Ukrainian nationals currently protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are facing an important period of uncertainty as the current TPS designation for Ukraine approaches its expiration date.
The current Ukraine TPS designation was extended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for 18 months, through October 19, 2026. The Immigration and Nationality Act required DHS to file a notice to either extend or terminate TPS for Ukraine by August 20, 2026. DHS did not file a notice, meaning TPS for Ukraine was automatically extended six months (until April 19, 2027).
As that date approaches, many TPS beneficiaries are asking an important question:
What happens to my TPS and my work permit if the government does not announce another extension?
What Is the Current Status of Ukraine TPS?
Ukraine's current TPS designation remains in effect through April 19, 2027.
TPS provides temporary protection from removal and, for eligible beneficiaries, authorization to work in the United States. The current designation was extended in January 2025, with the extension running from April 20, 2025, through October 19, 2026. Due to the Department of Homeland Security's failure to timely file a notice to extend or terminate TPS, this extension was automatically extended until April 19, 2027.
At this time, DHS has not announced another extension or termination of the Ukraine TPS designation for the period after October 19, 2026.
This does not mean that Ukraine TPS has already been terminated. Until the current designation ends or DHS takes another action, eligible TPS beneficiaries continue to have TPS under the existing designation.
What Does This Mean for Your Work Permit?
One of the biggest concerns for Ukrainian TPS beneficiaries is employment authorization.
If you have a TPS-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD), your work authorization does not simply disappear because DHS has not yet announced what will happen after October 19. It is unclear, at this time, whether this statutory extension will require new employment authorization document filings.
It is important to look at the specific expiration date and category on your EAD, as well as any applicable USCIS notices or automatic extensions.
TPS-based EADs are generally issued under employment authorization categories A12 or C19. The government has previously provided specific EAD extensions when TPS designations were extended or automatically continued.
For Ukraine, the current TPS designation and related employment authorization framework extend through the current designation period. The Federal Register notice extending Ukraine TPS through October 19, 2026, provided specific instructions regarding employment authorization documents.
What should you do?
If you have a Ukraine TPS-based work permit:
- Do not assume your work authorization has been cancelled.
- Continue to follow the expiration and extension information that applies to your specific EAD.
- Keep copies of your TPS approval notice, EAD, and any USCIS notices you have received.
- Do not ignore USCIS correspondence or renewal requirements.
- If your TPS or work authorization is approaching expiration, consider speaking with an immigration attorney about your options rather than waiting until the last minute.
What Happens After April 19, 2027?
This is where the situation becomes uncertain.
DHS is responsible for reviewing TPS designations and determining whether the conditions that support TPS continue to exist. The current Ukraine designation ends April 17, 2027.
If DHS extends Ukraine TPS, the government should provide instructions explaining the new designation period, re-registration requirements, and any related employment authorization extensions.
Don't Panic — But Don't Wait
For Ukrainian families who have relied on TPS to live and work in the United States, this uncertainty can be extremely stressful.
The most important thing to understand is that Ukraine TPS has not suddenly been cancelled. The current designation remains in place through April 19, 2027.
At the same time, individuals should not assume that their status or employment authorization will automatically continue indefinitely.
Your immigration situation is unique. You may have options beyond TPS, depending on your family relationships, immigration history, employment, humanitarian circumstances, or other eligibility factors.
If you currently have Ukraine TPS, now is a good time to review your immigration situation and understand what options may be available to you if TPS changes.
Our office will continue monitoring announcements from USCIS and DHS and will provide updates as official information becomes available.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, policies, and government procedures can change quickly. If you have questions about your individual immigration status or employment authorization, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.