04 Feb Asylum pause and the EAD clock

Many clients are asking me what happen during the asylum pause. We will discuss below what happen during the asylum pause and what can you expect on your pending Employment Authorization Document.

Does the asylum clock continues to run during the pause?
Yes, despite the current asylum decision pause announced by USCIS on November 28, 2025, the “asylum EAD clock” generally continues to run toward the 180-day requirement for work authorization.

What are the conditions for the asylum clock to run?
The following conditions apply to the EAD clock during this 2025 pause:

• Initial EAD Eligibility: You can still apply for an initial (c)(8) work permit 150 days after your asylum application is received by the government. USCIS is still required to process these initial applications.
• Clock Stoppages: The clock only stops if you (the applicant) cause a delay, such as:
  o Failing to appear for a biometrics appointment.
  o Requesting to reschedule an asylum interview.
  o Failing to provide a competent interpreter at an interview.
• Government Delays: Delays caused by the government—including the current pause on making final asylum decisions or interview cancellations at the fault of USCIS—do not stop your clock.
• What is the validity period of the current EAD issuance?
• Validity Changes: For EAD applications (initial or renewal) pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity period has been reduced from five years to 18 months.
• Automatic Extensions: As of October 30, 2025, the 540-day automatic extension for timely filed EAD renewals has been eliminated for most categories, including asylum seekers.

How can we check the status of our EAD application?
You can check your current clock status using the USCIS Case Status Online Tool. If your case is in immigration court, you can check your clock through the EOIR Automated

Case Information portal or by calling 1-800-898-7180.

Note: This is not legal advice.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with Care Home Facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Caregivers in the US

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If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.
Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.