Sudan TPS protections continue past 19 October with no new expiry date

Sudanese nationals living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) keep their protections and work authorization beyond the date their status was listed to end, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not issue a formal extension or termination decision before the 19 October 2026 deadline, and no new expiration date has been set.

Key facts

• The TPS designations for Sudan and Ukraine were listed as continuing through 19 October 2026.
• DHS did not issue a formal extension or termination decision before that date.
• USCIS says affected individuals keep TPS protections, including work authorization, until a further announcement is made.
• USCIS has given no new expiration date and no clear instructions on which documents employers should use to verify continued employment authorization.
• I-9 Central, E-Verify and SAVE guidance still refers to 19 October 2026.

What is the status of Sudan's TPS designation?

USCIS now states on its country-specific TPS pages that individuals covered by the Sudan and Ukraine designations retain TPS protections, including work authorization, until a further announcement is made. The agency has not published a new expiration date.

Because DHS issued no formal decision before the listed end date, the source notes that the passing of 19 October alone should not be taken to mean DHS has formally invalidated the affected Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).

Why does this create a problem at work?

Existing guidance from I-9 Central, E-Verify and SAVE continues to reference 19 October 2026. That leaves employers whose records show an expired work authorization document in a compliance gap, even though USCIS indicates the authorization continues. USCIS has not clarified the applicable expiration date or the documentation requirements.

What should affected people and employers do?

Employers are advised to identify employees whose work authorization is based on TPS for Sudan or Ukraine and check whether they have another independent basis for employment authorization. Employees may choose which acceptable Form I-9 documents to present, and employers cannot require a particular document.

For new hires starting after 19 October 2026, employers should keep the relevant USCIS country-page alert, the employee's TPS documentation and the government guidance relied on when completing Form I-9. For existing employees undergoing reverification, employers may note in the Additional Information field that TPS work authorization continues as indicated by DHS, retain the USCIS country-page alert, and seek case-specific legal guidance before reverification decisions or adverse employment action.

What happens next?

No further decision date has been announced. A designated HR, compliance or Global Mobility contact should monitor the Federal Register, USCIS TPS country pages, I-9 Central and E-Verify for new guidance, which the source says may require prompt action.