Thousands of Indian workers face uncertainty as US alters visa norms

Washington DC – The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major rule change that could push thousands of Indian professionals and their families out of work. Starting Thursday, the agency will end automatic extensions of Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), the work permits that allow non-US citizens to stay employed.

Until now, foreign workers could continue working for up to 540 days while their EAD renewals were pending. Under the new rule, anyone whose renewal isn’t approved before their current card expires must stop working immediately.

DHS stated, “Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension.” The department said the change will allow “more frequent vetting” of foreign workers applying for employment authorization.

Officials have urged applicants to file renewals up to 180 days before expiry. “Delays in filing can result in temporary loss of employment authorization,” DHS warned.

Indians Among the Worst Hit

The decision will hit Indian workers the hardest. They form a large part of the US tech and healthcare sectors and already face long visa and green card delays.

Groups most affected include H-1B visa holders awaiting green cards, H-4 spouses dependent on work permits, students on STEM OPT extensions, and employment-based green card applicants.

“This rule marks a sharp shift in immigration practice,” said Henry Lindpere, a senior immigration attorney. “Indian nationals will bear the biggest impact, especially H-4 spouses and green card applicants.”

No Grace Period After Expiry

Under the new policy, there will be no grace period once the current EAD expires. If renewal approvals lag, workers must stop immediately.

Renewal processing times at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently stretch from three to twelve months. This means many foreign professionals could face forced job breaks, loss of income, and even visa status risks.

“Almost everyone will lose work authorization if renewal isn’t approved in time,” Lindpere said.

Trump Administration’s Defence

The DHS has justified the rule as a “national security” step. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said, “Working in the United States is a privilege, not a right. We are reinforcing strong vetting for all foreign workers.”

The department cited a June 2025 case in Colorado involving an asylum applicant with an automatically extended EAD as the reason behind tighter screening.

Limited Exceptions

Only Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and a few categories covered by federal notices will remain exempt. The rule won’t affect EADs already extended before October 30, 2025.

Uncertain Future for Indian Professionals

Indian nationals already face decades-long green card queues. Many depend on EAD renewals to legally work while waiting for permanent residency. Immigration experts warn the policy could disrupt thousands of careers.

“This rule will trigger mass job losses and force skilled Indian families into crisis,” said a New Jersey-based immigration consultant. “Even one day’s delay in renewal could cost someone their legal status.”

The move follows earlier restrictions under the Trump administration, including steep H-1B visa fee hikes and hiring bans at state universities. Officials claim such steps protect American jobs.

But for Indian workers, the new EAD rule deepens uncertainty — turning their American dream into a race against bureaucratic time limits.