Burma (Myanmar) has been Redesignated for TPS; Burmese F-1 Students Employment Opportunities Extended

In a recent public notice published by the DHS, the agency has extended TPS for Burma (Myanmar) for 18 months, from 11/26/2022 to 05/25/2024.

Re-registration of Existing Beneficiaries:  Burmese nationals have 60 days to re-register again for TPS from 09/27/2022 to 11/26/2022.   DHS reminds them to re-register as soon as possible to avoid lapses of their employment authorization document (EADs).

First-time Registration:  For new applicants, they may register for TPS anytime from 09/27/2022 through 05/25/2024.  Burmese nationals must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States since 09/25/2022 and continuous physical presence in the United States since 11/26/2022.  They must file the Form I-821 with USCIS during the initial registration period.  Eligible applicants may also file Form I-765 to apply for EADs and Form I-131 for travel authorization during this time. 

For those applicants who already have pending TPS and/or EAD applications, it is not necessary for them to file new applications. USCIS will approve these pending applications taking into account the new designation period. 

Further, DHS is also offering a one-year automatic extension for applicants who filed a timely EAD extension application, through 11/25/2023.  

Burmese F-1 Students Afforded More Employment Opportunities

To further assist Burmese students who may have suffered from severe economic hardship as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Burma, DHS is also extending the existing special exceptions to F-1 employment rules for Burmese students. For examples, Burmese F-1 students may request employment authorization while school is in session; they may request for additional work hours and reduce their regular course load, etc.  

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