DHS has announced that it will extend and expand temporary protected status (TPS) for nationals of Ukraine and Sudan due to the ongoing conflict in both countries. Ukrainians and Sudanese who are already benefiting from TPS can extend their status for an additional 18 months until April 19, 2025.  Under the expansion of the program (referred to as “redesignation”), nationals of Ukraine and Sudan who have been residing in the US on or before August 16, 2023, may now also qualify for TPS.    

Current beneficiaries from Ukraine and Sudan who wish to extend their TPS must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day window from August 21, 2023 through October 20, 2023 in order to maintain their status and authorization to work.  USCIS will automatically extend the employment authorization documents through October 19, 2024. 

Individuals with pending applications for TPS (Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status) or a related application for employment authorization  (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Ukraine or Sudan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through April 19, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Initial, first-time applicants for TPS under the  redesignation of Ukraine and Sudan must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025. Applicants may file Form I-821 online. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately at a later date. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.

By way of background, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program the United States offers to nationals of certain countries where conditions prevent their return, such as armed conflict or natural disasters. TPS allows nationals of these countries to live and work in the United States temporarily until their home country stabilizes and they are able to return safely.

More information about TPS can be found here.

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss these developments further.