Up to 33,000 US work permits could expire while renewal applications remain pending, potentially forcing thousands of immigrants to stop working under a federal immigration rule finalized this month.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that between 20,000 and 33,000 Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) could lapse during an 18-month period beginning in May 2027.
The rule, finalized on October 14, 2026, confirms an earlier decision to eliminate automatic work permit extensions for several categories of immigrants.
Which Immigrants Could Be Affected?
The US work permit rule affects certain immigrants who previously qualified for automatic extensions while waiting for their renewal applications to be processed.
These include some spouses of H-1B visa holders, applicants awaiting green cards, asylum applicants and other eligible foreign nationals.
Under the previous system, qualifying workers who submitted timely renewal applications could receive automatic extensions of up to 540 days.
For applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, those extensions generally no longer apply.
This means that immigrants whose existing work permits expire before their renewals are approved may have to temporarily stop working, even if they submitted their applications on time.
The change does not automatically revoke immigration status or prevent eligible individuals from applying for renewed employment authorization.
Certain exceptions remain, including qualifying applications filed before October 30, 2025, and extensions authorized under separate legal provisions.
Employers and Families Face Possible Financial Disruption
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledges that the US work permit rule could lead to interrupted employment, lost earnings and additional costs for American businesses.
Workers affected by processing delays may temporarily lose their ability to earn an income, while employers could face staffing shortages or expenses associated with replacing employees.
Families relying on two incomes could also experience financial difficulties if one spouse must stop working while waiting for a renewed permit.
The government says the changes are intended to strengthen immigration screening and ensure that applicants remain eligible before receiving additional employment authorization.
Immigration advocates and employers have raised concerns that processing delays could leave legally eligible workers unable to continue their jobs.
The rule may be particularly relevant to foreign professionals and immigrant families living in the United States, including members of the Balkan diaspora who depend on employment authorization documents.
However, the estimated 20,000 to 33,000 lapses represent a nationwide projection, not a confirmed number of affected workers or a figure specific to any immigrant community.
DHS says the actual impact will depend on renewal processing times, application volumes and how early individuals submit their paperwork.
Immigrants approaching the expiration of their employment authorization should review the rules applicable to their specific immigration category and check official USCIS guidance before making employment decisions.
