The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the re-registration periods for the extensions of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nepal.
The 18-month re-registration period (along with an additional 60-day grace period) will run from October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025. (Source)
At Ahluwalia Law Offices, we understand how significant this update is for thousands of Nepali nationals who have relied on TPS for lawful status and employment since 2015. In this blog, we explain what this termination means, the timeline, and what steps you can take to protect your future in the United States.
What is TPS and Why Was Nepal Designated?
TPS is a humanitarian program that allows nationals of certain countries to live and work in the United States when returning home is unsafe due to natural disasters, conflict, or other extraordinary conditions. Nepal received TPS following the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April 2015 that left many areas uninhabitable.
When Will TPS for Nepal End?
TPS benefits for Nepalese nationals will continue through June 24, 2025. This extension is designed to allow beneficiaries time to transition to another lawful status or prepare for departure.
Will I Lose My Work Authorization?
No, not immediately. If you currently hold TPS and properly re-registered during the previous period, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is automatically extended through June 24, 2025. You are legally authorized to continue working during this period.
You can show your current EAD along with the Federal Register notice as proof of your valid work status.
What Are My Legal Options?
You may still have several options to stay lawfully in the U.S., including:
- Adjustment of Status (Green Card) through a U.S. citizen spouse or child
- Employer-Sponsored Petitions if you qualify for a work-based green card
- Asylum if you fear returning to Nepal due to political, social, or ethnic persecution
- Student Visa (F-1) or other nonimmigrant visas based on eligibility
- Deferred Action or Humanitarian Relief in exceptional cases
Once TPS expires, individuals who haven’t secured another status may become unlawfully present, putting them at risk for deportation and triggering future bars to re-entry.
We strongly recommend speaking with an immigration attorney now to begin the process of transitioning to a new legal status.
If you or a loved one is currently protected under TPS for Nepal, consider consulting an attorney. Schedule a consultation with Ahluwalia Law Offices to explore your immigration options before the June 2025 deadline.
