As an experienced New York immigration lawyer serving clients from Russia and Ukraine and around the world, I understand the stress you face when your employment authorization is nearing expiration. For high-income professionals, families supporting children, or asylum-seeking individuals, losing your ability to work legally in the United States can mean financial uncertainty, job-loss risk, and emotional strain. That’s why renewing your work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must be taken seriously—and done well.
In this blog I’ll walk you through how to renew your work permit, focusing on the latest policy changes, what has shifted in 2025, the filing process for the form Form I‑765, filing fees, important deadlines, and practical tips to avoid gaps in your work authorization. I’ll also explain how the recent elimination of automatic extensions affects you—and what steps you should take now to stay protected.
1. Why renewing your work permit matters
If your EAD is about to expire, you may not be able to continue working legally in the U.S. without a timely renewal. For many immigrants—especially recent arrivals, those in asylum or adjustment of status processes, or spouses of visa-holders—work authorization is the foundation of their livelihood, family support, and integration.
When you fail to renew on time or allow a gap in employment authorization, consequences may include:
- Loss of employment and income.
- Employer may no longer accept your expired document for Form I-9 verification.
- A gap in legal work may affect your immigration case or eligibility for future benefits.
- Stress and disruption in your career and family life.
I help clients for whom work authorization is critical: those filing asylum, VAWA, waivers, EB2 NIW, EB1 or O1 visas. Renewing your EAD properly is a key step to maintaining stability while your immigration case progresses.
2. What has changed: No more automatic extensions
A major update has occurred: Until now, many renewal applicants were eligible for an automatic extension of up to 540 days while their renewal application was pending. E-Verify+3USCIS+3USCIS+3
But as of October 30, 2025, for most renewal applications filed on or after that date, this automatic extension will no longer apply.
In other words: if you file your renewal after the cutoff, you cannot assume you will be authorized to keep working simply because you filed on time. You must hold a valid EAD or face the risk of unauthorized employment (which in turn could harm your immigration case).
Here are the key take-aways:
- If you timely filed your renewal before your current EAD expired and before October 30 2025, you may still be covered by the automatic extension rules.
- If you file on or after October 30, 2025, and you are in an eligibility category that previously benefited from automatic extensions, your continued work authorization may end on the expiration date of your current EAD unless your renewal is approved.
- Certain limited categories (for example, some TPS beneficiaries) may still be subject to automatic extension rules under regulation or Federal Register notices—but you must check your specific category. USCIS+1
Why this matters particularly for you:
If you are a Russian national, Ukrainian national, or immigrant in asylum/adjustment/VAWA/EB2 NIW situations—many of whom rely on EADs—you cannot rely on “just having filed” to keep working. You need positive steps now.
3. The renewal process: How to file Form I-765
Let’s walk through the steps of renewing your EAD using Form I-765—the core filing you must complete.
Step A: Confirm your eligibility and category
Visit the USCIS Form I-765 page. USCIS
You need to know your “Eligibility Category” code (such as (c)(9) adjustment of
status, (c)(8) asylum applicant, etc.). Use the Form I-765 instructions for
guidance. USCIS
Step B: Timing – when to file
USCIS advises: if you wish to renew, you should file Form I-765 within 6
months of the expiration date of your current EAD. USCIS
But given the removal of automatic extensions, I recommend filing as early
as allowed—for many, up to 180 days before expiration, provided you still
meet eligibility. This gives you more time and reduces risk of a gap.
Step C: Gather required documents
From USCIS’s checklist: USCIS
Typical documents for renewal include:
- Copy of your current EAD (front and back).
- Copy of your Form I-94 or other proof of your status or pending application.
- Two passport-style photos (if required).
- Signed and dated Form I-765 from the correct edition.
- Filing fee (or fee waiver request if applicable).
- If applicable, Form G-1145 for e-notification.
- A mailing address where you can reliably receive mail from USCIS.
Step D: Complete the form carefully
On Part 1 of Form I-765, select “Renewal of my permission to accept employment.”
Be sure to complete all fields accurately, use correct edition of the form, and sign the form. Mistakes or outdated editions often cause delays or rejections.
Step E: File online or by mail
If your category allows, you may file online through your USCIS account.
Otherwise, you must send the paper application to the correct address. Use the
“Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765” page. USCIS
Ensure you are mailing to the correct lockbox for your category and location;
if you send to the wrong address, your case may be delayed or rejected.
Step F: Track your case and respond promptly
Once filed, USCIS will issue a receipt notice (Form I-797C). Use your receipt number to track status online via “Check Case Status.”
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), respond promptly before deadline. Delays can lead to a denial and increase risk of employment gap.
4. New risks and how to avoid employment gaps
Given the elimination of automatic extensions for many, you must be more proactive than ever. Here are key risk-points and how to manage them:
Risk 1: Filing late or too close to expiration
If you file very close to your current EAD’s expiration, you risk that the
renewal decision may not arrive in time—and without automatic extension you may
lose work authorization.
Tip: File as early as your eligibility allows—ideally 90-180 days before
expiration.
Risk 2: Assuming you have an automatic extension when you
do not
If your category was eligible for automatic extension before but now you file
after Oct 30, 2025, you cannot assume it applies.
Tip: Double-check your eligibility category and when your renewal is
filed. If unsure, stop working when your EAD expires until you have a valid EAD
in hand (or legal reason you are covered).
Risk 3: Job interruption harming your immigration case
Working without valid authorization can jeopardize your underlying immigration
status or future benefits.
Tip: Keep proof of filing, maintain documentation of your renewal, and
stay out of unauthorized employment. If there is a gap, speak with your
immigration counsel immediately.
Risk 4: Address changes = missing your card
If your address changes after filing, USCIS may send your card to the old
address and your employer will flag you as unauthorized.
Tip: Update your address via USCIS and USPS. Use an address where you
reliably receive mail.
Risk 5: Employers not understanding the rule change
Some employers may rely on old policies of automatic extensions and continue employment based on old assumptions. Now they must verify that the EAD is valid or that you hold a receipt for a timely-filed renewal and the category is still eligible (if applicable). USCIS
Tip: Provide your employer with your receipt notice and, if relevant, confirm eligibility for automatic extension. Discuss the rule change with your HR or immigration compliance officer.
5. Special categories and considerations
Here are some special situations to keep in mind:
- Asylum applicants: If you are in the U.S. filing or have filed for asylum, you may be eligible for an EAD under category (c)(8). When renewing, ensure you are in the correct classification and file timely.
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applicants: If you have a pending I-485 and hold a renewal EAD (typically (c)(9)), you must renew ahead of expiration.
- Spouses of H-1B (H-4 EAD), L2 EAD, etc.: These may also hold EADs and must observe this new policy.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Some TPS renewal applicants may still obtain automatic extension if regulation allows; check the TPS designation and latest USCIS guidance.
- Non-immigrant work visa holders: If your work authorization is based on a non-immigrant employment classification (e.g., L-2, E-2, O-3) rather than an EAD, you should consult counsel about renewal or extension differently.
- Immigrants in high-income professional roles: If you are relying on your EAD to continue employment in a high-paying position (especially relevant for your audience of $50k+ income, Russian nationals, etc.), losing employment authorization could trigger job-loss, family stress, or visa status changes. Prioritize renewal.
6. Practical checklist: What to do in the next 30-90 days
Here’s a practical action plan you can implement now:
- Review your current EAD card. Note the “Card Expires” date and your Eligibility Category Code.
- Determine when you become eligible to file—some categories allow up to 180 days before expiration.
- Decide whether to file online or by mail. If by mail, locate the correct lockbox for your category (see USCIS address list).
- Collect supporting documents: current EAD copy, I-94, passport ID page, photos, filing fee or waiver, Form G-1145.
- Complete the correct edition of Form I-765 (check edition date at bottom of form) and sign it.
- File the application. Keep copies of everything and your postal/tracking information if mailed.
- Within days after filing, update your employer (HR or immigration compliance) and provide them with your receipt notice. Explain the changed rule and confirm your current employment authorization status.
- Monitor the case online. If you receive an RFE, respond quickly.
- In case the filing is very late (close to expiration) and there is a risk of a gap: consult counsel about contingency planning (e.g., changing to another visa category, filing expedited request if urgent).
- Change of address? Submit the change via USCIS and USPS promptly to ensure timely delivery of your EAD.
- After approval, update your Form I-9 at work if required. Provide your employer a copy of the new EAD.
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your EAD, renewal receipt, and file in a secure place.
7. Why hiring a New York immigration lawyer makes a difference
As you navigate this renewal process—and especially in light of the new no-automatic-extension rule—you’ll want experienced guidance. That’s where I come in:
- My law firm focuses on immigration law in New York, serving Russian nationals, asylum seekers, EB2 NIW and EB1/O1 visa candidates, VAWA/self-petitioners, and individuals seeking waivers or citizenship.
- I stay current with the latest updates at USCIS, including policy changes such as the termination of automatic EAD extensions.
- I provide practical, step-by-step advice (not just legal theory) to ensure your work authorization remains valid, your job remains secure, and your immigration case remains on track.
- You’ll benefit from my track record of successful outcomes, my bilingual service (Russian & English), and my commitment to clear communication.
- If you feel uncertain about your eligibility, timing, or how the rule change affects your situation, a consultation may save you time, money, and risk.
8. Final reminders
- Don’t wait until your EAD is days from expiration to think about renewal. With the automatic extension rule gone for many filings, you risk unauthorized employment.
- Document everything: Notice of filing, tracking information, receipt number, correspondence with employer, proof of mailing.
- Inform your employer and ensure they know you’ve filed and your status. If your authorization lapses, you must stop working until you have valid documentation.
- Stay updated: USCIS issues alerts and changes may occur. Always refer to the official site rather than relying on second-hand sources.
- Get counsel if you: have criminal history, disciplinary issues, complex immigration background, or are unsure about your category.
- Maintain your immigration case momentum: work permit renewal is just one part of your broader immigration journey (asylum, adjustment, VAWA, EB2 NIW, citizenship). A lapse undermines that journey.
As a top New York Immigration lawyer dedicated to helping high-income immigrants, recent arrivals, and families from Russia, Ukraine, and beyond, I’m here to guide you through this crucial step. If you need help assessing your eligibility for work permit renewal, preparing Form I-765, avoiding employment gaps, or aligning your renewal with your larger immigration strategy—I’m ready to assist.
📞 Call me today at 917-885-2261 for a consultation and let’s make sure your work authorization remains uninterrupted and your immigration goals stay on track.