Post by : Rameen Ariff

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has abruptly ended automatic extensions of certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), effective October 30, 2025, a move expected to impact thousands of migrant workers, especially from India. The new rule directly affects H-4 visa holders, F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), and asylum seekers, who will now undergo fresh vetting before their work permits are renewed.

Under the previous system, applicants in defined categories could continue working legally even after their EAD expired, provided they had timely filed for renewal. The automatic extension ensured seamless employment without gaps, supporting international students and skilled migrant families. However, the Trump administration’s overnight policy change removes this safeguard, potentially leaving workers unable to legally work while awaiting approval.

Indian nationals are among the most affected, as they constitute the largest share of H-1B visa holders and international students in the US. In 2024, Indian students made up 27% of all foreign students in the country, with over 422,000 actively enrolled. Similarly, India accounted for 71% of approved H-1B visa recipients, underscoring the significant impact on Indian families relying on H-4 dependent EADs for financial stability.

DHS justified the policy shift, stating that ending automatic extensions will strengthen vetting procedures, prevent fraud, and ensure proper background checks before employment authorisation is granted. “Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension... Ending automatic extensions of EADs results in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for employment authorisation to work in the US,” DHS said in a statement.

The department emphasized that timely filing of EAD renewal applications—up to 180 days before expiration—is crucial. Delays could result in temporary lapses in work authorisation, affecting career continuity for students, spouses of H-1B holders, and asylum seekers awaiting approval.

The policy change comes as a shock to thousands of migrants and international students who depend on EADs for employment. F-1 students on OPT, which allows them to work in their field of study post-graduation, may face interrupted careers. Similarly, H-4 visa holders who contribute to family income could experience sudden financial uncertainty.

While green card holders, H-1B principals, L-1 intracompany transferees, and O-1 extraordinary ability visa holders remain unaffected, the policy sends a strong message: working in the US is a privilege, not a right, and rigorous screening will now precede any employment authorisation renewal.

Experts warn that the abrupt change may disproportionately affect Indian workers, intensifying the challenges faced by the country’s largest group of skilled migrants in the US. As DHS implements the new vetting procedures, timely and proactive application filing will be essential to avoid work disruptions and potential legal complications.

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