The United States is reducing the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

More frequent vetting will allow USCIS to prevent fraud and identify individuals who may pose a potential risk, so they can be referred for removal (deportation) if necessary.

USCIS has updated its policy: the maximum validity period for certain EADs is being reduced so the agency can conduct more frequent security checks.

“Reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies. After the attack on National Guard service members in our nation’s capital by an alien who was admitted into this country by the previous administration, it’s even more clear that USCIS must conduct frequent vetting of aliens.” - said Director Joseph Edlow.

Which EADs will now be valid for a maximum of 18 months?

The validity period is being reduced from 5 years to 18 months for individuals who:

• were admitted to the United States as refugees,

• were granted asylum,

• were granted withholding of deportation or removal,

• have a pending asylum or withholding application,

• have a pending adjustment of status application under INA 245,

• have a pending application for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or NACARA relief.

These changes apply to applications filed on or after December 5, 2025.

New validity periods under H.R. 1 

For the following categories, EADs will now be valid for 1 year or less (if the Parole or TPS period is shorter):

• Parole as a refugee,

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS),

• Regular Parole,

• Pending TPS application,

• Spouse of an Entrepreneur Parole participant.

These rules apply to all Form I-765 applications filed on or after July 22, 2025.