The decision, according to DHS, was made due to ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.
The United States’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan, extending the designation from April 20, 2025, to October 19, 2026.
The decision, according to DHS, was made due to ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.
The Department stated that the Federal Register notice published on January 10, 2025, provides instructions for current TPS beneficiaries in Sudan on how to re-register.
Following consultations with interagency partners, DHS determined that the extension is necessary because the conditions that justify Sudan's TPS designation remain unchanged.
The conditions include continued political instability and human rights abuses, including direct attacks on civilians.
As a result, approximately 1900 current beneficiaries will be able to retain TPS until October 19, 2026, as long as they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements.
Beneficiaries must re-register within the specified period, from January 17, 2025, to March 18, 2025, to maintain TPS and employment authorisation.
DHS conducts thorough national security and public safety vetting during both the initial application and re-registration processes.
Individuals found to pose a threat may face detention, removal, or further investigation and prosecution. Those convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors are ineligible for TPS.
Recognising that some applicants may not receive their new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their current EADs expire, DHS is automatically extending the validity of certain EADs issued under Sudan's TPS designation until April 19, 2026.
Beneficiaries can show their EADs with Category A12 or C19 and an expiration date of April 19, 2025; June 30, 2024; Dec. 31, 2022; Oct. 4, 2021; Jan. 4, 2021; Jan. 2, 2020; April 2, 2019; Nov. 2, 2018; or Nov. 2, 2017 as proof of continued employment authorization.
USCIS will continue processing pending applications filed under prior TPS designations for Sudan.
Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for TPS, or Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of January 17, 2025, do not need to submit new applications.
If these applications are approved, the individual will be granted TPS through October 19, 2026, along with an EAD valid through the same date.
The Federal Register notice contains detailed information on eligibility, procedures, and timelines for re-registering and renewing EADs.
This extension applies only to individuals who are already in the United States and are current beneficiaries of Sudan’s TPS.
DHS continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws and will return individuals who cannot demonstrate a legal right to remain in the U.S.
DHS also reminds the public that irregular migration is dangerous and often results in loss of life.