What to Do If Your Work Permit Expires During the USCIS Pause

If your asylum case is stuck because USCIS has paused asylum decisions, you may feel scared about how this affects your job and Your work permit. While the pause on decisions is open‑ended, rules for getting and renewing work permits still apply, and you can take clear steps to protect your ability to work lawfully.

Current pause on asylum decisions and what it means

USCIS has put an indefinite pause on all asylum decisions as of late November 2025. That means the agency is not approving, denying, or closing asylum cases for now. However, this pause does not cancel your existing work permit and does not stop you from applying for a new one or a renewal.

Your work permit is proof that you can work legally in the United States — if it is still within its printed dates, it stays valid even though your asylum case is on hold. You can keep working for your employer or look for a new job, as long as the card has not expired and matches your identity.

Renewal rules based on when you filed

The rules that matter most now are about when you file your renewal application.

• If you applied before October 30, 2025, your work permit should receive an automatic 540‑day extension under existing rules.
• If you applied on or after October 30, 2025, the automatic 540‑day extension no longer applies, and your new card will expire on the printed date. This change took effect before the asylum decisions pause and continues during the suspension.

Normal journey from asylum filing to work permit

When you apply for asylum, you can usually request a work permit after 150 days have passed from the date USCIS received your asylum application. You do this by filing Form I‑765, Application for Employment Authorization. USCIS explains the form and filing options on its official page for Form I‑765.

Once you have a pending asylum case and an approved work permit, your basic journey will look like this while the pause on decisions continues:

1. Check your current card’s expiration date. As soon as you are within about six to nine months of that date, plan your renewal.
2. File your renewal early. Many lawyers suggest filing at least 90 days before expiration to allow for processing delays.
3. Wait for your receipt notice. After you submit your renewal, USCIS should send you a Form I‑797 receipt notice confirming they received your I‑765.
4. Track your case. You can check case status online through the official USCIS “Check Case Status” tool using the receipt number printed on the notice.

USCIS offers broader information about asylum and related work permits on its asylum information page at the official site for USCIS Asylum.

What happens if you renewed before October 30, 2025

If you filed your renewal before October 30, 2025, you fall under the automatic 540‑day extension rule. Under this rule:

• You can keep working for up to 540 days after your old card’s expiration, as long as your renewal is still pending and you remain otherwise eligible.
• Your employer may ask to see your expired card and the renewal receipt notice as proof of the automatic extension.

What changes for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025

If you file your I‑765 on or after October 30, 2025, you no longer get the automatic 540‑day extension. Instead:

• Your work permit will be valid only until the date printed on the new card.
• You must stop working when that date arrives unless you already have a new approval.
• Because of current processing times and the asylum decisions pause, it is even more important to file renewals early and keep close track of dates.

If your work permit expires while renewal is pending

If your work permit reaches its expiration date and you do not have an automatic extension or a new card, you must stop working.

Continuing to work without authorization can cause serious problems, including:

• The risk of removal cases
• Trouble with future immigration benefits

Tell your employer that your authorization has expired and that you are waiting for USCIS to decide on your renewal.

In this situation, it is wise to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer or a qualified legal clinic. They can check whether any protection applies in your case and help you avoid the risk of working without permission. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, many asylum seekers feel forced to choose between feeding their families and following complex work rules, so early planning is essential.

Important: If you do not have an extension or a new approval, continuing to work is a serious legal risk. Seek legal advice immediately.

Practical steps to stay ready

To reduce stress and protect your income, build a simple checklist around your work permit dates:

• Mark your current card’s expiration date on a calendar and set reminders six months, three months, and one month before that day.
• Gather documents for renewal early:
  • Copies of your current card
  • Your asylum receipt
  • Any new passport pages
• Keep every USCIS notice you receive, and store them together with copies of your filed I‑765 forms.
• Talk with your employer’s human resources team early so they know you are renewing and understand what documents you can show during any reverification.

You can use the following simple table to track key dates:

What to expect from USCIS during the asylum pause

Even though USCIS has stopped issuing asylum decisions for now, it is still allowed to receive, process, and approve work permit applications from asylum seekers. Processing times may stretch because staff and systems are under pressure, but there is no formal rule banning these approvals.

You should continue to follow normal filing rules and watch for official updates on the USCIS website, rather than relying only on social media or rumors.

Emotional and family impact

Losing a job or fearing the loss of a job can affect your whole family, especially when you are already waiting in limbo for an asylum answer.

Many people cut food costs, delay medical visits, or move into crowded housing when a work permit problem stops income. Planning ahead, keeping copies of every paper, and asking questions early can’t remove the uncertainty, but these steps give you more control during a time that often feels out of your hands.

Every case is different, so do not compare your timelines with friends or online stories. Focus on what you can control:

• Filing on time
• Saving proof of every step
• Checking official USCIS updates
• Asking trusted legal helpers when something is unclear

Taking these steps can protect your status and stability.