The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals. This decision is based on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which continues to be affected by political and economic turmoil under the Maduro regime. These conditions have led to high crime rates and limited access to essential resources such as food, medicine, healthcare, water, electricity, and fuel.

Venezuelans who have continuously resided in the United States on or before July 31, 2023, may be eligible for TPS. However, those arriving after this date are not eligible. Individuals must also undergo rigorous national security and public safety vetting during their initial application process and re-registration. Those posing a threat may face detention or removal.

The TPS extension will run from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026. Approximately 600,000 current beneficiaries can retain their status if they re-register and meet eligibility requirements. Venezuelans who registered under the previous TPS designation in 2021 are also eligible for re-registration under this extension.

To maintain their TPS and work authorization, beneficiaries must re-register within the specified period ending September 10, 2025. The DHS acknowledges that some individuals might not receive new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their current ones expire; thus certain EADs' validity is automatically extended through April 2, 2026.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing pending applications from previous Venezuela designations. Those with pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 do not need to reapply. Approved applicants will receive TPS through October 2, 2026.

A Federal Register notice detailing eligibility criteria and procedures for re-registration will be published soon.