Sudanese TPS in National City: Temporary Protected Status for Sudan Nationals
Protection and work authorization for Sudanese nationals
Quick Answer
Sudanese nationals in National City can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), providing protection from deportation and work authorization during Sudan's ongoing crisis. Understanding registration periods, documentation requirements, and renewal procedures is essential.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
National City and the greater San Diego region is home to a significant Sudanese community. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to Sudanese nationals seeking TPS registration, renewal, and related benefits during this difficult time.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
TPS provides:
• Protection from removal (deportation)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Ability to apply for travel authorization
• Status for as long as the designation remains in effect
Sudan TPS Designation History
• Current designation reflects ongoing armed conflict
• Registration/re-registration periods are announced by USCIS
• Extensions typically announced 60-90 days before expiration
• Check USCIS.gov for the most current dates
It's critical to monitor announcements and file during open registration periods.
Who Is Eligible for Sudan TPS?
- •Be a national of Sudan (or a stateless person who last habitually resided in Sudan)
- •Have been continuously physically present in the US since the designated date
- •Have been continuously residing in the US since the designated date
- •Not be inadmissible under specified grounds
- •Not have been convicted of certain crimes
- •Register during the designated registration period
Understanding Continuous Presence
Continuous Physical Presence:
• You must have been in the US since the designated presence date
• Brief, casual, and innocent departures don't break continuity
• Departures over 90 days or 180 total days may break presence
Continuous Residence:
• You must maintain residence in the US since the designated residence date
• Short trips abroad generally don't break residence
• Maintaining a home, job, and ties in the US helps establish residence
Bars to TPS Eligibility
- •Convicted of any felony in the US
- •Convicted of two or more misdemeanors in the US
- •Persecutor of others on account of protected grounds
- •Subject to certain criminal and security-related inadmissibility grounds
- •Failed to register during the required period (may have late filing options)
- •Ordered removed and didn't appear for hearing
How to Apply for Sudan TPS
- 1Determine Eligibility
Verify you meet physical presence, residence, and other requirements based on current designation dates.
- 2File Form I-821
Application for Temporary Protected Status. Complete all sections accurately.
- 3File Form I-765
Application for Employment Authorization. This is filed together with I-821.
- 4Gather Supporting Documents
Proof of nationality, identity, presence in US, residence, and any supporting evidence.
- 5Pay Fees (or request waiver)
Current fees apply unless you qualify for a fee waiver based on inability to pay.
- 6Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule you for fingerprinting and photos.
- 7Receive Decision
If approved, you'll receive TPS approval and your EAD work permit.
Required Documents
- •Sudanese passport (or other nationality evidence)
- •Birth certificate showing birth in Sudan
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Evidence of continuous physical presence (rent receipts, utility bills, bank statements, employment records, school records, medical records, etc.)
- •Evidence of continuous residence
- •Form I-94 or other evidence of entry to US
- •Any prior TPS approval notices (for re-registration)
- •Court dispositions for any criminal history
Employment Authorization (EAD)
• EAD is issued in Category A-12 (or C-19 for re-registration)
• Valid for the TPS designation period
• Must be renewed when you re-register for TPS
• Allows you to work for any employer in the US
• Can be used to obtain a Social Security Number
• Some states accept EAD for driver's license
Travel Authorization
Important Warnings:
• You MUST obtain advance permission before traveling (Form I-131)
• Leaving without authorization abandons your TPS
• Travel to Sudan may raise issues with your TPS claim
• Travel authorization is discretionary—not guaranteed
We recommend consulting before any international travel while on TPS.
Re-Registration Requirements
• Re-registration periods are announced by USCIS
• Typically 60-day window to re-register
• File new I-821 and I-765 during the period
• Late filing may be allowed with good cause
• Failure to re-register terminates your TPS
We help track deadlines and prepare re-registration applications for our clients.
TPS and Path to Green Card
• If you marry a US citizen, you may adjust status
• If you qualify for asylum, you may apply separately
• Employment-based immigration may be possible
• Family-based petitions can be filed while on TPS
• TPS time can count toward physical presence for naturalization (after getting green card)
We evaluate each case to identify potential paths beyond TPS.
Why National City Sudanese Choose Us
• Arabic-speaking staff understand Sudanese culture and concerns
• Experience with TPS applications and renewals
• Help gathering and organizing documentation
• Track registration deadlines and send reminders
• Explain complex immigration rules clearly
• Connect clients with additional community resources
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:I just arrived in the US. Can I get TPS?
A: TPS requires continuous presence since a specific date set in the designation. If you arrived after that date, you don't qualify. Check current designation requirements for the applicable dates.
Q:My TPS expired. Can I still renew?
A: If Sudan's TPS designation has been extended and you missed the re-registration period, you may file late with evidence of good cause for the delay. Act immediately—delays reduce chances of approval.
Q:Can I travel to Sudan while on TPS?
A: Traveling to Sudan is strongly discouraged. It could raise questions about whether you truly need protection from conditions there. If travel is absolutely necessary, get advance authorization and be prepared for scrutiny.
Q:Will TPS help me get a green card?
A: TPS alone doesn't provide a path to green card. However, you can pursue other paths (family, employment, asylum) while maintaining TPS. If a path becomes available, we can help you adjust status.
Q:What happens if TPS for Sudan ends?
A: If TPS ends and you have no other status, you would need to depart the US or face potential removal. This is why exploring other immigration options while on TPS is important.
Q:Can my children get TPS?
A: Children born in the US are citizens and don't need TPS. Children who are Sudanese nationals and meet the requirements can apply for their own TPS. Each person files their own application.
Need Help with Sudanese TPS?
If you're a Sudanese national seeking TPS registration, renewal, or have questions about your status, contact us for compassionate, Arabic-speaking assistance.