The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due the ongoing armed conflict and other ongoing extraordinary conditions.

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate and redesignate a “foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.” Individuals from TPS-designated countries who already have TPS can extend that status (if they still meet all the eligibility requirements) and individuals from countries who entered the United States more recently can make initial applications for TPS.

Those who want to reregister and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) should do so during the 60-day reregistration period that runs from September 6, 2023, through November 6, 2023. DHS warns that waiting too long could lead to gaps in employment authorization or even loss of status. Because DHS recognizes that even those who apply on time might have a gap in employment authorization, EADs will be automatically extended until November 3, 2024. Individuals with pending EAD applications need not reapply. When their EADs are issued, they will be issued until May 3, 2025.

Individuals who wish to make initial applications for TPS under the redesignations must have continuously resided in the United States since September 4, 2023, and been continuously physically present in the United States since November 4, 2023.

Specific information on how to file for extensions or redesignations can be found in the Federal Register. Information on determining work authorization for those in TPS can be found using the Jackson Lewis online TPS tool.

South Sudanese students in F-1 status who are experiencing severe economic hardship will continue to be able to work additional hours through May 3, 2025.