Temporary Protected Status extended for El Salvador and Syria

On July 8, 2016, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced that Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") for El Salvador has been extended for an additional eighteen-month period. The new period will now expire on March 9, 2018.  Applications for TPS extension must be received between July 8, 2016 and September 6, 2016. Salvadorans who already have TPS and who also have employment authorization will receive an automatic extension to their Employment Authorization Document ("EAD") for an additional six months upon applying for a new EAD. In order to qualify for TPS, applicants must prove they are Salvadoran nationals and that they have continuously resided in the United States since February 13, 2001.
 
Similarly, Secretary Johnson announced on August 1, 2016 that TPS for Syria has been re-designated and extended. Re-designation means that nationals of Syria may register for TPS for the first time if they have continuously resided in the U.S. since August 1, 2016 and will be able to show they have been physically present in the U.S. since October 1, 2016 (the effective date of the re-designation). USCIS will accept initial applications from Syrian nationals for TPS from August 1, 2016 until January 30, 2017. Syrian nationals who have already been granted TPS may extend their TPS for an additional eighteen months but must apply for the extension during the re-registration period that runs from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016. A complete explanation of the eligibility requirements can be found on the USCIS TPS website.