Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine and Sudan Extended through 2025

by | Aug 30, 2023 | Firm News, Immigration Explained

On August 18th, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine and Sudan for 18 months, from October 20, 2023 through April 19, 2025, due to ongoing conflicts in these countries that prevent individuals from safely returning.  

DHS also announced changes that would allow more eligibility for Ukrainian and Sudanese nationals to apply for the status, extending relief to citizens from both countries who study in the United States to maintain their student status even if they take fewer courses to work more. 

For the extension of TPS for Ukrainian nationals, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis requires that the United States continue to offer safety and protection to Ukrainians who may not be able to return to their country. We will continue to offer our support to Ukrainian nationals through this temporary form of humanitarian relief.” This extension, the DHS indicated, impacts about 26,000 current Ukrainian individuals with TPS and under redesignation of the program, may make an additional 166,700 individuals eligible for TPS. This number includes nationals of Ukraine in nonimmigrant status or without lawful immigration status. 

The extension and redesignation of TPS program for Sudan will allow Sudanese nationals residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023, to be eligible for TPS. DHS has also announced a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students, whose country of citizenship is Sudan, so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period. “Since the military takeover of its government and the recent violent clashes, Sudan has experienced political instability and ongoing conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “Under this extension and redesignation, we will continue to offer safety and protection to Sudanese nationals until conditions in their home country improve.” This extension will impact about 1,200 Sudanese beneficiaries with current TPS status and would make an estimated 2,750 additional individuals eligible for TPS. 

To extend their temporary protected status, current TPS beneficiaries from Ukraine and Sudan must re-register within the 60-day re-registration period, which is from August 21, 2023, to October 20, 2023, to ensure they maintain their TPS and work authorization without gaps. 

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. 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. 

For more information, visit the USCIS website or call our office at 216-566-9908.