The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it will stop automatically extending Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for some foreign workers in 2026. This change affects individuals whose work permits are set to expire after December 31, 2025.
Affected workers include those with temporary work visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1. The decision comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revised its policy to require all EAD renewals to be submitted manually. Applicants must now file a new form, I-924, along with supporting documents to prove continued eligibility.
The policy shift follows a broader effort by the DHS to tighten immigration controls and improve oversight of temporary work programs. Officials stated the change aims to ensure compliance with labor laws and reduce fraud. The new process will apply to all EAD renewals starting January 1, 2026.
This marks a significant change for foreign workers in the US, who previously benefited from automatic extensions. The move has raised concerns among advocacy groups, who warn it could lead to employment disruptions and legal uncertainties. The DHS has not provided a timeline for when the new application process will be fully operational.
