U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant reduction in the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for several categories of non-citizens, a policy change officials say is intended to enhance national security and screening against fraud.
The updated Policy Manual reverts the maximum validity period from five years back to 18 months for initial and renewal EADs for refugees, asylees, and non-citizens with pending applications for asylum or adjustment of status.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the change is necessary to ensure those working in the U.S. “do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies.” He explicitly cited a recent attack on National Guard service members in the nation’s capital, stating it made clear USCIS “must conduct frequent vetting of aliens.”
The agency confirmed that this reduction, effective for applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, will result in non-citizens in these categories undergoing more frequent background checks and screening.
In addition to the policy manual change, USCIS also confirmed the implementation of new, statutorily mandated EAD restrictions under H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), signed into law on July 4, 2025.
Under the new law, the maximum validity period for EADs issued to non-citizens paroled as refugees, granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or granted parole has been limited to one year or the duration of their authorized status, whichever is shorter.
This requirement, which also impacts spouses of entrepreneur parolees, applies to any Form I-765 application pending or filed on or after July 22, 2025, following a Federal Register notice issued by USCIS. The agency maintains that these new, shorter validity periods will allow for continuous and necessary security reviews across a broad spectrum of non-citizen workers.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
