US Ends Auto‑Renewal of Migrant Work Permits, Affecting Indian Workers

On October 30, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security announced it will no longer auto‑renew Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) for migrants, a measure that will directly impact thousands of Indian workers already prevalent in the US labour market.

New Vetting Rules for EAD Extensions

From today, any alien who files for EAD renewal will receive a manual review, replacing the former automatic extension. The policy intends to enhance background checks and curb fraud, thereby protecting job security for US citizens while tightening controls for foreign workers.

Impact on the H‑1B Workforce and India’s Share

India presently supplies 71% of all H‑1B visa approvals, with 4,50,000 applications each year and 85,000 visas issued annually. The new fee of $100,000 under the previous administration has already strained firms like Amazon and Tata Consultancy, and this rule adds further uncertainty for Indian tech talent in the US.

Read More: Are TCS, Cognizant, Walmart, and Other Companies Pausing H-1B Visa Sponsorships?

Workforce Shortages in Key US Cities

Cities such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco are already experiencing labour deficits as enforcement actions and stricter renewal standards reduce the number of eligible migrant workers. Employers now face a tighter pool and heightened administrative demands.

Broader Border Measures and Future Dates

The Department has also issued a photo‑capture mandate for all non‑citizens, including Green Card holders, effective December 26, adding another layer of scrutiny as part of a broader strategy to secure the border.

Conclusion

By ending automatic EAD renewals, the US imposes a stricter vetting cycle, directly affecting Indian professionals and the broader H‑1B ecosystem, and signalling a more cautious immigration stance moving forward.

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