TPS Extended for Nationals of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua

USCIS published notices in the Federal Register on October 1, 2008 extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua for 18 months.  The extension will make those who have already been granted TPS eligibility to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months. 

The current and extended TPS periods are as follows:

• El Salvador – extended from March 10, 2009 to September 9, 2010
• Honduras – extended from January 6, 2009 to July 5, 2010
• Nicaragua – extended from January 6, 2009 to July 5, 2010

While in the past the notice in the Federal Register served to automatically extend the employment authorization of TPS persons for six months, these TPS workers must apply for and obtain a new employment authorization document (EAD) prior to the expiration of the current TPS period.  Thus, employers seeking to re-verify employment eligibility on Form I-9 must obtain appropriate documentation from TPS persons (e.g., a new EAD covering the extension period) as their current EADs have not automatically been extended.

To access the announcements pertaining to the extension of TPS status for natives of these three countries, visit the USCIS Press Room.

Note: This article was published in the October 2008 issue of the Immigration eAuthority.