Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration benefit provided to eligible nationals of certain countries, including Syria, who are already in the United States and cannot safely return due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. For individuals from Syria, a country sadly known for its protracted conflict, understanding TPS is crucial for maintaining legal status and work authorization in the U.S. If you are a Syrian national in the United States, this guide explains everything you need to know about Temporary Protected Status, including re-registration and initial application processes, and clarifies Where Is The Country Syria in the context of this designation.
Re-registration and Initial Application for TPS Syria
For those already holding TPS under Syria’s designation, it’s imperative to re-register to maintain your status. The current re-registration period is January 29, 2024, to March 29, 2024. It is strongly advised to re-register as early as possible within this 60-day window to ensure continuous TPS benefits.
If you are a Syrian national eligible for TPS for the first time under the redesignation effective October 1, 2022, you must apply during the initial registration period, which runs from January 29, 2024, to September 30, 2025. While you have an extended period to apply, early registration is recommended to access benefits sooner.
For comprehensive details on registration, please visit the TPS webpage.
Filing Your TPS Application: Online or by Mail
USCIS offers options for both online and paper filing for TPS Syria applications.
Filing Online
The most efficient method is to file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status online. When submitting your initial application or re-registering for TPS, you can also simultaneously request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization online along with your Form I-821.
Filing by Mail
If you prefer to submit a paper application for your initial TPS application or re-registration, or if you are requesting a replacement EAD for your existing TPS, you should mail your application package to the appropriate address based on your mail service:
| If you send your paper application via: | Then, mail your application to: |
|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS): | USCISAttn: TPS SyriaP.O. Box 6943Chicago, IL 60680-6943 |
| FedEx, UPS, or DHL: | USCISAttn: TPS Syria (Box 6943)131 South Dearborn 3rd FloorChicago, IL 60603-5517 |
It’s crucial to use the correct mailing address to avoid processing delays.
Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
Good news for current TPS holders: USCIS has automatically extended the validity of certain EADs related to Syria TPS until March 31, 2025. This automatic extension applies to EADs issued under the TPS designation for Syria with original expiration dates of March 31, 2024, September 30, 2022, or March 31, 2021.
If your EAD falls into these categories, you can continue using your current EAD as proof of your work authorization until March 31, 2025. To demonstrate your eligibility to work, you can present the following documents to your employer:
- Your TPS-related EAD with an expiration date of Mar. 31, 2024, Sep. 30, 2022, or Mar. 31, 2021; and
- A copy of the Federal Register notice announcing this automatic extension.
Employers are instructed to accept the Federal Register notice as evidence of the ongoing validity of your EAD. For further details, refer to the Documentation Employers May Accept and Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries May Present as Evidence of Employment Eligibility page.
If your TPS re-registration is approved and you have paid the EAD fee (or received a fee waiver), USCIS will issue you a new EAD with an expiration date of September 30, 2025.
Exploring Other Immigration Options and Asylum
While TPS provides temporary relief, it’s also important to explore other potential immigration pathways. You may be eligible for different immigration options outlined on the Explore My Options page.
For those seeking permanent residency, the Green Card Eligibility Categories page details various categories under which you may qualify for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card).
A Note on Asylum: Applying for asylum is another option to consider. Importantly, maintaining TPS status until a reasonable period before applying for asylum is considered an “extraordinary circumstance.” This means that having TPS can pause the “one-year filing deadline” for asylum applications, provided that the one-year period hasn’t already expired upon receiving TPS. Refer to 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv) for more information.
Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
It is crucial to be vigilant against immigration scams. Unauthorized individuals may attempt to exploit you by offering to file TPS forms for a fee. Always seek assistance from authorized legal professionals. USCIS provides a list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal service providers on their finding legal advice web page.
Remember, only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) are authorized to provide legal immigration advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for more resources and information.
Further Resources
For comprehensive information on TPS eligibility, application steps, and required forms, visit the main TPS page. Details on filing fees can be found on the Fee Schedule page.
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