internal review of visa compliance measures to ensure that there is no unlawful activity.

3.Make sure to stay updated on any changes or clarifications to the policy coming from the government.

Final Thoughts

Indefinite extensions of EADs are a thing of the past in Los Angeles, signaling a shift in immigration policy. Migrants, especially those of Indian origin need to renew their permits ahead of time so as not to lose their jobs temporarily. The law exempts no one from the necessity of taking initiative and getting legal assistance in hard times of administration when the regulation is more ‌ ‍  ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌stringent.