Breaking Immigration Policy Changes Reshape U.S. Work Authorization
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented significant immigration policy changes in late October and November 2025 that fundamentally alter how foreign workers maintain employment authorization in the United States. On October 30, 2025, DHS officially ended the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a policy that previously allowed workers to continue employment for up to 540 days while their renewal applications were pending.
These sweeping changes come alongside other major policy shifts, including a controversial $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications effective September 21, 2025, and new immigrant visa interview requirements implemented November 1, 2025. Immigration attorneys estimate these changes will impact over 2 million foreign workers currently employed in the United States.
Key Immigration Policy Changes Affecting Workers and Families
The Trump administration has rolled out multiple policy changes within the past 60 days that significantly restrict both temporary and permanent immigration pathways. Here are the most critical updates you need to know about:
- Work Permit Extensions Eliminated: As of October 30, 2025, renewal applications no longer trigger automatic EAD extensions; workers must wait for USCIS approval before continuing employment
- H-1B Fee Increase: New H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 require a $100,000 payment per petition, up from the previous $2,000-$5,000 range
- Immigrant Visa Interviews: Effective November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must interview in their designated consular district with limited exceptions
- Electronic Payment Mandate: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS accepts only electronic payments for all paper-filed immigration forms
- TPS Cancellation: DHS announced cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for Syria, with protection ending November 21, 2025
- Asylum Fee Pause: The $100 yearly asylum fee remains temporarily suspended as of October 30, 2025, pending ongoing litigation
These policy changes represent the most significant restructuring of U.S. immigration procedures in over a decade. DHS officials state the changes prioritize "proper screening and vetting" before extending employment authorization, though critics argue the changes create unnecessary hardship for legal immigrants.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Changes
The new immigration policies impact multiple categories of foreign nationals currently in the United States or planning to immigrate. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for maintaining legal status and employment authorization.
For H-4 Spouses and Adjustment of Status Applicants
If you filed your EAD renewal application on or after October 30, 2025, you will lose work authorization when your current EAD expires, even if your renewal is still pending. Your receipt notice no longer serves as proof of work authorization. You cannot legally work until USCIS approves your renewal and issues a new physical EAD card, which typically takes 6-12 months.
For H-1B Workers and Sponsoring Employers
Companies filing new H-1B petitions on or after September 21, 2025, must pay a one-time $100,000 fee per petition in addition to standard filing fees. This does not affect existing H-1B holders, approved petitions filed before September 21, or H-1B renewals. Tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Apple—which collectively sponsor over 50,000 H-1B workers annually—face significantly increased hiring costs.
For Family-Based Immigration and Green Card Applicants
Beginning November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their designated consular district based on residence or country of nationality. Limited exceptions apply for documented medical emergencies or security concerns. This change affects the estimated 400,000 family-based immigration applicants currently in the visa queue worldwide.
How to Protect Your Work Authorization - Step by Step
If you hold or are applying for an Employment Authorization Document, follow these critical steps to avoid gaps in your work authorization under the new rules:
- Check Your Current EAD Expiration Date: Calculate exactly when your current work authorization expires and mark this date prominently in your calendar
- File Renewal 180 Days in Advance: Submit your EAD renewal application 6 months before expiration—this is now mandatory, not optional, given processing times of 6-12 months
- Confirm Electronic Payment: All paper applications filed after October 28, 2025 must use electronic payment methods; paper checks are no longer accepted
- Track Your Application Status: Monitor your case status daily through the USCIS online portal to identify any requests for evidence immediately
- Prepare to Stop Working if Needed: If your EAD expires before approval, notify your employer immediately and prepare for unpaid leave until your new EAD arrives
- Consult Immigration Attorney: Schedule a consultation if your EAD expires within the next 6 months to discuss expedite requests or alternative visa options
Important Dates and Timeline for Immigration Policy Changes
Mark these critical dates to ensure you comply with the new immigration regulations and maintain your legal status:
- September 21, 2025: H-1B $100,000 fee requirement takes effect for new petitions
- October 28, 2025: Electronic payment mandate begins; paper checks no longer accepted for any USCIS forms
- October 30, 2025: Automatic EAD extension policy officially ends; receipt notices no longer authorize employment
- November 1, 2025: New immigrant visa interview location requirements take effect at all U.S. consulates worldwide
- November 21, 2025: Temporary Protected Status designation for Syria expires; approximately 8,000 Syrian TPS holders lose protection
- Applications Filed Before October 30, 2025: Still eligible for up to 540-day automatic extension under previous policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If My EAD Expires Before My Renewal Is Approved?
Under the new rules effective October 30, 2025, you must immediately stop working if your EAD expires before USCIS approves your renewal application. Your employer cannot legally allow you to continue employment, even with a pending application receipt notice. You can only resume work once you receive your new physical EAD card, which typically takes 6-12 months to process.
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Extensions and Renewals?
No, the $100,000 fee announced September 19, 2025 only applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. The fee does not apply to H-1B extensions, amendments, or transfers for workers who already have approved H-1B petitions or valid H-1B visas. It also does not apply to petitions filed before September 21, 2025, even if still pending.
Can I Still Get an Automatic EAD Extension If I Applied in October 2025?
It depends on your exact filing date. If you filed your EAD renewal application before October 30, 2025, you remain eligible for the automatic extension of up to 540 days under the previous policy. Applications filed on or after October 30, 2025 do not receive automatic extensions. Check your receipt notice date to confirm which policy applies to your application.
What You Need to Know About Immigration Policy Changes
The October and November 2025 immigration policy changes represent the most significant restrictions on employment-based immigration in recent history. The elimination of automatic work permit extensions, combined with the $100,000 H-1B fee and stricter interview requirements, creates substantial challenges for foreign workers and their families. Immigration attorneys report a surge in emergency consultations as workers scramble to understand how these changes affect their legal status.
If you're planning to apply for a U.S. visa or work permit, take action now to ensure your passport photo meets requirements and avoid application delays. Start your EAD renewal process immediately if your authorization expires within the next 6 months, and consult with an immigration attorney to explore all available options for maintaining legal work authorization under these new restrictions.