Department of Homeland Security To Terminate Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Effective October 30, 2025

On October 29, 2025, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule terminating the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs), with limited exceptions, effective October 30, 2025.

Under the previous policy, individuals who timely filed applications to renew EADs issued in certain enumerated categories were granted an automatic extension of employment authorization for up to 540 days while their renewal applications were pending adjudication.  Beginning October 30, 2025, these automatic extensions will no longer be available, as EAD renewals will undergo renewed vetting and screening before approval. 

According to DHS, the termination does not apply to extensions provided by law or through a Federal Register notice for TPS-related EADs.  Additionally, the termination will not impact EADs automatically extended by renewal applications filed prior to October 30, 2025.

In order to minimize a potential lapse in employment authorization, individuals seeking to renew their EADs on or after October 30, 2025 should file their applications as soon as possible after the renewal window becomes available, which is typically 180 days before the expiration of their current EAD. 

If you have questions about the termination of automatic EAD extensions, please feel free to contact your Vorys attorney.