US tightens visa rules: no more automatic work permit extensions for immigrants

A major policy shift by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ended the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain foreign workers, effective Oct 30 (US time).

The decision has caught thousands of visa holders and students off guard, as it now requires fresh screening and vetting before work authorizations are renewed.

The change affects spouses of H-1B visa holders, F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), and asylum seekers, groups that had previously benefited from automatic extensions if they filed timely renewal applications.

Without that provision, many could face sudden job interruptions while waiting for new approvals.

According to DHS, the move aims to tighten security procedures and prevent fraud.

“Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct 30, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD... Ending automatic extensions of EADs results in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for employment authorization to work in the US,” the department said.

The decision, made without prior public notice or consultation, is expected to have a significant impact on Indian nationals, who represent the largest share of H-1B visa holders and international students in the US.

Official data shows that 71% of all approved H-1B visas go to Indians, while China accounts for about 11.7%.

F-1 students, particularly those on OPT programs that provide work experience after graduation, may now see their careers disrupted by delays in document processing.

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement report notes that Indian students made up 27% of all foreign students in 2024, with 422,335 enrolled.

H-4 visa holders, mostly spouses of Indian professionals, are also among those likely to be affected, potentially losing their right to work while awaiting renewals.

Meanwhile, asylum seekers will face additional uncertainty, although H-1B principals, L-1 transferees, and O-1 visa holders remain unaffected as they do not require EADs.

Defending the decision, DHS said, “Reviewing an alien’s background will often enable US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deter fraud and detect aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the country.”

Officials reiterated that “working in the US is a privilege, not a right,” and advised all foreign workers to submit renewal applications well in advance.

The DHS reminded applicants that renewals can be filed up to 180 days before expiration to minimize disruptions.

The rule change has triggered unease among immigrant communities, especially Indian professionals and students, who fear extended processing times and paperwork delays could leave them temporarily jobless.