The federal update outlines the only valid formats for renewing the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and warns applicants about the risks of delaying the process.
The U.S. federal government has introduced formal adjustments to the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal process for 2025, a critical procedure for millions of immigrant workers whose legal employment depends on this credential. The update, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), clearly defines which documents will be accepted and which will no longer be considered during case review.
According to the agency, the goal is to streamline the evaluation of expiring permits, accelerate approval timelines, and ensure consistency across all submitted applications. The continued high demand for renewals and recent procedural changes led USCIS to adopt stricter, more uniform requirements.
The Only Documents USCIS Will Accept for EAD Renewals in 2025
For the 2025 processing cycle, USCIS will accept only the following items as part of an EAD renewal application:
- A completed and signed Form I-765.
- A copy of Form I-94 (arrival/departure record), in physical or digital format, or a valid passport or other approved international travel document.
- A copy of the most recently issued EAD.
- Two identical, passport-style photographs that meet official specifications.
- Form G-28, only if the applicant is represented by an attorney or accredited representative.
- Proof of payment of the required fee, unless the applicant has an approved fee waiver.
USCIS emphasized that submitting additional documents, unauthorized formats, or incomplete files may lead to the application being rejected and removed from processing, forcing the applicant to restart the entire procedure.
What Is the EAD and Who Needs It?
The Employment Authorization Document allows certain noncitizens to work legally in the United States. It is primarily required by:
- asylum applicants,
- individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS),
- beneficiaries of humanitarian programs,
- and categories of immigrants who need explicit work authorization.
Those who hold lawful permanent residence (a green card) or a nonimmigrant status that already authorizes employment for a specific employer do not need to apply for or renew an EAD.
How and Where to Renew the Work Permit
EAD renewals are processed exclusively by USCIS. Applicants may file online through the agency’s official portal or submit the documents by mail, including the completed Form I-765 and all required attachments.
USCIS strongly recommends filing the renewal application up to 180 days before the EAD expires to avoid any interruption in work authorization and to minimize delays during adjudication. “Filing early helps maintain uninterrupted employment eligibility,” the agency notes in its public guidelines.
The Role of Form I-94 in the Renewal Process
Form I-94 is the official record of a noncitizen’s entry and departure from the United States, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It serves as key proof of lawful presence and is required to support EAD renewal applications.
CBP notes that most travelers entering by air or sea receive an electronic I-94 automatically at the port of entry, and the digital version is available online for verification.
Replacing an EAD if It Is Lost, Stolen, or Contains Errors
If the EAD is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, USCIS requires the applicant to file a new Form I-765, pay the applicable fee, and submit the necessary documentation again.
However, if the card contains an error caused by USCIS, the agency will reissue the corrected EAD at no cost, provided the applicant returns the defective card along with a written explanation of the error.
Consequences of Failing to Renew on Time
Failing to renew the EAD before its expiration may result in:
- the immediate loss of work authorization,
- suspension of employment or active contracts,
- financial consequences for the worker,
- and administrative penalties depending on the individual’s immigration status.
USCIS urges applicants to initiate the process up to six months before expiration, especially those whose employment depends on maintaining continuous authorization.
A Stricter Process for 2025
With these updated guidelines, the federal government aims to reduce errors, speed up decision-making, and ensure that employers receive clear, valid proof that their workers are authorized to perform their duties. For immigrants planning to renew their EAD in 2025, compliance with these requirements will be essential to avoid interruptions in both immigration status and employment.