On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the reduction of the maximum validity period for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for several categories of noncitizens.
Who does this impact?
- Noncitizens admitted as refugees
- Noncitizens granted asylum
- Noncitizens granted withholding of deportation or removal
- Noncitizens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal
- Noncitizens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245
- Immigration and Nationality Act 245 (INA 245): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-245
- Noncitizens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.
What is a validity period?
The EAD validity period is the length of time your Employment Authorization Documents legally allow you to work in the U.S. before they expire and must be renewed.
What is the new validity period?
For anyone in the categories above, the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be reduced from 5 years to 18 months.
When does this apply?
If the EAD application is pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity will be limited to18 months.
What is the reason for this change?
According to USCIS, this change will allow for more frequent vetting of noncitizens applying for work authorization in the United States.
Please check this news page for any updates to this information.
If you have questions about your EAD or the status of your legal case, please contact your JFCS attorney.
Updated on December 8, 2025