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On July 8, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas designated Yemen for an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until March 2026. TPS for Yemen has been available since September 3, 2015. 

The 18-month extension of TPS for Yemen will be effective from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026. Unlike some extensions of TPS for other countries, this extension is available to newly arrived Yemeni nationals who did not previously have TPS and want to register, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR TPS UNDER THE CURRENT DESIGNATION?

If you are living in the United States and are eligible for TPS as a Yemeni national but haven't applied yet, here is the criteria you must meet: 

• You have Yemeni nationality or last habitually resided in Yemen (with no nationality).

• You have continuously resided in the United States as of July 2, 2024.

• You have been continuously physically present in the United States since September 4, 2024. 

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE TPS?

If you received TPS based on Yemeni nationality already you will need to re-register, and your employment authorization document (EAD) will also need to be renewed. Current TPS beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 10, 2024, through September 9, 2024. Please note this is a much shorter period than that of initial registration. 

The government recognizes that it would be difficult for it to process new EAD cards in time for those whose work status expires this September, so it has automatically extended the validity period of EAD cards issued under the TPS designation of Yemen with an expiration date of September 3, 2024 or March 3, 2023. If your EAD falls under these guidelines, it is now extended through September 3, 2025. However, you must still apply for a new EAD. 

Secretary Mayorkas announced the extended TPS designation because Yemen remains a country with ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions such that its civilians cannot sufficiently access water, food, and medical care. Approximately 2,300 current beneficiaries will be able to benefit from this re-designation and an anticipated 1,700 will be able to apply for the first time. 

• The re-registration period for Yemenis to apply for TPS ends September 9, 2024. That means any application for an extension of TPS needs to be filed by September 8. We recommend applicants not wait until the last minute to file. 

• Initial applicants must file the Form I-821 with USCIS including the appropriate filing fees and supporting evidence of eligibility during the initial registration period (until March 2026). You should also include the I-765 application for work authorization with your application in most cases. 

A Special Student Relief notice was announced for Yemeni students on F-1 visas, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen. Eligible students have a special situation they can request from the government: employment authorization, the ability to work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and the ability to reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period. This is not a normal course of options for F-1 students, and is only available to F-1 students who meet the criteria for the special student relief for TPS. 

If you have questions about how you or a loved one can apply for TPS, or extend your current TPS, please reach out to us at (757) 422-8472, or send us a message on our website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys by clicking on this link.