On August 18, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for another 18 months, beginning October 20, 2023 to April 19, 2025.
The DHS has also redesignated Ukraine for TPS, which means Ukrainian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Ukraine) that have continuously resided in the United States since August 16, 2023 with nonimmigrant status or without lawful immigration status are eligible to apply for TPS for the first time. Ukrainian nationals that entered after August 16, 2023 are not eligible for TPS. First-time Ukrainian TPS applicants must also show that they continue to be physically present in the United States since October 20, 2023, which is when the redesignation goes into effect.
This decision was made in response to the conflict in Ukraine from Russia’s ongoing military invasion, which has resulted in many civilian casualties, war crimes, many fleeing the country, and significant damage to infrastructure that has left many without electricity or access to medical services. As a result, Ukrainian nationals and residents from the country are unable to safely return.
Applicants applying for TPS for the first time must file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status from August 21, 2023 through April 19, 2025. Applicants may also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with their TPS application to request for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for work authorization. Both forms can be filed online.
Current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status must re-register within the 60-day period from August 21, 2023 through October 20, 2023 to keep their status and employment authorization. Since not all re-registrants may receive their new EAD before it expires, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically extend previously issued EADs through October 19, 2024.
Applicants who have a pending application do not need to file either forms again. If approved, applicants will be granted TPS status through April 19, 2025. If the individual applied for an EAD, it would also be valid through April 19, 2025.
Lastly, the DHS also released a Special Student Relief notice stating that F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Ukrainian citizens and are experiencing severe economic hardship as result of the current conflict may request for work authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status.
If you have any questions regarding Ukraine’s extension and redesignation for TPS, the Special Student Relief notice, or any immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, a Sacramento law firm, by filling out this contact form.