The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has some important news for people from Cameroon who are in the United States. They are extending and renewing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon nationals. This means that if you qualify, you can get TPS benefits for an extra 18 months, starting from December 8, 2023, until June 7, 2025. DHS made this decision because Cameroon is still facing a lot of fighting and difficult conditions that make it unsafe for people to go back.

For students from Cameroon who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas, there’s some special news too. You can now ask for permission to work, work more hours while you’re in school, and take fewer classes and still keep your F-1 student status during the TPS period.

If you already have TPS for Cameroon, this extension means you may be able to keep your status until June 7, 2025. You need to re-register during a 60-day period from October 10, 2023, to December 9, 2023, to keep your TPS and the right to work. Other requirements apply.

If you’re from Cameroon and arrived in the U.S. before October 5, 2023, and have been living in the U.S. and continuously physically present since then, you might be able to get TPS for the first time. Individuals from Cameroon who arrive in the U.S. on October 5, 2023, or after are not eligible. There are some other requirements, too. But if you qualify, you can apply from October 10, 2023, until June 7, 2025. You can find more details from DHS.

If you have any questions about TPS or any immigration issues, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here every step of the way during your immigration journey.