The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal. Citizens and nationals of Nepal who presently reside in the United States may apply for TPS and work authorization in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The DHS made the decision to designate Nepal for TPS due to the conditions resulting from the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015.

Effective June 24, 2015, and for a period of 18 months, citizens and nationals of Nepal will be permitted to remain in the United States, even after their original immigration status expires or has already expired. The 180-day registration period ends on December 21, 2015.

In order to qualify for TPS, applicants must have been continuously present in the United States since June 24, 2015, 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 Nepal, 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.