Archive · 5 Dec 2025
USCIS Shortens Work Permit Validity
The USCIS, which handles immigration in the U.S., has changed a rule about work permits.
Before, these permits were valid for five years.
Now, they will only be valid for 18 months.
The director of USCIS, Joseph Edlow, said this change will help keep people safe.
He mentioned an attack on National Guard members in Washington and said the attacker came to the country under the previous administration.
The idea is that checking people more often will help prevent similar attacks in the future.
This change affects many people, including refugees, asylum-seekers, and those with Temporary Protected Status.
The new rule starts for applications filed on or after December 5, 2025.
USCIS reduces work permit (EAD) validity from five years to 18 months.
Change affects refugees, asylum-seekers, TPS holders, and others.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow cites public safety and frequent vetting as reasons.
New policy motivated by an attack on National Guard members in Washington.
Effective date for the change is December 5, 2025.
- Who
- USCIS Director Joseph Edlow
- What
- Restored 18-month validity for work permits (EADs)
- When
- Effective December 5, 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To enhance public safety and prevent threats
- Organization
- USCIS
- Policy Change
- EAD validity reduced to 18 months
- Previous Policy
- 5-year EAD validity
- Reason for Change
- Enhanced public safety and vetting
- USCIS Director
- Joseph Edlow
- Incident Cited
- Attack on National Guard members in Washington
- Affected Groups
- Refugees, asylum-seekers, TPS holders, and others
- Effective Date
- December 5, 2025
Sources
New USCIS Work Permit Rules: What Changes On EAD Validity And Who Falls Under The List?
US cuts work permit validity for some immigrants from 5 years to 18 months amid security concerns — Here is what to know
US cuts work permit validity to 18 months — who is affected
Trump tightens immigration again, cuts refugee work permits to just 18 months
Trump tightens work permits for migrants, expanding crackdown on legal immigration
US Cuts Down Work Permit Validity For Refugees, Asylum Seekers To 18 Months
