US keeps Sudan and Ukraine TPS work permits in place pending decision

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that Sudanese and Ukrainian nationals holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States keep their current protection while officials consider the future of both designations. The agency updated its TPS webpages for Sudan and Ukraine on 19 October 2026, offering no timetable for a decision.

Key facts

• USCIS updated its TPS webpages for Sudan and Ukraine on 19 October 2026
• Sudanese and Ukrainian nationals under TPS designation in the United States are covered
• Existing protection continues, including work authorization
• A further announcement on the two designations is still pending
• No deadline, new date or next review date has been published

What has changed?

Nothing has changed for TPS holders themselves. USCIS stated that an announcement on the TPS designations for both countries "would be made at the appropriate time." Until that happens, the agency says beneficiaries from the two countries retain their protection, including work authorization.

Who is affected?

The update covers nationals of Sudan and Ukraine who are in the United States under TPS designation. TPS is a humanitarian status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries, and USCIS refers here to people who already hold that status rather than new applicants.

When will a decision be made?

USCIS has not given a date. The agency says only that an announcement "would be made at the appropriate time," and has not published deadlines, transition arrangements or details of any future designation period.

What this means for travellers

Sudanese and Ukrainian nationals on TPS in the United States do not need to take any action at this stage: their protection, including permission to work, remains in place until USCIS announces otherwise. Anyone relying on TPS should watch for the promised announcement on the two designations.

No start date, expiry date or next review date has been announced for either country's TPS designation.