On July 1, 2026, USCIS released guidance clarifying the status of Syria Temporary Protected Status (TPS) employment authorization documents following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 25, 2026 decision in Mullin v. Doe. The announcement sets out new expiration dates, SAVE system responses, and E-Verify procedures that practitioners and employers need to implement immediately.
What changed
Forms I-766 Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with category A12 or C19 remain valid and are extended. The employment authorized through date will be the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date of July 10, 2026.
The extension is limited relief until the lower courts align with the U.S. Supreme Court’s favorable decision, meaning this is a transition window—not a permanent reinstatement.
For SAVE manual verification: TPS beneficiaries will receive a SAVE manual response of “Temporary Protected Status – Employment Authorized - Temp Emp Auth” with the employment authorized through date of July 10, 2026.
SAVE will verify if an alien has received an approval for TPS that has not been withdrawn using information from any TPS-related document, such as a Form I-797, Approval Notice, or Form I-797C, Notice of Action.
Why it matters
If you represent Syrian TPS clients or advise employers with Syrian workers, you face a nine-day window (July 1–10) to assess renewal options and employment strategies. Refer to the EAD Extension dropdown on the TPS Syria webpage for EAD expiration dates that are extended pending the resolution of the litigation—the “resolution” here is the ongoing alignment of district-court orders with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
For practitioners advising clients:
- Clients whose EADs expire July 10, 2026 should immediately explore alternative work authorization (spouse-based I-485, employment-based immigration petitions, asylum-based work permits) if they wish to remain employed beyond that date.
- This is not a permanent extension; it is a temporary hold while lower courts adjust their prior orders to comply with Mullin v. Doe.
For employers:
- I-9 reverification deadlines approach. Employees presenting Syrian TPS-based EADs (A12 or C19) must provide alternate List A documentation (passport + visa, Green Card, unrestricted Social Security card, state ID) or List B + C combinations by the expiration date.
- E-Verify must be updated to reflect the July 10, 2026 end date when case completion is submitted.
Way forward
- By July 2–3, 2026: Identify all Syrian TPS beneficiaries in your practice or on payroll. Review their current EAD category and expiration date.
- By July 5, 2026: Contact clients to discuss post-expiration work authorization pathways (marriage-based petitions, EB-based sponsorship, asylum renewal if applicable).
- By July 8, 2026: Employers must prepare and issue I-9 reverification notices; confirm that current EADs will expire July 10, 2026.
- July 10 forward: Only alternate List A or List B+C documentation satisfies I-9 work eligibility; TPS-based EADs with A12 or C19 will no longer be valid for employment purposes. Monitor USCIS TPS Syria page and the primary Federal Register notice for any further updates or litigation developments.
Disclaimer
This article is prepared for informational purposes by a software company, not a law firm, and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex, and TPS litigation remains active—lower courts may issue new orders that affect these dates and procedures. Consult a licensed immigration attorney in your jurisdiction before advising clients or taking employment action. This guidance reflects USCIS announcements as of July 1, 2026; policy can change without notice. Always verify against the primary source linked above and check the TPS Syria page regularly for updates.