The Administration has announced it is redesignating Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and is extending TPS for another 18 months for Syrians who already have it, through September 30, 2022.
TPS is offered to citizens of countries that the U.S. government deems unsafe due to natural disasters or wars and civil conflict, so that those already in the U.S. when the Administration designates their country for TPS can apply to remain and work here legally. It is typically offered in 18 month increments, and has often been extended repeatedly.
The redesignation allows eligible Syrians in the U.S. as of March 19, 2021 to apply for permission to remain and to work legally through September 30, 2022. Until this redesignation, only Syrians who were already in the U.S. as of March 29, 2012 were eligible for TPS.
Eligible Syrians who already have TPS must reregister to extend their TPS status and work permits between March 19, 2021 through May 18, 2021. Their work authorization documents that will expire on March 31, 2021 will be automatically extended through September 27, 2021. Employers can accept the Federal Register notice announcing the TPS extension as proof of the work permit extension.
Syrians newly able to request TPS due to the redesignation must apply between March 19, 2021 through September 15, 2021.
Instructions on how to apply initially or to extend TPS are available here.