U.S. Ends Automatic EAD Extensions: What Changed October 30
On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented a major policy change eliminating automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for foreign nationals filing renewal applications on or after this date. This immediate change affects thousands of H-4 dependent visa holders and adjustment of status applicants who previously relied on 540-day automatic extensions while their renewal applications were pending.
The interim final rule, published by USCIS on October 30, 2025, states that improved screening and national security vetting procedures are the primary reasons for this policy shift. Foreign nationals whose EADs expire while renewal applications remain pending must now stop working until USCIS approves their new EAD.
Key Immigration Policy Changes: October 2025 Updates
Beyond the EAD extension elimination, multiple countries have introduced significant immigration policy changes in October 2025 affecting travelers, workers, and students worldwide.
- U.S. EAD Automatic Extensions Eliminated (October 30): 540-day automatic extensions no longer available for H-4 and adjustment of status EAD renewals filed after this date
- Portugal Work-Seeker Visa Abolished (October 23): All work-seeking visa appointments cancelled; new highly skilled visa program pending regulatory guidance
- GCC Unified Tourist Visa Launch (Q4 2025): Six Gulf nations rolling out single tourist permit for travel across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman
- China New COVA System: Streamlined online visa application system requiring digital document submission and preliminary review before passport submission
- UK Priority Service Fee Increase (October 21): Priority sponsor license processing jumped from £500 to £750; expedited requests rose from £200 to £350
- Denmark CPR Registration Changes: Enhanced documentation requirements with apostille certification now mandatory for certain countries; Bangladesh and Pakistan apostilles rejected
Additionally, the U.S. implemented stricter visa interview policies starting October 1, 2025, requiring in-person interviews for previously waived categories including children under 14 and adults over 79. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee increased from $21 to $40 on September 30, 2025.
Who Is Affected: Impact on Different Groups
These immigration policy changes affect multiple categories of travelers, workers, and immigrants with varying degrees of impact depending on visa status and location.
For H-4 Visa Holders
H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders face the most immediate impact from the EAD extension elimination. If your EAD expires while your renewal is pending and you filed after October 30, 2025, you must stop working immediately until USCIS approves your new EAD. There are no grace periods or temporary work authorizations available under the new rule.
For Adjustment of Status Applicants
Foreign nationals with pending green card applications who rely on EADs for work authorization must plan carefully for renewal timelines. USCIS processing times for EAD renewals currently average 3-6 months, meaning applicants should file renewals at least 6 months before expiration to avoid work interruptions.
For International Travelers and Tourists
Travelers to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries will benefit from the new unified tourist visa launching in Q4 2025, allowing seamless travel across six nations with a single permit. However, travelers to Portugal seeking work opportunities must explore alternative visa pathways following the October 23 abolishment of the work-seeker visa program.
How to Navigate the New EAD Rules: Step by Step
Follow these actionable steps to ensure compliance with the new EAD extension policy and avoid work authorization gaps.
- Check Your Current EAD Expiration Date: Review your EAD card immediately and note the expiration date printed on the front of the document
- File Renewal Applications 6 Months Early: Submit Form I-765 at least 180 days before your current EAD expires to account for processing delays
- Monitor USCIS Processing Times: Visit uscis.gov/processing-times regularly to check current processing times for Form I-765 at your service center
- Request Expedited Processing if Eligible: If facing severe financial loss or emergency circumstances, submit an expedite request with supporting documentation
- Stop Working If EAD Expires: If your EAD expires before renewal approval, notify your employer immediately and cease all work activities until receiving your new EAD
- Consider Premium Processing Alternatives: Explore whether changing to a visa category with premium processing options (like H-1B) might provide better work authorization continuity
Important Dates and Timeline for Immigration Changes
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new immigration policies and deadlines.
- October 30, 2025: Automatic EAD extensions eliminated for renewal applications filed on or after this date (U.S.)
- October 23, 2025: Portugal work-seeker visa program officially abolished; all appointments cancelled
- October 21, 2025: UK priority service fees increased to £750 for sponsor licenses
- October 1, 2025: U.S. visa interview waiver restrictions took effect requiring in-person interviews for most categories
- Q4 2025: GCC unified tourist visa pilot program launches across six Gulf nations
- December 31, 2025: Portugal's Manifestação de Interesse pathway ends permanently
- May 7, 2026: Real ID compliance deadline for domestic U.S. air travel (passport or Real ID-compliant license required)
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Policy Changes
What Happens If My EAD Expires While My Renewal Is Pending?
If you filed your EAD renewal application (Form I-765) on or after October 30, 2025, and your current EAD expires before USCIS approves your renewal, you must stop working immediately. There is no automatic extension period. You can only resume employment once USCIS approves your renewal and you receive your new EAD card. Applications filed before October 30 may still qualify for 540-day automatic extensions under the previous policy.
Do I Need a Visa Interview If I'm Renewing My U.S. Visa?
Starting October 1, 2025, most visa applicants must attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates, including renewals for H-1B, L, F, and other nonimmigrant categories. Children under 14 and adults over 79 who previously qualified for interview waivers now generally require interviews. Limited exceptions remain for certain B visa renewals and diplomatic visas, but expect significantly longer wait times for appointments.
Can I Still Apply for Work Visas in Portugal After October 2025?
Portugal abolished its work-seeker visa program on October 23, 2025, and the Manifestação de Interesse pathway ends December 31, 2025. However, Portuguese authorities are developing a new "highly skilled work-seeking visa" program pending regulatory guidance. Foreign nationals seeking Portuguese work authorization should explore alternative pathways like the EU Blue Card, startup visas, or employer-sponsored work permits while waiting for the new highly skilled program details.
How Does the GCC Unified Tourist Visa Work?
The GCC unified tourist visa, launching in Q4 2025 as a pilot program, allows travelers to visit all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman) with a single visa. This eliminates the need to obtain separate visas for each country. The unified visa benefits tourists, business travelers, and expatriates residing in the region who want to explore multiple GCC nations during one trip.
What You Need to Know: Key Takeaways
The elimination of automatic EAD extensions represents one of the most significant U.S. immigration policy changes in 2025, requiring foreign workers to plan renewal applications much earlier to avoid employment gaps. Combined with stricter visa interview requirements and increased fees, these changes signal a broader shift toward enhanced vetting and processing procedures across multiple countries.
If you're affected by these immigration policy changes, take immediate action to review your visa and work authorization status. File renewal applications well in advance of expiration dates, and ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for visa applications. For those planning international travel or work abroad, research country-specific requirements early and consider consulting immigration professionals for personalized guidance on navigating these complex new rules.