A blog about U.S. immigration matters by Paul Szeto, a former INS attorney and an experienced immigration lawyer. We serve clients in all U.S. states and overseas countries. (All information is not legal advice and is subject to change without prior notice.)

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Monday, April 18, 2022

TPS Registration for Ukraine and Sudan Begins on April 19, 2022




The US DHS Secretary announced today that certain Ukrainians and Sudanese present in the U.S. may apply for 18 months of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) starting April 19, 2022.  The 18 months protection will be from April 19, 2022 through October 19, 2023.

These TPS applicants may also apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for the same duration.  Ukrainians and Sudanese may use the EAD to apply for driver's licenses and also social security number.  

Ukrainians

Previously, DHS announced that Ukrainians who came after March 1st would not be eligible for TPS. The new announcement has extended this deadline until  April 11.  Ukrainians must demonstrate  continuous residence in the United States since April 11, 2022 to be eligible for TPS.

DHS has also suspended certain employment authorization rules for Ukrainian students in F-1 status if they can establish severe economic hardship as a direct result of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine.

Approximately 59,600 Ukrainians currently present in the United States may be eligible for TPS under the designation of Ukraine. 

For Ukrainians outside the United States, they will not be eligible for TPS under this designation, even if they are able to enter the U.S. later on.  These Ukrainians must apply for a visa or use other immigration status to enter and stay in the U.S. legally.

Sudanese

Sudanese may also apply for TPS starting April 19, 2022.  To be eligible under the Sudan designation, applicants must prove their continuous residence in the United States since March 1, 2022.  Those who arrived after March 1 would not be eligible for TPS.  There are estimated 3,090 Sudanese currently present in the U.S. who may be eligible for TPS.  Eligible applicants may also apply for EADs for the same 18-month duration of TPS. 


It is important to note that TPS is not a permanent immigration status and may or may not be extended in the future.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.) 

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