TPS for Ethiopia

TPS for Ethiopia – Current Status and Work Authorization Impact

Maggio Kattar

Ethiopian TPS Update:

Ethiopian TPS has been extended through the EAD expiration date of July 1, 2026. This matter is still in active litigation and therefore changes to this date may continue to change. Form I-9 reverifications may be updated to July 1 as the work authorization end day with the note of “Per Court Order”.

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 July 1, 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 July 1, 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 July 1, 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
    • Monitor USCIS updates closely for further changes
    • Be prepared for additional extensions or a potential reinstatement of termination