Update: September 26, 2022
DHS is extending the designation of Burma For TPS for 18 months, from 11/26/22 through 05/25/24.
Current beneficiaries re-registering under the extension of TPS for Burma must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from Sept. 27, 2022, through Nov. 26, 2022, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization without a gap. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their current EADs expire on Nov. 25, 2022, and is automatically extending through Nov. 25, 2023, the validity of EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Burma.
Update: May 24, 2021
Around 1,600 Burmese Nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since March 11, 2021, and continuously physically present in the United States since May 25, 2021, may file initial applications to obtain TPS starting May 25, 2021.
Applicants must submit an application via Form I-821 starting on May 25, 2021. Applicants may also be eligible to apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization. The initial application period ends on November 22, 2021.
Original Post: March 12, 2021
On March 12, 2021, DHS published a Federal Register Notice announcing the designation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.
In laying down the basis for TPS, Secretary Mayorkas stated the following:
“Due to the military coup and security forces’ brutal violence against civilians, the people of Burma are suffering a complex and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in many parts of the country. After a thorough review of this dire situation, I have designated Burma for Temporary Protected Status so that Burmese nationals and habitual residents may remain temporarily in the United States.”
This new designation of TPS enables Burmese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Burma) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.
Only individuals who can demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March 11, 2021 are eligible for TPS under Burma’s designation. This is important because TPS is not available to those enter the US after March 11, 2021.
Individuals desiring TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the 180-day registration period. They may also apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.