The Trump administration said it would reduce the period of time that work permits are valid for refugees, asylees and other immigrants granted legal protections in the U.S.

The new rule, effective December 5, 2025, means more frequent renewals, longer backlogs, and a higher risk that applicants could lose their ability to work while waiting for approvals.

The Donald Trump administration has ordered immediate immigration freeze on 19 countries. This means no visa or immigration requests from these countries would be entertained now. Social media vetting for H-1B and H-4 applicants begin from December 15.

This change will also result in an increase in the overall number of EAD renewal applications filed with USCIS, which is likely to increase EAD processing times.

USCIS explained the revised policy will “result in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for authorization to work in the United States,” enabling the agency to “deter fraud and detect aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States.”

The US has reduced the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from five years to 18 months for certain immigrant categories, including

USCIS will now issue 18-month work permits instead of five-year cards, raising the risk of disruption for green card applicants already stuck in long queues

The Trump administration has reduced the validity of work permits (EADs) for refugees, asylees, and certain immigrant groups—including green card applicants—from five years to 18 months, citing national security and fraud-prevention concerns.

For a $5 million contribution, foreign high-rollers can now also avail of a "Platinum Card," which comes with tax benefits.