On Monday, April 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted the Federal Register notice on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine. In March, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the 18-month designation of Ukraine for TPS for eligible individuals. The date for eligibility has been changed to April 11, 2022.
USCIS estimates 59,600 currently in the United States individuals may be eligible for TPS under the designation of Ukraine. However, Ukrainian nationals currently outside the United States do not qualify for TPS under this designation, and they will not become eligible by relocating to the United States in the coming weeks. Ukrainians are encouraged instead to apply for a visa or other legal pathway at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Key Highlights
- The registration process for Ukraine begins on April 19, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Ukraine must file an application.
- To be eligible under the Ukraine designation, individuals must demonstrate their continuous residence in the United States since April 11, 2022, and continuous physical presence in the United States since the designation date in the Federal Register notice.
- Individuals applying for TPS under the Ukraine designation must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 18-month initial registration period from April 19, 2022, through October 19, 2023.
- Ukraine TPS applicants are eligible to file Form I-821 online.
Employment Authorization
- When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an Employment Authorization Document by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.