Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced the extension and redesignation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a duration of 18 months, effective from May 26, 2024, to November 25, 2025. This decision is in response to the extraordinary and temporary conditions prevailing in Burma that pose risks to the safety of individuals, preventing their safe return. The corresponding notice in the Federal Register provides details on how to register as a new first-time applicant or current beneficiary for TPS under Burma’s extension and redesignation.
Following consultations with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas concluded that an 18-month extension and redesignation of TPS for Burma are warranted due to ongoing conditions supporting Burma’s TPS designation. Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, which resulted in the overthrow of Burma’s democratically elected civilian government, widespread violence has persisted, posing significant risks to individuals in Burma. Additionally, Burma continues to grapple with challenges in food provision, access to healthcare, and economic stability.
In conjunction with this announcement, a Special Student Relief notice has been issued for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Burma. Eligible students may now request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status throughout the TPS designation period.
The extension of TPS for Burma enables approximately 2,300 current beneficiaries to retain TPS until November 25, 2025, provided they continue to meet TPS eligibility criteria. The redesignation of Burma for TPS allows an estimated 7,300 additional nationals of Burma (or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Burma) to file initial applications for TPS if they meet eligibility requirements and established residence in the United States on or before March 21, 2024, and have continuously resided in the United States since then.
Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Burma’s prior designation. Current beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024, to maintain their TPS and employment authorization.
Recognizing that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current one expires, the validity of EADs previously issued under Burma’s TPS designation is automatically extended through May 25, 2025. New registrants who are granted TPS under the extension and redesignation will receive an EAD valid for 18 months, until November 25, 2025.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Burma. Individuals with pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 applications as of March 25, 2024, do not need to reapply. If USCIS approves a pending application, the individual will be granted TPS through November 25, 2025, and issued an EAD valid through the same date.
Under Burma's redesignation, eligible individuals without TPS may submit an initial Form I-821 application during the initial registration period from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025. Applicants can also apply for TPS-related EADs and travel authorization by submitting a completed Form I-765 with their Form I-821 or separately later.
The Federal Register notice provides comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, as well as for new applicants to submit initial applications and apply for EADs under the redesignation.
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