Is it possible to claim Asylum-Based EAD anymore?

Yes, but there is a 180-day (c)(8) Asylum-Based EAD that is still subject to 180-day waiting period of the date you submit your asylum application (Form I-589) before you can get work authorization.

Is the $100,000 fee real?

Yes. Presidential Proclamation made it to be applied to new petitions filed beyond September 21, 2025. Although the USCIS is presently challenged by a legal matter, it is implementing it in all the cases of Consular Notification in 2026.

What will become of me in case I travel during my EAD renewal?

Under the Biometric Entry/Exit Expansion, face scans have become a requirement in all large ports. In case your EAD lapses when you are outside the country you will not be permitted entry unless you possess an underlying valid visa (such as an H-1B or an L-1).

USA Work Permit Application Guide 2026

Travelling through the U.S. immigration system in 2026 does not simply involve filling in documents, but it will need a tactical overview of the most radical policy changes in decades. Ever since the automatic extension of work permits ended, the H-1B Wage-Based selection and the notorious $100,000 H-1B Condition Payment has altered the game of the game.

H-1B Revolution Wage-Based Selection (FY 2027)

The most significant change to come in 2026 is the formalization of the death of the random H-1B lottery. The USCIS has shifted to a weighted system that prioritizes more talented talent with higher pay rates as of February 27, 2026.

The New H-1B Selection process

With Wage Level I-IV Entries, your chances have changed to one per individual. The greater your salary when compared relative to the prevailing wage in the locale, the greater the number of ticketing you receive in the selection process.

Level IV (Fully Competent): 4 entries (around 61 percent selection odds)
Level III (Experienced): 3 entries (G. I. approximately 46% selection odds)
Level II (Qualified): 2 entries (average selection odds of about 31%)
Level I (Entry Level): 1 entry (15% selection odds)

EAD Crisis An Elimination of the Auto-Extensions

The workers have been enjoying 540 days automatic extension during the time (they were awaiting new EAD card). USCIS ceased automatical extensions of EAD as of late 2025/early 2026.
In case you submit your Form I-765 (2026 Edition) before or on October 30, 2025, it is important to have the physical card on-hand to carry on with your work after your current permit has expired.

Critical EAD Updates for 2026

18-Month EAD Validity: The majority of the categories that previously were granted 5 years permits have been lowered to an 18-Month EAD Validity Period to enable a more frequent security check.
IMM 5710 / I-765 Edition: USCIS must receive only the 08/21/25 edition of the form, beginning March 5, 2026. The outdated ones will be discarded.
Premium Processing Fee Adjustment: As of March 1, 2026 the fee on Form I-907 has changed to 1780 on the EADs and up to 2965 on the H-1Bs.

The H-1B Hundred thousand dollar payment and travelling bans

2026 presents the greatest financial, geographic challenges. The entry has been limited to the nationals of 39 countries by presidential proclamation 10998 and a new condition of eligibility has been introduced to other countries.

Primal Regulatory Barriers

H-1B Condition Payment requirements: The new petitions of H-1B programs on behalf of beneficiaries outside the U.S. are required to be accompanied by a payment of $100,000 on Pay.gov. This is not charged in case of renewals or previous ones already in the U.S. in sound H-1B status.
Pause on Immigrant Visas: The Department of State has ceased the issuance of immigrant visas to the nationals of 75 countries based on the grounds of public-charge as of January 21, 2026. Although this does not cancel the work permits (non-immigrant), it makes the way to a Green Card very slow.
Online Presence Vetting: You are now required to list all of your social media identifiers during the past five years on your DS-160. Consular staff are also going through public posts with your job opening.

Spouses and Dependents Eligibility

The SOWP Program Realignment has made the way of H-4 and other dependent work permits tight. The target in 2026 is TEER 0-3 High-Skilled Occupations.

H-4 EAD: Can only be maintained in case the H-1B owner is a principal, whose I-140 was approved, or when he or she has over six years of status.
Maintained Status 2026: provided you submit your extension in time, then you are deemed to be under Maintained Status. But unless you have an automatic extension, you might lose the right to work although you can have the right to stay.

FAQs

Is it possible to claim Asylum-Based EAD anymore?

Yes, but there is a 180-day (c)(8) Asylum-Based EAD that is still subject to 180-day waiting period of the date you submit your asylum application (Form I-589) before you can get work authorization.
Is the $100,000 fee real?

Yes. Presidential Proclamation made it to be applied to new petitions filed beyond September 21, 2025. Although the USCIS is presently challenged by a legal matter, it is implementing it in all the cases of Consular Notification in 2026.
What will become of me in case I travel during my EAD renewal?

Under the Biometric Entry/Exit Expansion, face scans have become a requirement in all large ports. In case your EAD lapses when you are outside the country you will not be permitted entry unless you possess an underlying valid visa (such as an H-1B or an L-1).

Final Thoughts

The USA Work Permit Application Guide 2026 is pointing to the evident trend: the U.S. is favoring high-wage earners and stringent vetting. In order to achieve success, you have to make your filing early enough (at least 180 days prior to expiration) and have your online presence reflect your professional qualifications.

Disclaimer

The article is informative and educative only. It is recommended that the reader should check the information provided by reputable sources, including the official websites of the USCIS or the Department of State, before making their choices.