Find information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Sudan. Understand what TPS is. Learn how to apply for TPS, renew your status, get a work permit, travel, apply for other protection, and find legal help.
You can now apply for TPS Sudan. The last day to apply is October 19, 2023. Currently, this is also the last day you can have temporary protected status for Sudan.
What is TPS?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of immigration status for people in the USA. TPS is for people who cannot go back to their home country because of danger. These may include armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other temporary dangers. This status is only available for people from certain countries.
Benefits of TPS
- You can stay in the USA legally for a set period of time
- You can apply for a work permit in the USA
- You can apply for a document to travel outside the USA
- You will be protected from detention and deportation
You cannot get any of the benefits of TPS until your application is approved. TPS is temporary. It does not give you lawful permanent status, citizenship, or any permanent immigration status.
Who can apply for TPS Sudan?
If you are applying for the first time, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of Sudan, or a person without nationality who lived in Sudan for a long time before arriving in the USA
- Have lived only in the USA since March 1, 2022
- Have not left the USA since April 19, 2022
You may not be eligible if you have committed certain crimes.
Is TPS Sudan extended?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended TPS Sudan through October 19, 2023. DHS is required to continue TPS Sudan until there is a final court ruling. DHS may or may not continue TPS Sudan again depending on the court case.
How can I apply for TPS Sudan?
You can apply for TPS Sudan by filing Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. You can file your application online with USCIS.
You must send documents showing proof of your identity, nationality, and date of entry.
You must pay a fee if you are applying for TPS for the first time. You might be able to apply for a fee waiver if you can’t afford to pay the fee. Learn how to use the USCIS fee calculator.
When do I need to apply for TPS Sudan?
DHS redesignated TPS for Sudan on March 2, 2022.
If this is your first time applying, you need to apply by October 19, 2023.
Can I apply for TPS late?
In some cases, you might be able to apply late. It is still best to file as soon as you can.
- If you miss the deadline for filing your first TPS application, you must meet certain requirements listed in USCIS’s Filing Late section.
Do I have to re-register if I already have TPS Sudan?
If you currently have TPS, you will need to re-register to extend your TPS benefits through October 19, 2023. If you do not re-register, your current status will end on December 31, 2022.
You can re-register online or by mail with USCIS under the Where To File section. You will need to file as a new applicant even if you had TPS under the last designation. Select “This is my initial (first time) application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). I do not currently have TPS” for question 1.a.
Can I re-register for TPS Sudan late?
- If you missed the deadline to re-register, you will have to submit a letter. The letter needs to give a reason why you filed late, such as serious illness. If you re-register late, there might be a delay and it can cause a gap in your work authorization.
What happens after I file my application?
USCIS will review your application and send you a receipt notice. You can check the status of your application online by typing in your receipt number.
You may get a letter asking for more evidence. This could be your photo, fingerprints, signature, and other documents.
You will get a letter in the mail approving or denying your application. If you applied for a work permit, you will also get information about your application.
If you do not get TPS, you will get information on whether and how you can appeal their decision.
Can I apply for a work permit?
Work permits are available to people with TPS and are known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It shows employers that you are allowed to work in the USA. You can apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization with USCIS.
You can also apply for EAD after you filed your TPS application. Filing both forms together may help you get EAD faster.
Do I have to renew my work permit?
DHS automatically extended the EADs of current TPS holders. If you applied for TPS and an EAD during the last registration period, then your work permit is valid through December 31, 2022.
You can apply for EAD again when you renew your TPS.
Can I apply for a travel permit?
Travel permits are available to people with TPS. It is known as advanced parole. It shows immigration officials that you are allowed to travel abroad and back to the USA.
You can apply for a travel permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Follow the instructions on the Federal Register notice when applying for a travel permit.
You can apply for a work and travel permit at the same time or separately.
What happens when TPS Sudan expires?
DHS will continue to extend TPS Sudan periodically until there is a final court ruling. If the final court ruling ends TPS Sudan, TPS holders will have 365 days before DHS could start deportations.
If TPS Sudan expires, you will have the same immigration status you had before getting temporary protected status.
If you did not have a legal immigration status before you applied for TPS, you may become undocumented. You can apply for another form of immigration status if you are eligible.
If you stay without any legal status, you will risk the chance of arrest or deportation.
Can I change my immigration status?
You can have TPS at the same time as another immigration status.
You can apply for asylum, lawful permanent status (green card), or other protected status if you meet the requirements for those applications.
Find help
An immigration legal representative can help you complete your application and review all of your immigration options. Search for legal help in your area using our FindHello app. Learn more about finding free and low-cost legal help.
The Embassy of Sudan can offer more information. You can contact the Embassy of Sudan at (202) 338-8656 or visit its consular office in Washington D.C.
Learn about the most common immigration scams like notarios and fake websites. Know how to protect yourself and what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.
Information on this page comes from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Register, USCIS, and other trusted sources. It is intended for guidance and is updated as often as possible.
USAHello does not give legal advice, nor are any of our materials intended to be taken as legal advice.
