DHS Extends Haiti TPS, Extends Suspension of Certain Requirements for F-1 Haitian Students

The Department of Homeland Security has published a notice in the Federal Register extending Haitian temporary protected status (TPS) for an additional 18 months, ending on July 22, 2014 (PDF).

The 60-day re-registration period for current Haiti TPS beneficiaries who wish to maintain their TPS began on October 1, 2012, and will run through November 30, 2012. Individuals who have not continuously resided in the United States since January 12, 2011, are not eligible.

The 18-month extension also allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new employment authorization document (EAD). Eligible Haitian TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register will receive a new EAD, if requested, with an expiration date of July 22, 2014. USCIS recognizes that all re-registrants may not receive their new EADs until after their current EADs expire. Therefore, USCIS is extending currently valid TPS Haiti EADs bearing a January 22, 2013, expiration date for an additional six months, through July 22, 2013.

In addition, DHS is extending the suspension of certain requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant Haitian students (PDF). The extension will enable these F-1 students to continue to obtain employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load, while maintaining their F-1 student status. The suspension of the regulatory requirements will remain in effect for an additional 18 months, through July 22, 2014.