The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed an extension and redesignation of Yemen Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This extension lasts for another 18 months, from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to ongoing conditions in Yemen. After careful review, USCIS decided that it’s not safe for individuals to go back to Yemen right now.

The redesignation means about 1,700 Yemeni nationals can apply for TPS status for the first time. Individuals must continually be living continuously in the U.S. since July 2, 2024 to qualify. The extension allows approximately 2,300 current TPS holders to keep their status until March 3, 2026, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Individuals who arrived after July 2, 2024, cannot obtain TPS status. More details are available in the Federal Register.

Yemeni nationals who are F-1 students in the U.S. can also apply for work authorization. Eligible students can apply for their first work permit, work more hours during school terms, and may reduce their course load to keep their F-1 status. These options apply to F-1 students from Yemen who qualify during the TPS period.

Current TPS beneficiaries from Yemen can re-register from July 10, 2024, to September 9, 2024. If they apply for an extension, their current work permit will stay valid until September 3, 2025, even if they haven’t received a new one yet.

If you have questions about the Yemen Temporary Protected Status program or any other U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us. We work with our clients every step of the way.