USCIS July 10 2026 Update: Form I-9 Guidance for TPS Countries Including Burma, Haiti & Syria

USCIS released an updated Form I-9 guidance notice on July 10, 2026, addressing employment eligibility verification procedures for nationals from seven countries with active Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations: Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Form I-9 guidance updates for TPS countries are typically issued when TPS designations are extended, re-designated, or face legal changes — providing employers and employees clarity on which documents remain acceptable for employment authorization purposes. Employers are required to properly re-verify or annotate I-9 forms for affected TPS holders in accordance with USCIS instructions. For EB-3 applicants or green card holders from these countries, this update is a reminder that employment authorization documentation must remain current throughout the adjustment of status process. TPS holders pursuing permanent residency through EB-3 or other channels must ensure their I-9 records reflect valid work authorization at all times. Employers with staff from the listed TPS countries should review the July 10 USCIS guidance directly and update their I-9 compliance procedures accordingly. Failure to follow updated I-9 instructions can expose employers to penalties during audits, even when the underlying TPS status is valid. Affected employees should consult with an immigration attorney if they are unsure whether their current employment authorization documents require re-verification under this new guidance.