USCIS Shortens Work Permits of Humanitarian Immigration Categories

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will shorten the validity period of work permits for those who applied for asylum or other humanitarian visa programs. Instead of lasting five years, these permits will now expire after 18 months.

According to a policy alert released on December 4, the full duration for initial and renewal employment authorization document (EAD) applications will be changed for:

• Asylum seekers
• Refugees
• Those granted withholding of removal
• Those with pending asylum
• Those with pending adjustment of status
• Those with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act

This policy change will affect all eligible EAD applications that are pending or filed as of December 5, 2025.

Ana Gabriela Urizar, immigration attorney at Manifest, notes that these changes also have major consequences for those waiting for a decision on their adjustment of status applications. Since EADs will now expire more quickly, applicants face a greater chance that their work authorization will lapse before they receive a decision. And unless they have another valid work visa to fall back on, Urizar says that “losing that work permit could leave them without any legal means to financially support themselves.”

Parolees, TPS holders have even shorter EAD validity periods

Separate changes required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impose an even shorter limit for certain parole- and TPS-based EADs. While this bill was enacted in July, USCIS is now updating its Policy Manual to implement the EAD validity requirements contained in it.

Work permits for the following groups will be limited to one year or less if the application has been pending since July 22, 2025, or was filed after.

• Parolees
• Parolees admitted as refugees
• TPS holders
• TPS applicants
• Spouses of entrepreneur parolees

Even if someone’s parole status allows them to stay in the U.S. for a long time, their work permit can only last up to a year at a time. Urizar says this means “more frequent renewals and check-ins with the government.”

Affected by the recent changes in immigration policy? Our team of immigration attorneys can answer any questions you may have about your ability to live and work in the U.S. Request a consultation or book a free 15-min call to learn more.