TL;DR: The Department of Homeland Security ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia. If you have TPS from Ethiopia, your work permit expires on February 13, 2026. You need to act now to understand your options and what comes next for you and your family.
Ethiopia TPS Ends February 2026: What You Need to Know Now
If you're from Ethiopia and have been living in the US with TPS, this news matters a lot to you. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem just announced that TPS for Ethiopia is ending.
This means your protected status and your right to work in the US will stop on February 13, 2026. After that date, your Employment Authorization Document (your work permit or EAD) won't be valid anymore.
Why Did DHS End TPS for Ethiopia?
The government has to review each country's TPS status regularly. They look at the conditions in that country to see if people still need protection.
Secretary Noem decided that Ethiopia no longer meets the requirements for TPS. She also said it's against the national interest to let Ethiopian nationals stay temporarily in the US under this program.
The decision came after reviewing the situation in Ethiopia and talking with other government agencies. This is the normal process, but the result affects thousands of Ethiopian families living here.
What Happens to Your Work Permit After February 13, 2026?
Your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) will expire on February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This affects two types of work permits:
- EADs with category code A12 and expiration date of December 12, 2025
- EADs with category code C19 and expiration date of June 12, 2024
Both of these documents were extended before. But now they all expire on the same date: February 13, 2026.
After this date, you can't legally work in the United States with these documents. Your employer will need to reverify your work authorization if you want to keep working after February 14, 2026.
What Does This Mean for Your Job?
If you're working now with an Ethiopia TPS work permit, your employer needs to know about this deadline. They use a form called I-9 (this is the form that proves you can legally work in the US).
Before you start work on February 14, 2026, your employer must reverify your work authorization. This means you need to show them new documents that prove you can still work legally.
If you don't have new work authorization by then, you can't continue working legally. Many employers won't let you work without proper documents because they could get in trouble.
Can You Renew Your Ethiopia TPS?
No. This is a termination, not an extension. The government is ending the TPS designation for Ethiopia completely.
You can't apply to renew your Ethiopia TPS. You can't file a new application for TPS based on being from Ethiopia. That option is gone.
This is different from when USCIS extends TPS for a country. When they extend it, you can apply to renew. But when they terminate it, the program ends.
Are There Exceptions or Special Cases?
The termination applies to all Ethiopian nationals who have TPS. It also applies to people with no nationality who last lived in Ethiopia.
There aren't exceptions built into this termination. Everyone with Ethiopia TPS loses their status on the same date.
What Are Your Options Now?
Losing TPS doesn't mean you have no options. But you need to act quickly. Here are some possibilities:
Check if you qualify for another immigration benefit. Some people with TPS might be eligible for other types of visas or green cards. For example, if you married a US citizen, you might be able to apply for a green card through your spouse.
See if you can get asylum. If you're afraid to return to Ethiopia because of persecution (harm because of your race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group), you might qualify for asylum. You need to apply within certain time limits, so talk to a lawyer fast.
Look into other work visa options. If you have special skills or an employer willing to sponsor you, you might be able to get a work visa like an H-1B. These are hard to get and take time, so start now.
Talk to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Every person's situation is different. A lawyer can look at your specific case and tell you what options you have. Don't wait until February to do this.
What Should You Do Now?
Time is not on your side. February 13, 2026 will come faster than you think. Here's what you should do right away:
1. Gather all your immigration documents. Find your TPS approval notices, your work permits, your passport, and any other immigration papers you have. Put them all in one safe place. You'll need these when you talk to a lawyer or apply for something new.
2. Talk to an immigration attorney this month. Don't wait. Immigration cases take time to prepare. A lawyer needs to review your history, see what you qualify for, and help you file applications before deadlines. Find a lawyer through the American Immigration Lawyers Association or a local nonprofit that helps immigrants.
3. Tell your employer about the February 13 deadline. Your boss or HR department needs to know your work permit expires. They might be willing to sponsor you for a work visa if you're a valued employee. Have this conversation now, not in February.
4. Look into whether you qualify for any other immigration benefit. Think about your family connections (are you married to a US citizen or green card holder?), your work skills (does an employer want to sponsor you?), or any reasons you can't safely return to Ethiopia (could you apply for asylum?). Write these down and discuss them with a lawyer.
5. Make a backup plan. What will you do if you can't get new work authorization? How will you support yourself and your family? It's hard to think about, but you need to be realistic. Some people might need to consider returning to Ethiopia or moving to another country where they have legal status.
Where Can You Get Help?
You don't have to figure this out alone. These organizations can help:
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Their website has a lawyer search tool to find immigration attorneys near you
- Catholic Charities: Many local offices provide free or low-cost immigration legal help
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: They help immigrants with legal questions and applications
- Your local Ethiopian community organization: They might have information about legal clinics or know lawyers who help Ethiopian immigrants
Some lawyers offer free consultations. Some nonprofits provide free legal help if you can't afford a lawyer. Ask about these options when you call.
Important Dates to Remember
Mark these dates on your calendar right now:
- February 13, 2026: Ethiopia TPS ends at 11:59 PM
- February 13, 2026: Your EAD expires
- February 14, 2026: You need new work authorization to keep working legally
Don't wait until February to take action. Start now. The earlier you begin working on your case, the more options you'll have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still work after February 13, 2026 with my Ethiopia TPS work permit?
No, you cannot work with your Ethiopia TPS work permit after February 13, 2026. The document expires on that date and there's no automatic extension. You need different work authorization to keep working legally after that date.
Will USCIS change their mind and extend Ethiopia TPS again?
Right now, the termination is final. While it's possible the government could change the decision in the future, you should not count on that. Plan as if the termination will happen as scheduled and explore other immigration options now.
What happens if I stay in the US after my TPS ends?
After February 13, 2026, you won't have legal status in the US if your only status was Ethiopia TPS. This means you could be subject to deportation (being sent back to Ethiopia). You also can't work legally. This is why it's so important to find another immigration option before the deadline.
If I'm married to a US citizen, can I apply for a green card?
Yes, if you're married to a US citizen, you might be eligible to apply for a green card (this is called adjustment of status). However, having entered the US without inspection or overstayed a visa can complicate this. Talk to an immigration lawyer about your specific situation as soon as possible.
Does this termination affect people from other TPS countries?
No, this termination only affects Ethiopia. Other countries like Ukraine, Venezuela, and Somalia still have active TPS designations. Each country's TPS is reviewed separately. If you have TPS from a different country, check the USCIS website for updates about your country's designation.