USCIS Extends EADs for TPS Beneficiaries from Five Nations – What You Need to Know

Updated: Jul 21, 2024 | Tags: EAD Extension for TPS

In a recent update that brings relief to many, the USCIS has extended the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. This extension, now valid through March 9, 2025, ensures that TPS holders from these countries can continue working without interruption, offering much-needed stability during uncertain times.

If you're currently benefiting from TPS and haven’t yet re-registered, it’s crucial to do so within the updated deadlines for your country. This post will guide you through the details of the extension, what steps you need to take, and where to find further resources to keep your TPS status and EAD up to date.

What Is TPS and EAD?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a vital humanitarian program in the United States designed to shield individuals from countries facing significant turmoil. This status is granted to nationals of countries experiencing severe crises, such as ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that make it unsafe for them to return home.

By granting TPS, the U.S. provides temporary relief from deportation and allows beneficiaries to stay and work in the country legally while the situation in their home country remains dire.

Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are an integral part of this protection. For TPS holders, an EAD serves as a legal proof of their right to work in the U.S. It not only enables individuals to support themselves and their families but also helps them contribute to the economy.

With the recent extension of EADs for TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan through March 9, 2025, there’s a continued guarantee that these individuals can remain employed without facing the immediate threat of losing their work authorization.

This extension is a crucial step in providing stability and continuity for those affected by prolonged and challenging circumstances in their home countries.

Countries Affected by the Extension

The recent USCIS announcement impacts TPS beneficiaries from five specific countries, each facing unique challenges that have led to the extension of their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Here’s a brief overview of each affected country and its current TPS designation:

  • El Salvador: The TPS designation for El Salvador was initially granted due to the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and ongoing violence. The extension through March 9, 2025, continues to offer crucial protection to Salvadoran nationals who remain in the U.S. during this period of uncertainty in their home country.

  • Honduras: Beneficiaries from Honduras were granted TPS following severe damage from Hurricane Mitch and subsequent political instability. With their EADs extended through July 5, 2025, Honduran nationals can maintain their employment and secure their livelihood while their country deals with continued challenges.

  • Nepal: After the catastrophic earthquake in 2015, Nepalese nationals were granted TPS to help them recover and rebuild their lives. The extension of their EADs until June 24, 2025, provides ongoing support for those who have yet to return to their homeland amidst ongoing recovery efforts.

  • Nicaragua: TPS for Nicaragua was initially granted due to the impact of natural disasters and civil unrest. Nicaraguan beneficiaries will now have their EADs extended through July 5, 2025, allowing them to continue working and contributing to their communities while their country faces ongoing issues.

  • Sudan: The TPS designation for Sudan was granted due to prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises. The extension of EADs through April 19, 2025, ensures that Sudanese nationals can maintain their employment status and stability in the U.S. while their home country remains in a state of turmoil.

Details of the EAD Extension

The USCIS extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for TPS beneficiaries brings a notable period of stability for individuals from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. Here’s what you need to know about this important update:

New Validity Date: The validity of EADs for TPS beneficiaries from the affected countries has been extended to March 9, 2025. This means that if you currently hold an EAD under one of these TPS designations, you can continue working legally in the U.S. until this new expiration date without needing immediate renewal.

Impact on Employment: This extension ensures that TPS holders can maintain their employment without the worry of their work authorization lapsing prematurely. It provides a clear timeline during which individuals can continue contributing to the workforce and supporting themselves and their families.

Form I-797, Notice of Action: To notify affected individuals about this extension, USCIS will send out a Form I-797, Notice of Action. This official document will confirm that your EAD has been extended and provide any additional instructions or information related to your TPS status.

No Immediate Action Required: If you receive the Form I-797, there’s no need to take immediate action to renew your EAD solely because of this extension. However, it’s important to stay informed about your TPS re-registration requirements and any other updates from USCIS to ensure continuous compliance with your TPS benefits.

Re-Registration Requirements

Maintaining your Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefits requires timely re-registration, even with the extended validity of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Here’s a guide on what you need to know:

Importance of Re-Registration: To keep your TPS benefits, it's crucial to re-register during the designated periods. This process ensures that your TPS status remains active and that you continue to receive the protections and work authorization associated with it.

Current Re-Registration Deadlines: Each country has a different re-registration deadline. Here are the updated dates you need to be aware of:

  • El Salvador: Re-registration is open until March 9, 2025. Make sure to submit your Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, before this date to keep your TPS benefits.

  • Honduras: The deadline for re-registering is July 5, 2025. Ensure your application is submitted by this date to maintain your TPS status.

  • Nepal: The re-registration period runs through June 24, 2025. Don’t miss this deadline to ensure your TPS benefits continue without interruption.

  • Nicaragua: You have until July 5, 2025, to re-register. Submit your application by this date to retain your TPS benefits.

  • Sudan: The re-registration deadline is April 19, 2025. Make sure to submit your application on time to keep your TPS status active.

How to Re-Register: To re-register for TPS, you need to submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the current re-registration period. Ensure you complete the form accurately and submit it on time to avoid any disruptions in your TPS benefits.

Additional Instructions: For detailed instructions on how to re-register and any necessary documents you may need to provide, refer to the most recent Federal Register notice that extends TPS for your country. This notice will include specific guidance on the re-registration process and any updates or changes to the requirements.

How to Renew Your EAD

Renewing your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a crucial step to ensure you maintain your legal right to work in the U.S. while under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the renewal process:

Check Your EAD Expiration Date: Before you begin the renewal process, verify the expiration date on your current EAD. Since the USCIS has extended the validity of EADs through March 9, 2025, you generally won’t need to renew your EAD before this date. However, it’s always good practice to monitor your document’s expiration and start the renewal process early if necessary.

Prepare Your Renewal Application: To renew your EAD, you will need to submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. This form allows USCIS to process your request for a new EAD and should be completed accurately. Make sure you select the correct category on the 

Gather Required Documents: When renewing your EAD, you’ll need to provide several supporting documents, including:

  • A copy of your current EAD.

  • A copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, if applicable.

  • Proof of your TPS status (e.g., copies of previous TPS approvals or re-registration receipts).

  • Passport-style photographs as specified in the form instructions.

  • Any other documents required by the specific instructions for Form I-765.

Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed Form I-765 and gathered all necessary documents, submit your application to the address specified in the form instructions. Ensure you use the correct mailing address to avoid delays in processing.

Follow Up on Your Application: After submission, keep track of your application status using the USCIS online case status tool. You will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming that USCIS has received your application. This notice will provide a receipt number you can use to check your application status.

Await Your New EAD: Once your renewal application is processed and approved, USCIS will issue a new EAD with an updated validity period. Ensure you keep your new EAD in a safe place and use it to continue working legally in the U.S.

Additional Resources: For the most current information on renewing your EAD, including any changes to the process or additional instructions, refer to the USCIS website and the latest Federal Register notices related to TPS.

What to Expect

Form I-797, Notice of Action: You’ll receive this notice from USCIS confirming that your EAD is extended through March 9, 2025. This serves as proof of your extended work authorization.

No Immediate Renewal Needed: You generally don’t need to renew your EAD right away unless it’s set to expire before the extended date. Just ensure you stay on top of your TPS re-registration deadlines.

Re-Registration Confirmation: After re-registering for TPS, you’ll get confirmation from USCIS. Keep this for your records to show that your TPS status is maintained.

Renewing Your EAD: When it’s time to renew, submit Form I-765 and follow the instructions. You’ll receive a receipt notice to track your application.

New EAD: Once approved, USCIS will issue a new EAD with updated validity. Verify the details and continue working legally in the U.S.

Stay Updated: Regularly check the USCIS website for any new updates or changes related to TPS and EADs.

Conclusion

The recent USCIS extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through March 9, 2025, for TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan offers essential stability during challenging times. This extension ensures that individuals from these countries can continue working legally and supporting themselves without the immediate concern of their work authorization expiring.

If you hold TPS and have not yet re-registered, it is crucial to complete this process within your country’s designated timeframe. By staying informed about the re-registration deadlines and following the outlined steps for renewing your EAD, you can maintain your status and work authorization smoothly. For further details and updates, refer to the latest USCIS guidance and Federal Register notices related to your TPS designation.

For more detailed information on visa options and requirements, visit USA-Visas, your comprehensive resource for navigating U.S. immigration policies.