New York, NY - October, 2025: A significant change announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to end automatic extensions of employment authorization for many non-citizen workers starting October 30, 2025. Hindustan Times. This policy change is expected to particularly affect Indian nationals working in the United States, a demographic that already faces long visa wait times.

Under the new rule, individuals who file a renewal of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on or after the effective date will not receive an automatic extension and must stop working immediately once their current EAD expires, unless the renewal is approved. Hindustan Times Until now, a filing could extend authorization by up to 540 days while approval was pending; that safety net will disappear.

Key Affected Groups

•          Workers on dependent status such as H-4 (spouses of H-1B visa holders) and students on OPT/STEM-OPT, whose employment often relies on interim authorizations.

•          Employment-based green card applicants who are awaiting adjustment of status and are reliant on EAD renewals while navigating long priority date backlogs.

•          Indian nationals, particularly, given their large presence in U.S. work categories and longer wait times, may face intensified disruption.

Counsel & Advice

As this policy change takes effect, individuals currently working under EADs are strongly advised to:

•          File renewal applications as early as possible, ideally up to 180 days before expiry, to reduce the risk of employment interruption.

•          Monitor processing status closely and consider contingency plans in case of delays post-expiry.

•          Seek legal guidance to assess risk and options depending on current visa status and renewal strategy.

About Berd & Klauss, PLLC

Berd & Klauss, PLLC is a full-service immigration law firm representing clients before USCIS, the Department of State, EOIR, and federal courts. The firm assists with family visas, business immigration, deportation defense, and citizenship applications.

Learn more at https://berdklauss.com/

Contact:

Berd & Klauss, PLLC

Address: 28 Liberty Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10005

Phone: (212) 461-7152

Email: info@berdklauss.com

Website: https://berdklauss.com/