TPS Extended For Somalia

On June 1, 2015, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Somalia (and eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) for an additional 18 months, starting September on 18, 2015, and ending on March 17, 2017. Current TPS Somalia beneficiaries seeking to extend their TPS must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from June 1, 2015, through July 31, 2015. USCIS encourages beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible once the 60-day re-registration period begins.

USCIS explains that the 18-month extension also allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible TPS Somalia beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of March 17, 2017.

According to USCIS, to re-register, current TPS beneficiaries must submit:

  • Application for Temporary Protected Status (Re-registrants do not need to pay the application fee of this form).
  • The biometrics services fee (or a fee waiver request) if they are 14 years old or older.
  • Application for Employment, regardless of whether they want an EAD.
  • Application fee or a fee waiver request, but only if they want an EAD. If the re-registrant does not want an EAD, application fee is not required.

USCIS states that applicants may request that USCIS waive the application fee and/or biometrics fee based on an inability to pay. To do so, applicants must file a Request for Fee Waiver, or submit a written request. Fee waiver requests must be accompanied by supporting documentation. USCIS will reject the TPS application of any applicant who fails to submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee waiver request.

USCIS notes that certain individuals who are not current TPS beneficiaries may be able to apply late for TPS under the Somalia designation. Additional information on TPS for Somalia—including guidance on eligibility, the application process and where to file—is available online at uscis.gov/tps.

Attorneys at I.S. Law Firm have helped many foreign nationals apply for Temporary Protected Status and obtain employment authorization based on their TPS applications. To learn more about our services and for consultation, please contact us at +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: [email protected].