The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians for 18 months, beginning on April 1, 2024, and ending on Sept. 30, 2025. This redesignation will allow newly eligible Syrians to submit first-time applications for TPS if they had been residing in the United States since Jan. 25, 2024. Here are some important things to know.
- New Applicants in addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since Jan. 25, 2024, and meeting other eligibility criteria, must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the United States since Jan. 25, 2024. New Applicants may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from Jan. 29, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and other TPS related benefits. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later.
- Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Syria’s prior designation.
- Current beneficiaries under TPS for Syria must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from Jan. 29, 2024, through Mar. 29, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.
- USCIS will issue new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with a Sept. 30, 2025, expiration date to eligible Syrian TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs.
- DHS will automatically extend the validity of certain EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Syria through March 31, 2025.
- Individuals with Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, pending as of Jan. 29, 2024, do not need to file either application again. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Syria, USCIS will grant the individual TPS and issue an EAD valid through Sept. 30, 2025.