Ukrainians in New York need clear answers, and a Ukrainian TPS attorney New York families trust can help. First, here is where things stand. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine was scheduled to expire on October 19, 2026. That date has now passed. However, the situation is unclear, and more than 100,000 Ukrainians in the United States are asking what it means for their work permits and legal status.
Update (October 22, 2026): As of October 19, no Federal Register notice has extended or terminated Ukraine’s designation, according to this legal-aid summary. USCIS still lists October 19, 2026. DHS has told reporters that covered Ukrainians “retain protection,” but it has not published a notice.
What Happened on October 19?
By law, TPS extends automatically for six months if DHS makes no decision by the deadline. Therefore, some immigration lawyers and advocacy groups believe Ukraine’s TPS now runs through April 19, 2027. However, the administration has not confirmed that reading. Meanwhile, USCIS still uses October 19, 2026 in its guidance.
Work permits raise the biggest concern. On August 14, 2026, USCIS told employers to enter October 19, 2026 as the expiration date on Form I-9 and in E-Verify. No later guidance explains work authorization after that date. As a result, some Ukrainians may face questions from employers. This also follows the end of automatic work permit extensions for many immigrants.
Because the law and the agency guidance conflict, do not assume either outcome. Instead, review your own documents and speak with an attorney. For background, read the January 2025 Federal Register notice.
New Bill Would Extend Protection Until 2029
On October 5, 2026, members of Congress introduced H.R. 10740. The bill would extend TPS for eligible Ukrainians through July 1, 2029. Congressman Jason Crow announced his support on October 7, joining Representatives Bill Keating and Brian Fitzpatrick. In addition, Senators Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Murkowski, Chris Coons, and Bill Cassidy introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
If enacted, the legislation would:
- Extend TPS eligibility for qualifying Ukrainians until July 1, 2029.
- Allow eligible Ukrainians to keep living and working legally in the United States.
- Require immigration authorities to process TPS and related work permit applications within 90 days.
- Provide retroactive protection against unlawful presence for qualifying people if the law is enacted after October 20, 2026.
- Permit certain emergency travel abroad with advance government authorization.
Important: This bill has not become law. Ukrainians should not assume their TPS runs through 2029.
What Happens If Protection Ends?
If TPS ends without an effective extension or other legal protection, affected Ukrainians could face serious consequences:
- Loss of work authorization: TPS-based work permits could end unless extended or otherwise authorized.
- Risk of removal: People without another lawful basis to stay may face removal proceedings.
- Family separation: Ukrainians with jobs, homes, and families in the United States could face separation and uncertainty.
- Loss of protection: TPS holders may need another status or protection from removal.
However, TPS ending does not automatically mean every Ukrainian will be deported. The outcome depends on each person’s immigration history and other available protections.
What Should Ukrainians Do Right Now?
First, check your documents. Review your TPS approval notice, work permit expiration date and category code, and any pending I-821 or I-765 receipts. Next, review your parole record separately, because humanitarian parole and TPS have different expiration dates and requirements.
Then explore other options. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for asylum, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or humanitarian protection. USCIS also says that keeping TPS until a reasonable time before filing can count as an extraordinary circumstance for the one-year asylum deadline, depending on the facts. For more context, see our legal status news on asylum, the U visa backlog, and TPS.
Finally, do not wait. Ukrainian families need reliable legal guidance, not uncertainty. If you are weighing a move abroad, you can also read about Canada’s visa-free program for Ukrainian refugees.
Ukrainian TPS Attorney New York: How Shepelsky Law Group Can Help
At Shepelsky Law Group, a New York immigration law firm, our attorneys review TPS, humanitarian parole, asylum, and other immigration options for Ukrainian families. We help you understand your documents, protect your ability to work, and choose the best strategy to remain in the United States. Do not wait until your protection ends to seek legal advice.
Ukrainian TPS Attorney New York: Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ukrainian TPS expire on October 19, 2026?
The answer is unclear. USCIS still lists October 19, 2026. However, DHS has said covered Ukrainians “retain protection,” and some lawyers argue TPS extended automatically for six months, to April 19, 2027. No Federal Register notice confirms either position yet. Therefore, watch for an official notice and speak with an attorney about your documents.
Is my Ukrainian TPS work permit still valid?
Check the expiration date and category code on your card first. On August 14, 2026, USCIS told employers to enter October 19, 2026 on Form I-9 and in E-Verify. Since then, no later guidance explains work authorization after that date. As a result, talk to an attorney before you discuss your work permit with your employer.
Do I need to re-register?
No re-registration has been announced as of now. However, that could change once DHS publishes a notice. Meanwhile, keep copies of your approval notices, work permit, and any pending I-821 or I-765 receipts.
Has Congress extended Ukrainian TPS until 2029?
No. Lawmakers introduced H.R. 10740 on October 5, 2026. If enacted, it would extend TPS for eligible Ukrainians through July 1, 2029. However, the bill has not become law, so do not assume your TPS runs through 2029.
Is Uniting for Ukraine parole the same as TPS?
No. Humanitarian parole and TPS are separate protections with different expiration dates and requirements. Therefore, review your parole record separately from your TPS documents. Learn more about humanitarian parole.
What are my options if TPS ends?
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for asylum, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or humanitarian protection. For example, see our asylum interview preparation tips, our guide to family-based immigration, and our overview of employment-based immigration.
How can a Ukrainian TPS attorney New York families trust help me?
An attorney can review your TPS approval, work permit, parole record, and any pending filings. In addition, an attorney can identify other relief and help you protect your ability to work. Shepelsky Law Group, a New York immigration law firm, handles humanitarian parole, Green Card cases, and immigration court and deportation defense.
Talk to a New York TPS Attorney Today
Call Shepelsky Law Group at 718-769-6352 or contact us online. You can also learn more about our attorneys. We are here to help Ukrainian families understand their rights and explore available legal options during this uncertain time.