Overview
- Media reports say the new 18‑month cap applies to Employment Authorization Document applications filed since December 5, covering both initial cards and renewals for categories such as refugees, asylees and certain adjustment‑of‑status applicants.
- Department of Homeland Security guidance states that automatic extensions were suspended effective October 30, requiring workers whose EADs expire during renewal to stop working unless they hold a valid extension.
- USCIS continues to warn that working after an EAD expires is unauthorized employment that can jeopardize current status, future renewals and some green card applications.
- USCIS advises filing renewals up to 180 days before expiration to avoid gaps, and some categories still receive an automatic extension of up to 540 days if a timely renewal is filed.
- Employers must verify work authorization under Form I‑9 rules, with DHS‑adjusted civil fines cited as roughly $272 to $27,894 per violation for allowing work on expired documents without a valid extension.