USCIS now enforces the rule that stalls thousands of work permits in the United States

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now enforcing the final rule that ended the automatic extension of work permits in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule, published on October 14, 2026 in the Federal Register, confirms without changes the interim measure in effect since October 30, 2025.

Previously, anyone who filed a timely renewal of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) could keep working for up to 540 days while USCIS decided. Now, renewals received on or after October 30, 2025 do not extend the permit: if the card expires before approval arrives, the person must stop working until USCIS rules.

DHS estimates that between 20,000 and 33,000 permits could temporarily lapse during an 18-month period starting in May 2027. The measure does not affect extensions provided by law or by Federal Register notices, such as those related to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). It also does not eliminate the possibility of renewing an EAD.

USCIS recommends filing the renewal up to 180 days before the card expires and checking the date printed on it, because that is now the deadline for working. Those who renewed before October 30, 2025 keep the automatic extension of up to 540 days.

Photo: La Nación

Source: Federal Register