Immigration Updates: Work Permit Renewals, Public Charge Proposal and More
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security have issued several important updates that may affect work permits, international travel, and public charge standards. Here is a summary of what is changing and what you can do now to stay prepared.
Reminder: USCIS Now Requires Electronic Payments Only
Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts personal checks or money orders.
You must now pay immigration filing fees using one of these options:
- Direct bank debit (ACH) with Form G-1650
- Credit or prepaid card with Form G-1450
Electronic payments help reduce fraud and speed up application processing. Make sure you use the correct form and verify your funds before filing.
Ending of Automatic Work Permit Extensions
Starting October 30, 2025, USCIS will no longer grant automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals. Under the previous rule, applicants could receive up to 540 extra days of work authorization while waiting for renewal approval. That protection will no longer apply to EAD applications filed on or after October 30.
What this means:
- File renewals early — up to 180 days (6 months) in advance
- You must wait for approval before resuming work if your EAD expires
- No work is permitted between expiration and renewal approval
This change may affect many categories, including applicants with pending green cards.
Delays in EAD processing may result in lost income or job interruption. If your EAD is set to expire, mark your calendar and begin preparing your renewal documents now.
Reach out to our office if you have any questions.
Proposed Rule May Change Public Charge Standards
On November 3, 2025, USCIS submitted a proposed rule that could expand how public benefits are considered when reviewing green card applications.
What to know:
- This is only a proposal for now. No rules have changed yet.
- The proposal may return to older, stricter standards where non-cash benefits like SNAP, housing assistance, or Medicaid could count against applicants.
- The public will have a chance to comment before anything becomes final.
Under current rules (in effect since 2022), only cash assistance for income support or long-term institutional care is considered when determining public-charge inadmissibility.
Facial Recognition Now Required for All Non-Citizen Travelers
Beginning December 26, 2025, DHS will require all travelers who are not U.S. citizens, including green card holders, to be photographed when entering and exiting the United States.
What to expect:
- Photos will be taken at airports, seaports, and land borders
- Facial recognition will confirm traveler identity and track visa history
- The rule now includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt.
This policy is part of a nationwide expansion of biometric data collection. U.S. citizens are not affected.
Need Help with Your Application?
Immigration laws continue to evolve, and changes like these can be confusing. If you have questions about your work permit, green card eligibility, or travel plans, we are here to help.
Schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Christine Contreras for clear, professional guidance tailored to your case.