Recently, many immigrants in the United States received notifications from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stating that their work permit applications had been automatically revoked, causing them deep concern. What exactly is happening?
According to electronic notifications from the immigration agency shown by several immigrants in Los Angeles to a reporter from The Epoch Times, as well as discussions on online forums by dozens of immigrants, some individuals who received notices of work permit revocation had previously submitted Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and had already obtained green cards, including marriage-based and investment-based green card cases.
Jeff Ling, a Chinese-American in Los Angeles, shared his experience. He is a US citizen, and his wife applied for a marriage-based green card in 2025. She received her work permit in about two months and then obtained a “two-year conditional green card” earlier this year, completing the entire application process.
However, on the morning of the 19th, Jeff suddenly received an email from the immigration agency with just one sentence: “We have taken action on your case.” Upon checking their online immigration account, he discovered that his wife’s completed Form I-765 (work permit application) showed as “revoked.”
The notification provided by the USCIS stated, “Due to the approval or denial of the immigration case on which your EAD application is based, your Form I-765 application has been automatically revoked.” This caused anxiety for the couple.
Jeff sought advice from an immigration lawyer immediately on Monday morning. The lawyer reassured them after conducting an investigation, stating that there was no need to worry as his wife’s status was secure since she had obtained her green card and did not require the work permit, leading to its automatic revocation by the immigration agency.
In a policy memorandum issued by the USCIS on January 1st of this year, it was mentioned: “For example, when USCIS approves someone’s Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status for Permanent Resident application), any related or ancillary applications (such as the I-765 work permit application) will be automatically terminated, as the associated benefits are no longer necessary after obtaining permanent resident status.”
California immigration lawyer Donald Smith explained that while it was uncommon during the previous administration to revoke the I-765 upon approving the I-485, the revocation of a previously approved I-765 after the approval of the I-485 and obtaining permanent resident status is actually a normal procedure.
The experiences of Jeff and his wife are not isolated cases. Over the past few days, dozens of similar messages have surfaced on online forums, with many immigrants expressing receiving the same electronic notifications.
Some individuals who obtained green cards at the end of 2024 received work permit revocation notices over a year later. Additionally, some applicants who had submitted Form I-751 and were awaiting the removal of the two-year conditional green card restrictions also suddenly received work permit revocation notifications.
Smith mentioned in an email to the reporter that these notifications from the immigration agency have indeed caused significant worry among many applicants, with this “new normal” aimed at preventing illegal use of employment authorization.
However, it is currently unclear why a large number of applicants received revocation notices at the same time, and it is uncertain whether the immigration agency will issue further explanations or follow-up notifications. Given the unique circumstances of each case, consulting legal professionals is advised.
For now, Smith stated that for applicants who submitted Form I-751, “Revoking the previously approved I-765 form will not affect the applicant’s automatic extension of residency status, work authorization, and normal travel eligibility.”
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinions of the interviewees and serves as general information for reference purposes. ◇