Trump Administration Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions

The Department of Homeland Security has implemented two restrictive measures targeting skilled foreign workers and their dependents. The agency finalized a rule ending the automatic 540-day extension for employment authorization renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025. This terminates a grace period established under the Joe Biden administration that allowed qualified immigrants, including asylum seekers and H-4 visa holders, to work while their petitions were under review.

Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services proposed eliminating a policy that allowed H-1B and L-1 visa holders to receive extensions based on previously approved petitions. This proposal is subject to a 30-day public comment period. The agency cited a rise in fraud rates to 22.39% for H-1B extensions between 2022 and 2025 as the primary driver for the change.

Indian professionals and their spouses are expected to be the most significantly impacted by these rules, facing potential employment gaps and housing instability. While the government argues these steps strengthen security assessments, the Department of Homeland Security estimates the changes could result in $312.1 million in labor turnover costs. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now advises applicants to file renewal requests up to 180 days before expiration to avoid interruptions in employment.