DISCLAIMER*- Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has terminated TPS FOR HONDURAS. However, DHS has announced that the official Federal Register notice will be published on July 8, 2025. This guidance may change based on the contents of that publication. The following information is based on current law and automatic extension provisions. Ahluwalia Law Offices remains proactive in providing accurate legal guidance . Please read the 7/8/25 fr notice.
PLEASE READ OUR UPDATED BLOG INSTEAD.
On July 3, 2025, as of the date of this update, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not issued a Federal Register notice to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for Honduras and Nicaragua, originally set to end on July 5, 2025.
Under Section 244(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the Secretary of DHS is required to provide a 60-day advance notice in the Federal Register before terminating a country’s TPS designation. When no such notice is published, the TPS designation is automatically extended by six months. Accordingly, the current TPS designation and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity for eligible nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua are extended through January 5, 2026.
What This Means for TPS Beneficiaries from Honduras and Nicaragua
1. Automatic EAD Extension
If your EAD shows a July 5, 2025 expiration date and your category code is A12 or C19, your work authorization is now automatically extended until January 5, 2026. This extension does not require you to take further action, provided that your underlying TPS status remains valid.
2. 540-Day Rule for Earlier EAD Expirations
If you hold an older EAD with an expiration date of:
- January 5, 2018
- January 5, 2019
- April 2, 2019
- January 2, 2020
- January 4, 2021
- October 4, 2021
- December 31, 2022
- June 30, 2024
- March 9, 2025
…and have filed a Form I-765 renewal during the latest TPS designation period ending July 5, 2025, your work authorization may be extended up to 540 days from the original expiration date, but not beyond January 5, 2026. To benefit from this extension, you must present your Form I-797C Receipt Notice showing category A12 or C19.
Important Caveat: DHS May Still Issue a Termination Notice
While the automatic six-month extension is now in effect, the Secretary of Homeland Security retains the authority to publish a 60-day termination notice at any time. If such a notice is issued, it could curtail the automatic extension and impact both TPS status and employment authorization.
What Employers Should Know
Employers must remain compliant with Form I-9 verification. TPS beneficiaries who qualify for the automatic EAD extension can continue to work lawfully through January 5, 2026, provided they present appropriate documentation. Employers should not request additional proof beyond what is required under USCIS guidance for auto-extended EADs.
Ahluwalia Law Offices remains committed to helping individuals and employers navigate TPS compliance. If you or your employees are affected by this extension or face related immigration questions, contact our team for a personalized consultation.
