DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions: How You May be Affected

Carolina Antonini
41 minutes ago
3 min read

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On October 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals. Without this grace period, many workers may lose work authorization while renewal applications are pending.

Key Points:

Automatic Extensions Eliminated: Most EAD renewal applicants will no longer receive an automatic 540-day extension.
EAD renewal applications filed before October 2025 are not affected by this change.
Renew early: File your EAD renewal up to 180 days before expiration to avoid work gaps.
Limited Exceptions: Extensions under TPS and STEM OPT remain unaffected.

Questions about your work authorization? Contact our Atlanta immigration attorneys at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

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On October 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially ended the 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals. Carolina Antonini, founding partner of Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, explains how this change could leave many workers without valid work authorization while renewal applications are still pending.

This change raises understandable concerns for employers, employees, and families who depend on stable work authorization. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Automatic EAD Extensions Eliminated

For years, automatic extensions have provided critical protection for workers, allowing them to maintain employment while their EAD renewal applications were pending with USCIS. With this change, that safety net will disappear for most employment authorization categories, meaning workers whose EADs expire may face sudden gaps in work authorization, job loss, and financial hardship.

Who Is Affected?

This policy applies to all EAD renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, including those for adjustment of status applicants, asylum seekers, spouses of certain nonimmigrant visa holders, and other humanitarian categories.

Automatic extensions authorized by separate regulations, such as work permits under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT), remain unaffected.

These exceptions are limited and may change based on future litigation or policy updates.

Take Action Now

Because automatic extensions have ended, renewal timing is more important than ever. USCIS allows EAD renewals to be filed up to 180 days before expiration. Filing early helps reduce the risk of falling out of work authorization while waiting for approval.

If your EAD expires within the next year, contact Antonini & Cohen today at (470) 428-3200 to schedule your consultation. The experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys at Antonini & Cohen will help protect your ability to work.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

📚 Video Transcript

Hi, I'm Carolina Antonini, founding partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the end of the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents, commonly known as EADs, for most applicants who file for renewal on or after October 30, 2025.

This means that, in most cases, workers will no longer be able to continue working when their work permit is expired and while the renewal is pending, unless their category is covered by a specific law or by a Federal Register Notice, such as those that apply for Temporary Protective Status, or TPS.

This is likely to be the final rule, but there will also likely be court challenges and litigation, so we may see changes in the coming months to this policy.

For now, if your work permit renewal is coming up soon, make sure you plan ahead and get professional advice to avoid losing your work authorization rights.

Call us at Antonini & Cohen. We know how. We fight harder.

Resources

Carolina Antonini is a founding partner of Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group and one of Georgia’s most respected immigration attorneys. For more than 30 years, she’s helped individuals, families, and businesses achieve their immigration goals with skill and compassion. Carolina is a teacher, mentor, and community leader who has served on boards, taught future lawyers, and earned numerous awards for her work. She also shares practical updates on her podcast, Hablando con Carolina.