The United States has officially ended the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could disrupt the lives of thousands of foreign workers and their families — particularly Indians working under visa categories such as H-1B, L-1, and E.

What’s Changed

Until now, foreign workers awaiting renewal of their work permits received an automatic 540-day extension, allowing them to continue working while paperwork was processed. That safety net has now been scrapped.

Effective after October 30, 2025, all EAD renewals must undergo complete vetting before approval — with no interim work authorization. This means if an EAD expires before renewal approval, the individual must stop working immediately, even if the delay is due to administrative backlog.

Who Is Affected

The change impacts several visa-dependent groups:

• Spouses of H-1B visa holders (H-4 EADs)
• L-1 visa holders and their dependents
• E-visa categories, as well as refugees and asylum seekers

For thousands of Indian households in the U.S., where both partners contribute to the family income, this could mean an abrupt loss of livelihood.

Economic Fallout for Indian Families

The implications are serious.
Without the automatic extension, many skilled workers’ spouses may be forced to quit their jobs overnight. Mortgage payments, tuition fees, and everyday expenses could suddenly become unmanageable.
In cities like San Francisco, Dallas, and New Jersey, where large Indian immigrant communities reside, the financial ripple effects could be significant.

The Official Justification

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) claims the change is aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring rigorous vetting of all work authorizations.
Officials have advised applicants to file renewals at least 180 days in advance, but immigration experts say that’s unrealistic given the current processing backlogs and bureaucratic delays.

Part of a Stricter Immigration Trend

This policy shift is the latest in a string of measures reflecting the administration’s tougher stance on foreign employment.
Just weeks ago, the U.S. government sharply increased H-1B visa fees — in some cases to as high as $100,000 for companies above certain salary thresholds.
Meanwhile, states like Florida are urging universities to limit hiring of H-1B holders, prioritizing American graduates instead.

The message from Washington is clear: the era of leniency for foreign workers is over.

What Immigrant Workers Should Do Now

With the automatic extension gone, workers and spouses are urged to:

• Check EAD expiry dates immediately
• File renewal applications well before deadlines
• Coordinate with employers to plan for possible work interruptions

A Blow to the Indian Diaspora

For Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders, this policy marks a major setback. It threatens to undo years of career progress and financial stability for families who’ve built their lives in the U.S.

As one immigration lawyer in California put it: “This isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s an economic shock for thousands of hardworking families caught in bureaucratic limbo.”

The visa itself hasn’t changed — but the rules for surviving on it have.