Washington: The United States has reduced the maximum validity period of several Employment Authorization Documents also known as work permits creating concern among thousands of foreign professionals especially those from India.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services the new rule reduces the validity period of many categories of work permits from five years to 18 months. In some categories the validity will now be only one year. The agency said the change is aimed at strengthening security checks and preventing fraud.
The decision is expected to affect a large number of Indian workers living in the US particularly those waiting for green cards. Many H 1B visa holders and their dependents rely on EADs while their permanent residency applications are in process. With the shorter validity period applicants will have to apply for renewals more frequently which may lead to delays and disruption in employment.
Immigration experts say the change could put additional pressure on families already dealing with long waiting periods for green cards. Many have expressed concern that the increased renewal process could create uncertainty and work permit gaps.
The new rules will come into effect from December 5 2025. Several advocacy groups are expected to request policy reconsideration arguing that the change will place an unfair burden on skilled workers who contribute to the US economy.
Indian communities in the US are closely monitoring further developments and guidance from immigration attorneys.