Homeland Security Department
On October 30, 2025, DHS published an interim final rule (IFR) that amended DHS regulations to end the practice of automatically extending the validity of employment authorization documents (Forms I- 766 or EADs) for aliens who have timely filed an application to renew their EAD in certain employment authorization categories. This final rule responds to comments received on the IFR and reaffirms and finalizes the provisions of the IFR. Ending the automatic extension of EADs enhances benefit integrity and prioritizes the proper vetting and screening of aliens before granting a new period of employment authorization and/or a new EAD.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security 8 CFR Part 274a [CIS No. 2859-26; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2025-0271] RIN 1615-AD05 ( printed page 65306) AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: On October 30, 2025, DHS published an interim final rule (IFR) that amended DHS regulations to end the practice of automatically extending the validity of employment authorization documents (Forms I-766 or EADs) for aliens who have timely filed an application to renew their EAD in certain employment authorization categories. This final rule responds to comments received on the IFR and reaffirms and finalizes the provisions of the IFR. Ending the automatic extension of EADs enhances benefit integrity and prioritizes the proper vetting and screening of aliens before granting a new period of employment authorization and/or a new EAD. DATES: This final rule is effective on October 14, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Business and Foreign Workers Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), DHS, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, MD, Camp Springs, 20746; telephone (240) 721-3000 (this is not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Executive Summary A. Basis and Purpose B. Legal Authority C. Summary of the Major Provisions of the Regulatory Action D. Costs and Benefits II. Background A. Legal Authority B. Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization and Documentation C. Increasing the Autom…
Citation: 91 FR 65306
