DHS Announces Re-Registration Process for Salvadoran, Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan TPS Beneficiaries
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for 18 months. TPS beneficiaries from these four countries must re-register to receive extended benefits. Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries must re-register between July 12 and September 10, 2023. Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS beneficiaries must re-register between November 6, 2023 and January 5, 2024. Nepali TPS beneficiaries must re-register between October 24 and December 23, 2023.
The issue
In notices scheduled for publication in Wednesday’s Federal Register, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided details on the re-registration process for foreign nationals seeking to take advantage of DHS’s previously announced 18-month extension of its TPS designation for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for Temporary Protected Status.
Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries will have from July 12, 2023, through September 10, 2023, to request extension of status and work authorization, to the new TPS expiration date of March 9, 2025.
Honduran and Nicaraguan TPS beneficiaries will have from November 6, 2023, through January 5, 2024, to request extension of status and work authorization, to the new TPS expiration date of July 5, 2025.
Nepali TPS beneficiaries will have from October 24, 2023, through December 23, 2023, to request extension of status and work authorization, to the new TPS expiration date of June 24, 2025.
Re-registration process for current TPS holders
Current El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua TPS beneficiaries can continue to extend their status and work authorization provided that they previously registered for TPS under the designation of the same country, and their application was granted.
Who may re-register: Re-registration is limited to those who previously registered for and were granted TPS under the designation for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua.
How to re-register: To obtain an 18-month extension of status, current El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua TPS beneficiaries must submit Form I-821 with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) within the 60-day re-registration period.
Extending employment authorization: Beneficiaries who wish to extend their employment authorization must also submit a timely Form I-765 application for an employment authorization document (EAD) and the applicable fees (or a fee waiver application).
Pending TPS and/or EAD applications from prior registration period: There is no need for a foreign national with a pending TPS and/or EAD application to file a second application in order to benefit from the extension.
Looking ahead
The extension of TPS for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua means that beneficiaries who submit a timely application and receive an approval may continue to work and remain in the United States until the 18-month extension expires. Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension, DHS will review conditions to determine whether the TPS designation for these countries should be extended again or terminated.