Instructions for Somalia Temporary Protected Status Extension, Redesignation Issued

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published instructions on how to apply for the extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia.

In February 2023, DHS extended and redesignated TPS for Somalia until September 17, 2024.

Applications for re-registration and employment authorization document (EAD) extensions should be made during the reregistration period: March 13, 2023, through May 12, 2023.

Those with current EADs set to expire on September 17, 2021, or March 17, 2023, will be granted automatic extensions of EADs until March 17, 2024, while they wait for their new EADs to be approved. For more information on automatic extensions for Somalia and other TPS countries, please see our work authorization tool.

Individuals who have already applied for EAD extensions need only reregister. When their EAD cases are adjudicated, they will have September 17, 2024, expiration dates.

Those who wish to make initial applications for TPS and EADs beyond general eligibility requirements must have entered the United States on or before January 11, 2023, and must have been continuously physically present in the United States since March 18, 2023.

Somalian students in F-1 status may request work authorization or increased work hours while school is in session – and still maintain their F-1 status if they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the crises in Somalia.

Please see the instructions in the Federal Register for specific information.