Extension and Redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status

The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Syria that prevent individuals from safely returning. The Federal Register provides information about how to register as a new or current beneficiary for TPS under Syria ’s extension and redesignation.  

Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Syria’s prior designation. Current Syrian TPS beneficiaries must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from January 29, 2024, through March 29, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization. DHS is also automatically extending Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) through March 31, 2025, which is the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Syria’s TPS designation. 

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Syria. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of January 29, 2024, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Syria, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through September 30, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date. 

Under the redesignation of Syria, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from February 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later. The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew their EAD, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.