USCIS Narrows EAD Validity to 18 Months to Boost Vetting
USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S. - USCIS (.gov)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of aliens, increasing screening frequency. This change reflects a policy shift aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring more regular status verification for foreign nationals authorized to work in the United States.
Shorter EAD Validity Periods
Under the revised guidance, EADs for refugees, asylees, individuals with pending asylum or adjustment of status applications, and certain other humanitarian-based categories will now be issued for up to 18 months instead of the previous five years. This allows USCIS to conduct more frequent background checks and reassess eligibility more regularly, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen immigration vetting procedures.
Impact on Work Authorization
Applicants in affected categories must now plan for more frequent renewals, which may impact job stability and employer onboarding timelines. While the change does not affect all EAD categories, those impacted should prepare for shorter validity periods and ensure timely filing to avoid employment gaps.
About the Organizations Mentioned
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
## U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): An Overview **What USCIS Does** U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for administering the nation’s immigration system. Its core functions include processing immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions, applications for citizenship, asylum, work authorization, and humanitarian programs. USCIS also manages naturalization ceremonies, oversees the E-Verify employment verification system, and provides immigration-related information to the public[4]. The agency operates field offices across the United States and maintains international offices in several countries, supporting U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain others living abroad[4]. **History** USCIS traces its roots to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was established in 1933 to consolidate federal immigration activities. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. government reorganized its immigration functions, and in 2003, USCIS was created as part of DHS, separating the benefits and services functions from the enforcement roles assigned to other agencies. This restructuring aimed to improve efficiency and security in the immigration system[4]. **Key Achievements** Throughout its history, USCIS has played a central role in implementing major immigration reforms, such as processing applications under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 and the Immigration Act of 1990, which redefined the legal immigration framework and introduced new visa categories[3]. In more recent years, USCIS has managed the implementation of policies ranging from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to the processing of refugee and asylum claims amid global crises. The agency’s adaptation to digital transformation—including online filing, case status tracking, and biometric services—reflects its ongoing efforts to modernize operations for efficiency and accessibility. **Current Status and Notable Aspects** USCIS is unique
