US DHS Revamps Work Permit Extensions and Green Card Application Rules

The Department of Homeland Security announced that, starting October 30, 2025, the practice of automatically extending Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for renewal applicants will end. Individuals whose EAD expires will lose work authorization until a new card is approved, except for limited cases such as certain Temporary Protected Status holders.

In a separate directive, DHS said most temporary visa holders and humanitarian parolees must apply for green cards overseas, though eligible applicants can still obtain a green card. Existing green‑card holders are unaffected and may continue to live and travel in the United States.

The changes aim to increase background‑check frequency and streamline immigration processing, prompting officials and employers to advise early filing to avoid employment interruptions.