On March 3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine. Citizens and nationals of Ukraine who presently reside in the United States may apply for TPS and work authorization in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
 
DHS made the decision to designate Ukraine for TPS due to the conditions resulting from the Russian invasion of the country. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas:
 
Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries. In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.
 
Effective upon publication of the forthcoming Federal Register notice, and for a period of 18 months, citizens and nationals of Ukraine will be permitted to remain in the United States, even after their original immigration status expires or has already expired.
 
In order to qualify for TPS, applicants must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022, and must undergo appropriate security and background checks prior to approval for TPS.

For assistance in determining eligibility for TPS or in filing a timely and complete TPS application for a qualifying national of Ukraine, contact your Foster immigration attorney.
 
As always, Foster continues to follow developments impacting the availability of immigration benefits and will provide additional information as it becomes available via future Immigration Updates and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.