On Friday, June 14, 2013, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a Notice for publication in the Federal Register announcing the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an 18-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2015.  The notice is expected to appear in the Federal Register on June 17, 2013.

This applies to eligible nationals of Syria, as well as eligible persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria.

Eligible TPS beneficiaries should re-register to retain TPS through March 31, 2015, and eligible individuals who did not apply during the initial registration period may file initial registration applications. 

The 60-day re-registration period is from June 17, 2013 through August 16, 2013.  Those re-registering and desiring employment authorization through March 31, 2015, are urged to re-register and file for employment authorization (to obtain a new employment authorization document or “EAD”) soon as possible to maximize chances that the new EADs will be issued prior to the expiration of the current EADs.  Note that the re-registration period is much shorter than the period designated for initial TPS applications.

Those who are initially applying for TPS may apply for TPS and file EAD applications during the 180-day initial registration period from June 17, 2013 through December 16, 2013.

Separate guidance applies to individuals who applied for TPS during the initial registration period, but whose applications remain pending on June 17, 2013. 

Guidance and procedures are set forth in the Federal Register Notice.

For future planning, it should be noted that TPS does not lead to US permanent residence.  Further, when designation of a country is terminated, TPS beneficiaries return to their prior immigration status, if any, but only if the former status hasn’t expired or been terminated.  Those approved for TPS may pursue other lawful immigration statuses while registered for TPS.

The author may be contacted at cwadhwani@foxrothschild.com.

Ms. Wadhwani is a partner in the Immigration Practice of Fox Rothschild.  Since 1995, she has been representing clients in nearly all types of employment and employment-compliance immigration matters.  Her practice primarily comprises clients in the business, health care, and academic areas.