The United States has introduced new US asylum and refugee rules that shorten work permit validity for people seeking protection, aiming to create a more controlled employment system.
Under the revised policy, the government will reduce initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents for refugees and asylees from five years to eighteen months, applying the change nationwide without exceptions.
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Officials said the shorter validity period also includes people admitted as refugees, individuals granted asylum, and applicants waiting for decisions on asylum or withholding of removal cases across the country.
The update additionally affects those seeking adjustment of status under immigration law, creating uniform rules that limit how long humanitarian applicants may legally work while their protection cases remain unresolved.
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Under the revised policy, the maximum validity for initial and renewal EADs for refugees, asylees, and several pending application categories will be reduced from five years to 18 months nationwide.
Applicants with pending cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation will also receive shorter work authorization, as will people seeking protection under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and American Relief Act.
Another change comes through H.R. 1, which limits work permits for humanitarian groups to one year or the end of their parole or Temporary Protected Status period, whichever is shorter.
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This rule affects people paroled as refugees, those holding Temporary Protected Status, applicants for that status, individuals granted parole for other reasons, and spouses of entrepreneur parole holders.
The new rule also covers applicants with pending cancellation of removal, suspension of deportation, and those applying for relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, effective December 5, 2025.
The government said these limits will apply to all Form I-765 work permit requests filed after July 22, 2025, including applications still pending when the new rules take effect.
Officials explained that applying the same standards to pending and newly filed cases ensures consistency, reducing confusion for asylum seekers and refugees who depend on employment authorization for financial stability.
