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US Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions For Immigrants
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News18•14-10-2026, 11:56
US Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions For Immigrants
- •The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule ending automatic extensions of employment authorisation documents for immigrants whose work permit renewal applications are pending.
- •The measure eliminates the 540-day automatic extension period previously introduced to prevent immigrant workers from losing jobs due to USCIS processing delays.
- •The final rule takes effect upon publication in the Federal Register on October 14, 2026, impacting groups like asylum seekers and H-1B spouses.
- •DHS stated the change enables more frequent screening and vetting of applicants to deter fraud and enhance security before extending work authorisation.
- •Over 432,000 work permit renewal applications were pending at USCIS for at least six months as of June 30, potentially leaving workers vulnerable to employment gaps.
Key Questions Answered
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that permanently eliminates the 540-day automatic extension period for employment authorisation documents while renewal applications are pending. This makes permanent the policy change initially introduced as an interim rule in October 2025.
The policy change impacts several categories of immigrants, including asylum seekers and H-4 visa holders who are spouses of H-1B speciality occupation workers.
According to USCIS, the change prioritises more frequent background checks and robust vetting before work authorisations are extended. Officials stated this is a commonsense measure to deter fraud and detect individuals with potentially harmful intent.
