The U.S. Shortens the Validity Period of Work Permits for Immigrants

Photo: Newsweek

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to the rules for issuing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for several categories of foreign nationals, including green card applicants. The update, which took effect on December 5, 2025, reduces the maximum validity of an EAD from five years to 18 months and may significantly affect the adjustment-of-status process.

The change applies to both initial work permits and renewals. All EADs issued before December 5 retain their original validity, but any future renewals will be limited. USCIS emphasizes that the decision is tied to the need for more frequent re-vetting of foreign nationals. It follows a high-profile incident in Washington, D.C., in which an Afghan national who had been granted asylum in the U.S. opened fire on members of the West Virginia National Guard, killing one of them. The administration of Donald Trump states that stricter oversight is necessary to prevent security threats and “anti-American ideologies.”

For those who have applied for a green card and rely on an EAD while awaiting a decision, the impact will be substantial. The shorter validity period means more frequent renewals, higher administrative burdens and additional costs. Newsweek notes that with ongoing long processing times, the risk of employment gaps is also increasing. At the time of publication, renewal fees can reach $605, although green card applicants may qualify for a reduced rate.



USCIS recommends that applicants file their EAD renewal as early as possible — up to 180 days before the current card expires. They should prepare supporting documents in advance, including a passport, the Form I-485 receipt notice and the previous EAD, and also ensure that their information with USCIS is up to date. It is also necessary to:

– plan for additional expenses, since renewal can cost up to $605, although green card applicants are eligible for a reduced fee;

– notify the employer of the changes to ensure timely completion of Form I-9 reverification;

– take into account that companies will likely update their internal compliance procedures due to more frequent work-authorization checks.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow states that shortening the validity period is necessary to protect public safety. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the administration seeks to reduce “illegal and destructive groups”, including those who gained access to the country through what he called “unauthorized procedures.”

Lawyers warn that the workload on USCIS may increase. Rahul Reddy, a partner at the law firm Reddy Neumann Brown, believes that the new policy creates the risk of delays and temporary loss of work authorization for people who have been waiting years for permanent residency.



In the U.S., other tightening measures are also under discussion. One of the most recent proposals from the Department of Homeland Security seeks to expand the list of countries whose citizens will face restricted entry. The list may increase from 19 to 32. Among the candidates are Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia — regions marked by ongoing conflicts and limited capacity to verify applicants’ biographical data.

Airlines are modelling a decline in demand for international flights, and tourism-dependent cities expect a drop in occupancy, especially outside peak seasons. U.S. universities also express concern: a significant share of foreign students and researchers come from countries that may be added to the expanded list.



Analysts at International Investment note that the country’s migration policy has changed sharply after the elections. President Donald Trump and his team are implementing promised measures to deport undocumented migrants and tighten rules for all foreign nationals — both migrants and tourists. These steps form a stricter control model in which every element of the system — from visa issuance to transit permissions — becomes a tool for screening and filtering international mobility.

These changes create a new reality for the global market: the U.S. remains a major center of attraction, but access to it is becoming increasingly complex, costly and unpredictable. In 2026, this factor will directly influence the distribution of tourist flows, international student programs and business travel, increasing competition between countries for mobile and financially capable travelers, specialists and investors.