Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia
If you do not have TPS Somalia, you can apply now through March 17, 2026. If you are granted temporary protected status, it will be valid through March 17, 2026. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply. Also, find information for those who already have TPS.
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 July 12, 2024
- Have not left the U.S. since September 18, 2024
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.
It is important to apply as soon as possible. The last day to apply is March 17, 2026 but that is also the last day TPS for Somalia is currently available.
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 under a previous designation, you must have re-registered by September 20, 2024 to extend it further to March 17, 2026.
If you missed the deadline to re-register, you can submit a late re-registration application. You will also have to submit a letter explaining why you filed it late, such as a serious illness. You can re-register online or by mail with USCIS under the “Where To File” section.
DHS automatically extended the EADs of current TPS holders from the last registration period to September 17, 2025.
If your EAD expires on September 17, 2024, or March 17, 2023, you can continue using your EAD through September 17, 2025.
If you had a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 as of July 22, 2024, you do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves your pending applications, they will now be valid through March 17, 2026.
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 March 17, 2026.
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.
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.
本页信息来自 DHS, USCIS, 以及其他可信来源。 我们的目标是提供易于理解、定期更新的信息。相关信息不是法律建议。
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