The United States has ended the automatic renewal of work permits for migrant workers, a shift that will affect a large number of foreign employees, including many Indian nationals who make up a significant portion of the skilled immigrant workforce. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the policy change is intended to strengthen screening processes and ensure thorough vetting before Employment Authorisation Documents are extended. Under this rule, individuals who file for renewals from October 30, 2025, onward will no longer be eligible for automatic extensions and must wait for full approval before continuing work.
Officials argued that the updated process will help detect fraud and identify individuals who may pose security risks. The head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services described the measure as a practical step aimed at reinforcing national security and integrity in work authorisation procedures. He emphasised that employment in the United States should be regarded as a privilege granted after proper scrutiny rather than a guaranteed right.
Previously, during the Biden administration, migrant workers could continue their employment even after permit expiration, as long as renewal applications were submitted on time. Data suggests that hundreds of thousands of renewal requests are processed each year, and the policy reversal will impose tighter timelines and potentially create employment gaps for applicants waiting for decisions.
This decision follows other restrictive immigration measures introduced in recent weeks. In September, a new requirement imposed a USD 100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, representing one of the most significant changes to the programme in decades. India remains the largest contributor to the H-1B workforce, accounting for more than two-thirds of approved applicants, followed by China. Major technology companies such as Amazon, Tata Consultancy, and Microsoft employ large numbers of visa holders, particularly in California, where demand for skilled labour is high.
Another policy announced this week requires all non-U.S. citizens, including permanent residents, to be photographed on arrival and departure. That rule will take effect on December 26 and forms part of a broader effort to tighten border controls and immigration monitoring across the United States.
