As of January 2, 2026, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali nationals has been restored and remains valid indefinitely until further court orders or a new DHS decision.
The U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson’s summary judgment ruling on December 31, 2025, vacated the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Nepal (as well as Honduras and Nicaragua) as unlawful, arbitrary, and capricious. This effectively restores the prior TPS designation, reinstating protections from deportation and work authorization for eligible beneficiaries.
Key Details:
• The last official TPS designation for Nepal (under the Biden administration) was extended through June 24, 2025.
• Because the court voided the termination entirely, TPS does not expire on a specific date right now—it is reinstated pending any appeals or new administrative actions.
• The government is expected to appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit, which could change the status (as happened earlier in 2025 when a stay allowed termination to proceed temporarily).
USCIS has not yet updated its website to reflect this latest ruling (pages still show termination as of August 2025), so official guidance may be forthcoming.
Recommendations for TPS Holders:
• Your prior TPS benefits, including work authorization, are restored.
• If your EAD expired, it may be considered valid again, or you may need to apply for a new one—seek immediate advice.
• Strongly consult an immigration attorney, accredited representative, or organizations like the National TPS Alliance for case-specific guidance.
• Monitor USCIS.gov/tps, Federal Register notices, and court updates in National TPS Alliance v. Noem.
This ruling provides ongoing relief for approximately 13,000 Nepali TPS holders, but the situation remains fluid due to likely appeals.