Fresh setback for H-1B workers: US ends 540-day automatic work permit extension, impact on Indians explained
The US Department of Homeland Security has ended the 540-day automatic work permit extension for immigrants, effective October 30, 2025. This policy change will require applicants to wait for formal approval before continuing employment, impacting many foreign workers including H-1B visa holders.
Why it matters
This shift in immigration policy creates significant uncertainty for foreign professionals and their families regarding their legal ability to maintain employment in the US.
In a further development concerning immigrants during the broader immigration enforcement initiatives undertaken by US President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday (local time) a regulatory measure that eliminates an extended period allowing immigrants to maintain employment following the expiration of their work authorization while their renewal petitions were under review.New DHS rule ends automatic work authorization extensionsAccording to Bloomberg Law, the regulation permanently terminates the automatic 540-day extension period that had permitted qualified immigrants to maintain employment in the nation while their permit renewal applications were under review.
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