What is the EAD and why did its validity change in 2025

The Employment Authorization Document, known by its initials as EAD, represents one of the most important permits for migrants who wish to work legally in the United States. Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced significant changes that reduce the duration of these permits. Starting December 2025, the EAD changed from being valid for up to five years to a maximum of 18 months for six specific migrant categories.

This policy shift directly affects hundreds of thousands of people in various immigration situations, from refugees to asylum applicants. Understanding these changes is essential for properly planning any work permit application.

The shortening of EAD validity: two phases of changes

Changes to the EAD validity were implemented in two different times during 2025, each affecting its own set of categories. It is important to note that EADs issued before these changes retain their full validity under previous rules.

The first phase of modifications began in December 2025 and affected applicants in traditional immigration categories. In this case, the employment authorization went from five years of validity to just 18 months. The second phase of changes took effect on July 22, 2025, specifically impacting beneficiaries of parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The six categories that experienced the reduction to 18 months

The reduction of EAD validity to 18 months applies to applications submitted or pending since December 2025. The impacted categories include refugees classified as A03, as well as asylum seekers identified under category A05. Also affected were recipients of deferred action (A10), and three additional groups of applicants: those applying for asylum or deferred action (C08), those requesting adjustment of status under INA 245 (C09), and finally, applicants for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (C10).

This reduction represents a significant administrative change that requires migrants in these categories to renew their work permits more frequently.

Other modifications to work permits

Beyond the six categories mentioned, USCIS also made changes to the validity of the EAD for parole beneficiaries and TPS recipients. These changes, which began to apply on July 22, 2025, establish that permits are valid for one year or until the end date of the authorized parole period, or the duration of TPS, whichever is shorter.

The categories impacted by this second phase include parole beneficiaries such as refugees (A04), granted TPS beneficiaries (A12), those with granted parole (C11), applicants with pending TPS (C19), and finally, parole beneficiaries for spouses of entrepreneurs (C34).

How to apply for an EAD: essential requirements and forms

To obtain an employment authorization, petitioners must submit Form I-765 to USCIS. However, not all migrants need to apply for an EAD. Only those in certain specific situations can do so.

Those who do require this permit include people with status that authorizes work in the country, such as asylum seekers, refugees, or U nonimmigrant visa beneficiaries. They can also apply if they have a pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), as well as those with a pending Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal). Additionally, students with F-1 or M-1 visas who do not have automatic work authorization can apply for an EAD.

Conversely, individuals whose immigration status does not require an EAD are not obligated to apply. This includes permanent residents and those with nonimmigrant status with automatic work authorization, such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visa holders.

What happens if you work without authorization?

All migrants wishing to work in U.S. territory must first have official authorization. Those who work illegally without a valid EAD could face serious and lasting consequences.

USCIS warns that individuals working without authorization may be barred from entering the United States in the future, or their subsequent adjustment of status applications may be denied. Even more serious is that violating the conditions of employment authorization or the terms of admission can result in immediate removal or denial of reentry into the United States. For this reason, it is crucial to understand what the EAD is, keep it valid, and comply with all restrictions associated with the granted work permit.