TPS for Ethiopia

Background

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) relief for 18 months, from June 13,
2024 through December 12, 2025.

What is TPS?

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian relief granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was established by Congress recognizing the dangers of returning immigrants to their home countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary or temporary conditions that are a threat to their safety. If the country's conditions reflect one of the above statutory grounds of eligibility, the Secretary provides a designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). DHS makes the final decision on whether to designate TPS for a country, hence requiring a great deal of push from advocates. Learn more about TPS here.

What is SSR?

Special Student Relief (SSR) provides relief to F1 international students who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the humanitarian crisis in their home country. SSR gives international students more flexibility related to their duration of status, course load, and employment eligibility

How do I register?

Re-registration: If you registered for and were granted TPS under the previous designation of
Ethiopia for TPS, you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from April 15,
2024 through June 14, 2024 to ensure you keep your TPS and employment authorization. To
re-register, you must submit Form I-821 TPS Application and Form I-765 Employment
Authorization Document (EAD) Application, and pay the required filing fee. There is no filing fee
for Form I-821 if you are re-registering and the filing fee for Form I-765 is $520. Biometric fees
may apply and is an additional fee of $30. Please note if you have a pending Form I-821 TPS
Application or a related Form I-765 EAD Application under the previous designation of Ethiopia
for TPS, you do not need to submit either application again. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be
valid through December 12, 2025.


First-time registration: Ethiopian nationals who do not have TPS and wish to apply for TPS
protection must register during the registration period that runs from April 15, 2024 through
December 12, 2025. It is important for individuals to register early so that they can take advantage
of the full period of protection. To register, you must submit Form I-821 TPS Application and
Form I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application, and pay the required filing
fee. The filing fee for Form I-821 is $50 and the filing fee for Form I-765 is $520. Biometric fees
may apply and is an additional fee of $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for other forms of immigration relief? 

An application for TPS does not affect an application for asylum, humanitarian parole, or any other immigration benefit. 

Can I apply for TPS if I have a criminal charge?

Yes, but it depends on the charge. It is important that you consult an immigration lawyer immediately.

Does TPS provide a path to citizenship? 

No, TPS is a temporary legal protection and does not lead to permanent residency (green card) or citizenship.

Fact Sheets