USCIS Updates Form I-9 and E-Verify Guidance for Burma and Ethiopia TPS Holders: New Expiration Instructions Effective Immediately

USCIS updates Form I-9 and E-Verify guidance for Burma and Ethiopia TPS holders – new expiration instructions effective immediately.

Washington, D.C., April 15, 2026 — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated guidance on how employers should handle Form I-9 and E-Verify for workers whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for Burma and Ethiopia have been affected by ongoing court orders.

The latest instructions, released on April 13, 2026, provide clear steps for completing expiration date fields and creating cases in E-Verify, superseding previous updates from March and early April. This ensures employers remain compliant while TPS protections for affected nationals continue during litigation.

Updated Guidance for Burma TPS Holders

Following a court order extending Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), USCIS now instructs employers as follows:

• Form I-9 Completion:

  • In Section 1 (Employee Information): Enter “as per court order” in the Expiration Date (if any) field.

  • In Section 2 (Employer Review and Verification): Enter “July 1, 2026” as the expiration date.

  • Add a note in the Additional Information box referencing the court order.

  • Employers may attach the USCIS Alert and the TPS Burma webpage to the Form I-9 for documentation purposes.

• E-Verify:

  • When creating a case, input the expiration date as July 1, 2026 from the Form I-9.

This guidance replaces the previous March 27, 2026 update. Employers and TPS holders should regularly check the official USCIS TPS Burma page for the most current information.

Updated Guidance for Ethiopia TPS Holders

Similarly, for Ethiopia TPS beneficiaries:

• Form I-9 Completion:

  • Section 1: Input “as per court order” in the Expiration Date field.

  • Section 2: Enter “July 1, 2026” as the expiration date.

  • Include a note in the Additional Information box.

  • Attach the USCIS Alert and TPS Ethiopia webpage if needed.

• E-Verify:

  • Enter the expiration date of July 1, 2026 when creating the case.

This update supersedes the April 7–8, 2026 guidance. As with Burma, regular monitoring of the USCIS TPS Ethiopia page is strongly recommended.

Background on Burma and Ethiopia TPS Terminations

Both countries’ TPS designations were set to end, but federal court orders have repeatedly extended protections:

• Burma: TPS was originally set to terminate, but court orders have kept EADs valid. The latest extension maintains work authorization through at least July 1, 2026, pending further litigation.

• Ethiopia: Similar court intervention has postponed termination, with EAD validity extended under the same July 1, 2026 date for I-9 and E-Verify purposes.

These extensions stem from lawsuits challenging the termination decisions, with plaintiffs arguing procedural failures and pretextual reasoning by the Department of Homeland Security.

Practical Impact on Employers

Employers with Burmese or Ethiopian TPS workers must:

• Update Form I-9 records promptly using the new “as per court order” and “July 1, 2026” instructions.

• Ensure E-Verify cases reflect the updated expiration date.

• Retain copies of the USCIS alerts and relevant TPS webpages as supporting documentation.

• Monitor USCIS websites regularly, as further court rulings could change expiration dates again.

Failure to follow these instructions could result in compliance issues during audits or inspections by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What TPS Beneficiaries Should Do

• Continue working with valid EADs as extended by court order.

• Renew EADs proactively if nearing expiration.

• Consult immigration counsel for case-specific advice, especially if planning international travel or adjusting status.

• Stay informed through official USCIS channels rather than unofficial sources.

Broader Context

These updates highlight the ongoing legal battles surrounding TPS terminations under the current administration. Similar court interventions have affected TPS designations for other countries, creating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape for employers and beneficiaries.

For the latest U.S. TPS updates, Form I-9 and E-Verify guidance, Burma and Ethiopia TPS news, and 2026 immigration compliance strategies, explore our complete collection here: USA Visa & Immigration Updates

USCIS’s latest instructions provide much-needed clarity for employers navigating the uncertain status of Burma and Ethiopia TPS holders. As litigation continues, staying proactive with Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance remains essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.