On March 11, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Burma (Myanmar) for 18 months of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the recent military coup and the “deteriorating humanitarian crisis” in that country. Nationals of Burma or stateless individuals who last habitually resided there who were already in the U.S. on March 11, 2021 will be allowed to apply for TPS if they meet all the eligibility criteria.
Eligible individuals can apply for TPS and their work permits simultaneously, and if approved, will be eligible to live and work legally in the U.S through September 11, 2022. The application period has not yet been established but is expected to begin imminently. When available, USCIS will publish the details on when and how to apply for TPS here.
TPS is offered to citizens of countries that the U.S. government deems unsafe due to natural disasters, wars and civil conflict, or other extraordinary conditions, 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.