USCIS is issuing individual notices to certain TPS Syria beneficiaries whose applications to renew Form I-766 are pending. Not be disqualified for other reasons.

Registration for TPS does not prevent you from applying for or maintaining a nonimmigrant status, such as a tourist visa; however, you should submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and obtain a travel document before you travel outside of the United States.

You cannot obtain a green card directly through TPS. However, you can separately apply to become a lawful permanent resident. For example, if your immediate relative is a U.S. citizen or you separately apply for asylum status, you could then qualify.

The processing time for a TPS application ranges from 10 to 18 months for most applicants. Form I-821 processing times are affected by several factors such as designated country, initial or re-registration, and service center.

Also, if you have TPS, you can’t automatically return to the United States if you leave. You can travel to and from the United States, but you first need to apply for travel authorization.

The extension of TPS for Syria allows approximately 6,448 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 31, 2024, if they meet TPS eligibility requirements.

TPS — Syria: termination announced, who’s affected, and what to do now

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Syria; the Federal Register notice publishes the termination and sets a transition period after which TPS protections and TPS-based work authorization tied to the Syria designation will end.

Key facts (quick)

DHS published a Federal Register notice terminating the Syria TPS designation; the termination is effective November 21, 2025 (60 days after publication).
USCIS and DHS have posted alerts and guidance for beneficiaries about the termination and the transition period.
DHS estimates several thousand current beneficiaries and pending applications that may be affected; beneficiaries should plan for the end of TPS protections unless a court or agency changes the schedule.

Who this affects

Syrian nationals and certain stateless persons who have approved TPS or pending TPS filings under the Syria designation.
Employers who depend on TPS-based EADs for I-9 verification and employees who could lose work authorization after the transition.

Immediate steps — do these now

Confirm TPS & EAD dates and save all USCIS/DHS notices.
Download and preserve copies of I-821 filings, I-797 receipts/decisions, I-94, passport pages, and EADs.
Avoid international travel without counsel.
Evaluate alternative immigration options (I-130/I-485, asylum, U/T-visas, employment sponsorship) and prepare filings promptly.
Employers: review I-9 re-verification obligations and plan for EAD expirations and document reverification.

Documents to assemble

EAD cards, I-797 notices, I-821 receipts, I-94, passport pages.
Proof of continuous residence (leases, transcripts, paystubs).
Any pending petitions or applications (I-130, I-485, asylum receipts, PERM/I-140).
Certified criminal dispositions if applicable.

Timing & legal risk

The Federal Register termination sets Nov. 21, 2025, as the formal end date for Syria TPS unless litigation or agency action changes that schedule. Plan alternative filings now and consult counsel promptly.