Who should care: Somali nationals currently holding TPS status or those with pending TPS applications should pay close attention to this extension. Additionally, employers with Somali TPS workers need to ensure employment verification documents remain current.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Somalia’s TPS designation through January 2, 2025. This means that Somali TPS holders retain protection from deportation and eligibility for employment authorization documents (EADs) through that date. According to 8 CFR § 244.17, TPS beneficiaries must timely file for re-registration to maintain status and work authorization.

Important Notice
From our practical experience, many clients miss key deadlines for TPS re-registration, which can lead to gaps in lawful status and employment eligibility. For example, a recent Somali client who delayed filing the EAD renewal lost several months of work authorization, causing payroll and tax complications for his employer. Timely action is critical.
Attorney Insight
Actionable steps we recommend:
1

Check your current TPS expiration date on your Form I-797 or EAD card.

2

File your TPS re-registration and EAD renewal application (Form I-821 and Form I-765) within the DHS-specified window, typically 60 days before expiration.

3

Employers should monitor E-Verify and Form I-9 to ensure employees’ work authorization remains valid.

For corporate clients employing Somali TPS workers, we suggest integrating TPS expiration tracking into your HR compliance system to avoid inadvertent employment of unauthorized workers, which could trigger penalties under INA §274A.

This TPS extension also preserves a pathway for Somali nationals to consider adjustment of status options if they become eligible through family or employment-based categories. However, TPS itself does not confer permanent residence; strategic planning is necessary.

Attorney Insight
In summary, the Somalia TPS extension offers continued protection and work authorization through early 2025. We advise clients to act promptly on renewal filings and maintain close communication with legal counsel to navigate potential status shifts. Our firm remains ready to assist with TPS-related filings and broader immigration planning.

Data sources:

  • 8 CFR § 244.17 (TPS re-registration requirements)[2]
  • USCIS TPS Somalia webpage for filing deadlines and forms[2]

[2] USCIS, uscis.gov