USCIS Updates Guidance on Termination of TPS for Ethiopia

Key Point 

• A federal court order has stayed the termination of TPS for Ethiopia, extending certain EADs through July 1, 2026. 

TPS for Ethiopia 

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance on the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, superseding its April 7, 2026, notice. 

Former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem previously determined that Ethiopia no longer met the statutory conditions for TPS designation, and the country’s TPS designation and related benefits were scheduled to terminate on February 13, 2026. 

However, on January 30, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued an order staying the TPS termination, resulting in the continued validity of certain TPS‑related documents. 

Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) 

Per the federal court order, USCIS confirms that EADs issued under the TPS designation for Ethiopia with the following original expiration dates remain valid: 

• June 12, 2024 
• December 12, 2025 

These EADs are automatically extended through July 1, 2026. 

Form I‑9 and E‑Verify Guidance 

According to E-Verify guidance, when completing Form I‑9 for affected employees: 

• Section 1: Employees should enter “as per court order” in the expiration date field. 
• Section 2: Employers should enter “July 1, 2026” as the expiration date and include a note referencing the court‑ordered extension in the Additional Information box. 
• Employers may attach the USCIS alert and TPS Ethiopia webpage to the Form I‑9 as supporting documentation. 
• For E‑Verify: Use the expiration date “July 1, 2026” from the Form I‑9. 

Looking Ahead 

USCIS advises employers and foreign nationals to check the USCIS TPS Ethiopia page regularly for updates and to subscribe to Form I‑9 and E‑Verify notifications through GovDelivery. 

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.