USCIS announced it will shorten the validity period of work permits for several categories, including for refugees and asylees, from 5 years to 18 months for applications pending or filed on or after 12/5/25. USCIS also noted the shortened validity period mandated by H.R. 1 for TPS-holders and parolees.
USCIS released a policy alert (PA-2025-27) updating guidance in the Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period of work permits for many EAD categories, including refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, parolees, TPS-holders, and more.
The reduced maximum validity periods for certain categories will result in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for authorization to work in the United States. Vetting an alien more often will enable USCIS to deterliens who apply for authorization to work in the United States. Vetting an alien more often will enable USCIS to deter fraud and detect aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States.
The maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be changed from 5 years back to 18 months for several categories of aliens:
Aliens admitted as refugees;
Aliens granted asylum;
Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;
Aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
Aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245; and
Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation
For more information on work permits,
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