Overview
- An interim final rule effective Oct. 30, 2025 removes the prior 540‑day automatic extension for most Employment Authorization Document renewals filed on or after that date.
- Renewals filed before Oct. 30 retain their automatic extensions, and limited exceptions continue for categories authorized by statute or Federal Register notices, including F‑1 STEM OPT’s 180‑day extension.
- USCIS urges filing up to 180 days early as employers review I‑9 processes, plan for potential work stoppages, and note that an approval notice alone will not satisfy I‑9 reverification without a new EAD card.
- Commonly affected groups include pending adjustment applicants (C09), certain H‑4 spouses (C26), and asylum applicants, who now risk work-authorization gaps if renewals are not approved before current cards expire.
- A 30‑day public comment period runs through Dec. 1, 2025, and legal analysts say court challenges to the interim-final process are likely.