What do you need to re-register for TPS Somalia?

If you already have TPS for Somalia, you need to re-registration between July 22, 2021 and September 20, 2021. Submit Form I-821 Application for Temporary Protected Status.

Will my work authorization under TPS Somalia be extended?

USCIS has automatically extended employment authorization documents (EADs) for TPS Somalia for 180 days, through March 16, 2022. If you want to get a new EAD that is valid through March 17, 2023, file an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) when you re-register.

TPS Somalia | Temporary Protected Status

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Updated May 15, 2023

You can now apply for TPS Somalia for the first time through September 17, 2024. That is also the last day you can have temporary protected status.

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 USA
Apply to travel outside of the USA
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.

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

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 USA
Have lived only in the USA since January 11, 2023
Have not left the USA since March 18, 2023

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

How to apply

You can apply for TPS Somalia 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. 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

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 a work permit by filing Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization.

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 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, Application for Travel Document. Follow the instructions on the Federal Register notice when applying for a travel permit.

What happens when TPS Somalia expires?

DHS will review country conditions and decide whether to extend TPS two months before TPS is set to end.

If TPS 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.

Where can I find help?

It is important to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer or accredited representative. They can help you apply and discuss questions or concerns. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services.

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.

Avoid immigration scams

Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites. Learn what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.

Learn more

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.