TPS for Ethiopia

TPS for Ethiopia – Current Status and Work Authorization Impact

Maggio Kattar

USCIS has confirmed that the previously announced termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia is not currently in effect due to a federal court order. As a result, TPS-related protections and employment authorization remain in place—for now.

Current Status of TPS for Ethiopia

  • The Department of Homeland Security had issued a notice terminating Ethiopia’s TPS designation, with an effective date of February 13, 2026.
  • A federal court has temporarily stayed that termination, meaning TPS benefits continue pending further developments.

Impact on Work Authorization (EADs)

  • Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under Ethiopia TPS with expiration dates of:
    • June 12, 2024, and
    • December 12, 2025
      are automatically extended through April 13, 2026.

I-9 and E-Verify Guidance for Employers

Employers should follow these instructions when completing Form I-9:

  • Section 1 (Employee): Enter expiration date as “as per court order”
  • Section 2 (Employer): Enter April 13, 2026 as the expiration date
  • Add a note in the Additional Information field referencing the court-ordered extension
  • Employers may attach a copy of the USCIS alert or TPS webpage to the Form I-9

For E-Verify, use April 13, 2026 as the document expiration date.

What Employers Should Expect

  • This is a temporary extension tied to ongoing litigation, not a long-term resolution.
  • Employers should:
    • Track reverification dates carefully (April 13, 2026)
    • Monitor USCIS updates closely for further changes
    • Be prepared for additional extensions or a potential reinstatement of termination