170,000 Salvadorans at Risk: What to Do If You Lose Your TPS

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador will end on September 9, 2026, according to USCIS. The date affects approximately 170,000 Salvadorans who live and work under this migration protection.

TPS allows temporary residence in the United States and work authorization. However, it does not grant permanent residency or citizenship. USCIS sent new notifications to certain beneficiaries still awaiting their renewed work permits. Communication may arrive by mail or through myUSCIS.

Who can continue working until September?

USCIS reported that some expired permits remain valid until September 9. The extension benefits people who continue meeting TPS requirements. They must also have filed a work permit renewal application. Additionally, that application must remain pending.

The expired document must show the category A-12 or C-19. Those categories identify permits related to TPS. The extension does not apply automatically to all expired cards. The beneficiary must review the individual notification and keep proof.

The USCIS letter can be used to complete or update the Form I-9. The worker must present it along with their expired work permit. The employer must review the official information. They should not automatically fire a worker who presents valid documents under the extension.

USCIS indicates that the SAVE system can confirm temporary work authorization. Employers must use the official procedure and not demand additional documents. Attorney Kelley Ortega told Telemundo Houston that some workers fired since August 5 could continue working until September 9.

What documents should beneficiaries keep?

Each beneficiary must keep their work permit, even if it has an expiration date. They must also keep the extension letter sent by USCIS. The file should include the renewal application receipt. That receipt usually appears on Form I-797 or I-797C.

People with myUSCIS accounts should download all communications. They should also save screenshots and digital copies. The mailing address should be up to date. A lost letter can make employment verification or immigration defense difficult.

Original documents must remain in a safe place. The person should provide copies when an office requests them. The official TPS page for El Salvador confirms that the designation ends on September 9. Do not pay agents who promise a private extension. USCIS does not request money by phone, social media, or text messages.

What happens after September 9?