EXTENSION AND REDESIGNATION OF UKRAINE FOR TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS

August 18, 2023

On August 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025. In the news release announcing the designation, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated: “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.”

Initial, first-time applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Ukraine 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 can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765 (“Application for Employment Authorization”) with their Form I-821. Furthermore, current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their temporary protected status must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from August 21, 2023, through October 20, 2023.

A country may be designated for TPS when the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that conditions in the country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely. The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to temporary conditions such as: ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Once a country has been designated for TPS, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or eligible for TPS are not removable from the United States and can obtain employment authorization and/or travel authorization. Individuals granted TPS also may not be detained on the basis of their immigration status.

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