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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia

If you do not have TPS Somalia, you can apply now through September 17, 2024. If you are granted temporary protected status, it will be valid through September 17, 2024. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply. Also, find information for those who already have TPS.

Mizajou May 15, 2023

What is TPS   

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of immigration status for people in the United States. TPS is for people who cannot go back to their home country because of danger, such as an armed conflict or environmental disaster. 

If you have TPS, you can:

  • Stay in the U.S. legally for a period of time
  • Apply for a work permit in the U.S.
  • Apply to travel outside of the U.S.
  • Be protected from detention and deportation 

You will not 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.

Go to the USCIS TPS Somalia page for more details.

New applicants

Who can apply

You must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Be a national of Somalia or a person without nationality who lived in Somalia for a long time before arriving in the U.S
  • Have lived only in the U.S. since January 11, 2023
  • Have not left the U.S. since March 18, 2023 

You may not be eligible if you have committed certain crimes.

Public charge does not apply to TPS applicants. You can use any government programs you qualify for.

How to apply

You can apply for TPS Somalia by filing Form I-821. You can file your application online or by mail with USCIS.

You must send documents showing proof of your identity, nationality, and date of entry. These are listed in the What to File section.

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.

You need to apply by September 17, 2024. 

What comes next

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. If you do not get a receipt within 3 weeks of filing, you can call the USCIS Contact Center

You may get a letter asking for more evidence. This could be your photo, fingerprints, signature, and other documents. 

You will get a letter 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.

Current TPS holders

If you already have TPS Somalia, you must have re-registered by May 9, 2023, to continue your benefits through September 17, 2024.

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 work authorization by filing Form I-765. It is recommended to apply at the same time you apply for TPS. Filing both forms together may help you get an EAD faster. You can also apply after.

If you apply for a new EAD during the current registration period, your work permit will be valid through September 17, 2024. 

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. Follow the Federal Register notice instructions when applying for a travel permit.

What happens when TPS expires?

DHS will review country conditions at least 60 days before it is set to expire. They will decide whether to continue it further. If TPS for Somalia 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.

The Embassy of Somalia can offer more information. You can contact the Embassy of Somalia at (202) 853-9164 or visit its office in Washington D.C.

lawyer reviewing information
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