Washington, D.C. — The United States has announced a sweeping cut to the validity period of work-permit visas, reducing employment authorization documents (EADs) from five years to just 18 months. The decision, which took effect on December 5, 2025, marks one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration procedures in recent years.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the new rule applies to both new and pending applications for several immigrant categories, including refugees, asylum seekers, individuals granted withholding of removal, and applicants awaiting green-card decisions. Work permits already issued under the previous five-year rule will remain valid until they expire.
According to USCIS, the shorter duration will allow the government to conduct more frequent background and security checks. Officials said the adjustment is aimed at strengthening vetting procedures and reducing the risk of fraud at a time when U.S. authorities are reassessing immigration controls.
Advocates warn of disruptions
Immigration advocates and legal analysts have criticized the decision, warning it will increase processing pressure on USCIS and heighten the risk of work-authorization gaps.
Renewal delays — already common in the U.S. immigration system — could leave thousands unable to work legally while waiting for approval, they argue.
“This change will force people to reapply more often, which means more backlogs and more chaos,” an immigration attorney said. “Workers and employers could face unnecessary interruptions.”
The business community is also expressing concern, noting that many industries rely heavily on immigrant labour and could experience staffing challenges if work-permit renewals slow down.
A broader tightening of immigration rules
The move comes as part of a wider recalibration of immigration policy, with the U.S. government pushing for stricter enforcement and enhanced monitoring of noncitizens. Analysts say the policy could affect hundreds of thousands of people currently in long-term immigration queues.
For asylum seekers and refugees — many of whom already spend years waiting for case resolutions — the shorter work-permit window adds another layer of uncertainty.
What changes immediately
All EAD applications filed or pending from Dec. 5, 2025 will be issued for 18 months only.
Existing five-year permits remain valid until their original expiration.
Many categories will no longer benefit from long automatic extensions, raising the risk of employment disruption.
While the U.S. government insists the measure strengthens national security, immigrant-rights groups warn it could destabilise families and the workforce — and further strain America’s already overburdened immigration system.
