U.S. ends automatic work permit extensions for Nigerians, other immigrants

U.S. ends automatic work permit extensions for Nigerians, other immigrants

In a significant overhaul of the U.S. employment authorization process, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an interim final rule that will end the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain immigrants who apply for renewal.

Effective October 30, 2025, immigrants in specific visa and eligibility categories will no longer receive automatic extensions of their EADs upon filing for renewal. The DHS stated that the change is aimed at strengthening the vetting and screening process for foreign nationals seeking work authorization in the United States.

“This rule prioritizes the proper screening and vetting of aliens before extending the validity of their employment authorizations,” DHS said in its announcement. Limited exceptions will apply, including extensions mandated by law or those issued via Federal Register notices for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)-related employment documentation.

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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) emphasized that the new policy will allow for more frequent background checks, helping to deter fraud and identify individuals with potentially harmful intent. Such individuals, the agency noted, could then be processed for removal from the country.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described the measure as a shift away from previous policies that, in his view, placed convenience for immigrants above national security. “It’s a commonsense measure to ensure appropriate vetting and screening has been completed before an alien’s employment authorization or documentation is extended,” Edlow said. “All aliens must remember that working in the United States is a privilege, not a right.”

The agency is urging immigrants to file renewal applications up to 180 days before their current EAD expires to avoid lapses in employment authorization. USCIS warned that delays in filing could result in temporary disruptions to work eligibility.

Importantly, the rule does not retroactively affect EADs that were automatically extended prior to the October 30, 2025, implementation date.

The policy marks a renewed focus on national security and immigration enforcement, signaling a departure from previous practices that allowed for uninterrupted work authorization during the renewal process.

U.S. ends automatic work permit extensions for Nigerians, other immigrants