On September 20, 2023, DHS announced the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This is due to Venezuela’s extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent individuals from safely returning to the country.
What is TPS?
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a designated foreign state. USCIS also grants TPS to eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated foreign state.
During the TPS designation period, TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the Unites States, may not be removed, and may obtain work authorization (EADs) if they continue to meet the TPS’ requirements. TPS beneficiaries may also apply for and obtain travel authorization based on DHS’ discretion.
Extension of Designation of Venezuela for TPS (Venezuela 2021)
The extension of designation of Venezuela for TPS that DHS originally announced on March 9, 2021 (Venezuela 2021) begins on March 11, 2024, and ends on September 10, 2025. The extension allows existing TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 10, 2025. To retain TPS, they must continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS.
Existing beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through September 10, 2025, must re-register during the re-registration period. The 60-day re-registration period for existing beneficiaries under Venezuela 2021 begins on January 10, 2024, and ends on March 10, 2024. If existing beneficiaries do not re-register properly within the re-registration period, USCIS may withdraw their TPS following appropriate procedures.
Existing beneficiaries who re-register may also apply to renew their EADs. USCIS will issue new EADs with a September 10, 2025, expiration date to eligible TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs. For beneficiaries who do not receive a new EAD before their current EAD expires, DHS also automatically extends through March 10, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under the Venezuela 2021.
Redesignation of Venezuela for TPS (Venezuela 2023)
In addition to the extension of existing designation of TPS (Venezuela 2021), DHS also redesignated Venezuela for TPS for 18 months (Venezuela 2023). The 18-month TPS redesiganation of Venezuela begins on October 3, 2023, and ends on April 2, 2025. Eligible individuals who do not currently have TPS may submit a Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status during the initial registration period under Venezuela 2023.
This redesignation allows additional Venezuelan nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) to apply for TPS for the first time if they satisfy the following conditions:
- Have been continuously residing in the Untied States since July 31, 2023;
- Have been continuously physically present in the United States since October 3, 2023; and
- Meet other eligible criteria.
The initial registration period begins on October 3, 2023, and ends on April 2, 2025. Such individuals may also apply for EADs by submitting a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Do I Need to File TPS/Work Authorization Application Again If I Already Filed Them under the Previous TPS Designation (Venezuela 2021)?
DHS states that USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under the previous TPS designation for Venezuela. Accordingly, individuals who have a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of October 3, 2023, under Venezuela 2021, do not need to refile either application. If approved, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through September 10, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.
DHS states that, under Venezuela’s existing TPS designation, there are currently approximately 242,700 TPS beneficiaries. Under the new redesignation of Venezuela (Venezuela 2023), there are an additional approximately 472,000 nationals of Venezuela who may be eligible for the TPS.
English 
Japanese