Temporary Protected Status extended for El Salvador

The Department of Homeland Security is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of El Salvador for an additional 18 months, through March 9, 2018.

Key dates:

• The 18-month extension is effective Sept. 10, 2016 through March 9, 2018.
• The reregistration period runs from July 8 to Sept. 6, 2016 for current Salvadoran TPS holders who want to extend their status.
• Those who reregister during this time and apply for work authorization will receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with an expiration date of March 9, 2018.
• EADs expiring Sept. 9 will automatically be extended for six months, until March 9, 2017.

Background: El Salvador was originally designated for TPS following two catastrophic earthquakes in 2001. Due to subsequent natural disasters that have impeded national recovery that would allow El Salvadoran nationals to return, TPS designation has been extended, according the U.S. Federal Register notice.

Individuals seeking to reregister must include all required documents and the government fee or a request for fee waiver. USCIS will reject all incomplete applications. Those who have not yet filed for TPS may still be able to file as late initial filers if they meet all eligibility criteria.

More information is available on the USCIS TPS page.

BAL Analysis: Applicants are encouraged to reregister immediately and must do so within 60 days. Employers should be aware of the automatic six-month extension of affected EADs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.

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