Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Somalia

TPS Extended Through:	Sept. 17, 2021
Re-registration Period for Aliens Who Already Have TPS:	Mar. 11, 2020 - May 11, 2020
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Auto-Extended Through:	Sept. 13, 2020
Continuous Residence Date in U.S. Since:	May 1, 2012
Continuous Physical Presence in U.S. Since:	Sept. 18, 2012
TPS Designation Date:	Sept. 16, 1991
Current TPS Designation Dates:	Sept. 4, 2001 and Sept.18, 2012
Federal Register Notice Citation:	85 FR 14229

When to File for TPS

To maintain TPS, you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from March 11, 2020 through May 11, 2020. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the 60-day re-registration period.

Go to the TPS Web Page for information about re-registering.

Where to File

Send your TPS package to the appropriate address in the table below:

If you:	Then, mail your application to:
Are filing by mail for a replacement EAD for already granted TPS or for re-registration of TPS	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Attn: TPS Somalia P.O. Box 6943 Chicago, IL 60680-6943
Would like to send your application by courier for a replacement EAD for already granted TPS or for re-registration of TPS	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Attn: TPS Somalia 131 S. Dearborn St., 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517

Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

USCIS has automatically extended the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under the TPS designation for Somalia with an original expiration date of March 17, 2020, for 180 days, through Sept. 13, 2020.

To prove that you are authorized to continue working legally, you may show the following documentation to your employer. Government agencies may also accept these documents if they need to determine your immigration status:

Your TPS-related EAD with a March 17, 2020 expiration date; or
Your TPS-related EAD with a March 17, 2017 expiration date and your EAD application receipt (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) that notes your application was received on or after January 17, 2017.

Your employer may rely on the Federal Register notice as evidence of the continuing validity of your EAD. Go to the Documentation Employers May Accept and Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries May Present as Evidence of Employment Eligibilitypage for more information.

If we approve your TPS re-registration application and you paid the fee for a new EAD (or if we approved your fee waiver request), we will issue you a new EAD with the expiration date of Sept. 17, 2021.

For more information on TPS eligibility requirements, what to file, and step-by-step instructions on submitting a re-registration or initial TPS application package, go to the TPS webpage.

Other Immigration Options

You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for lawful permanent status (Green Card), you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on the Green Card Eligibility Categories page. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.

For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, visit the I-9 Central, Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Somalia, call USCIS at 888-464-4218 (TTY: 877-875-6028), or email USCIS at i-9central@uscis.dhs.gov. We accept calls and emails in English and many other languages.

For questions about avoiding discrimination during the employment eligibility verification process, you may also call the U.S. Department of Justice’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) Employer Hotline (which oﬀers language interpretation in many languages) at 800-255-8155 (TTY: 800- 237-2515), or email IER at osccrt@usdoj.gov.

Note on Seeking Asylum: Being granted and maintaining TPS until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one-year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, if the one-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).

Avoid Scams

Please be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to obtain such forms; however, all USCIS forms are free for download from the USCIS website at uscis.gov/forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to obtain legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance. A list of accredited representatives is available on the USCIS website on the Find Legal Services webpage.

We don’t want you to become a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.