Is Your Work Permit Stuck? Why Delays Are Happening in 2025 & What You Can Do
There is nothing more frustrating than checking the mail every day, hoping to see your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), only to find an empty mailbox.
If you are currently waiting on your work permit, the stress is real. You have bills to pay, a family to support, and employers asking when you can start. Here in Woburn and across Massachusetts, we see this every day. Work permit delays remain one of the biggest headaches for immigrants in 2025.
The reality is that while the system is slow, you aren’t powerless. Many delays are actually preventable, and even when the fault lies with USCIS, there are strategic moves you can take to protect your livelihood.
At Samper Law, we represent thousands of applicants facing this exact issue. Here is the breakdown of why this is happening and, more importantly, how to fix it.
The Real Reasons Your EAD Might Be Stuck
Understanding why the delay is happening is the first step to solving it. In 2025, these are the most common culprits:
1. The USCIS Backlog
It’s the most obvious reason, but it’s true. USCIS is processing a historic volume of applications. While staffing has improved since the pandemic, certain service centers are still buried under paperwork.
2. The "One Page" Problem
You would be surprised how often a case stalls because of a single missing page or an incomplete form. If the evidence isn’t perfect, USCIS doesn’t just guess, they pause your case or send a Request for Evidence (RFE), which adds months to the timeline.
3. Biometrics Issues
If your fingerprints weren't captured correctly, or if you missed your biometrics appointment notice (often because of mail issues), your case hits a brick wall. The background check cannot complete without them.
4. The Address Trap
This is a massive issue. If you moved and didn't update your address effectively across all channels, USCIS might have sent a request that you never saw. If they think you ignored them, they may pause or deny the application.
5. Your Case Category
Not all work permits are created equal. The timeline for an Asylum-based EAD looks very different from a DACA renewal or a marriage-based adjustment. Mixing up the timelines for these different categories is a common source of confusion.
How to Speed Up Your EAD (and Protect Your Job)
You don’t just have to wait and hope. Here is your checklist for taking action:
1. Audit Your Address
Make sure your address is current, not just in one place, but everywhere.
Update it with USCIS online.
Update it with the USPS (Post Office).
Crucially: Tell your attorney. One small typo in a zip code can leave your card sitting in a mail facility for weeks.
2. Check Your "Normal Processing Time"
Before you panic, check your receipt number against the official USCIS processing times for your specific service center. If you are still within the "normal" window, you have to wait. If you are outside of it, you can file an official "Outside of Normal Processing Times" inquiry. This often nudges the file back to the top of the pile.
3. Congressional Inquiries
This is a tool many people forget about. If your case is unreasonably delayed, your U.S. Senator or Representative can inquire on your behalf. Government agencies often respond faster to Congress than they do to individuals. At Samper Law, we handle these inquiries for our clients regularly.
4. Request an Expedite (But Be Honest)
You can ask USCIS to speed up your case, but the bar is high. You generally need to prove:
Severe financial loss (to you or your company).
Urgent humanitarian reasons.
Nonprofit status specific requirements.
U.S. government interests.
Pro Tip: "I want to work" isn't enough. We help clients document specific financial hardships to build strong expedite packages.
When You Should Call a Lawyer
If your case is straightforward, you might be fine waiting it out. However, you should speak to a professional if:
You received a Denial or an RFE: You are on a clock to respond correctly.
You moved recently: And you are worried mail was lost.
Your employer is getting impatient: We can sometimes provide letters explaining the processing delays to help smooth things over with HR.
You suspect a red flag: If you have a prior arrest or a complex immigration history, don't gamble with your work permit.
You Are Not Alone in This
Your ability to work is the foundation of your life in the United States. At Samper Law, we understand the anxiety that comes with these delays. We help immigrants across the U.S. navigate these hurdles so they can get back to work and focus on their future.
Need help moving your case forward? Let’s talk.
Samper Law 📍 Woburn, Massachusetts
📞 Call us: 781-321-3700 📱 WhatsApp: 857-600-8145
Confidential consultations available in English, Spanish & Portuguese.
