USCIS July 2026 Update: Form I-9 Guidance for Somalia and Syria TPS Designations

USCIS published updated Form I-9 guidance on July 24, 2026, specifically addressing employment eligibility verification requirements for individuals from Somalia and Syria who hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The update provides employers and employees with clarified instructions on how to properly complete and document Form I-9 for TPS beneficiaries from these two designated countries. Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian designation that allows nationals from certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the United States. When USCIS issues or updates TPS designations, corresponding Form I-9 guidance is essential to ensure employers remain compliant with employment eligibility verification requirements. For EB-3 applicants and petitioners, this update is a reminder of the importance of accurate Form I-9 documentation throughout the immigration process. Employers sponsoring EB-3 workers should ensure their HR teams are aware of updated I-9 procedures, as errors in employment eligibility verification can complicate or delay immigration cases. USCIS has increasingly scrutinized I-9 compliance in recent years. Affected employers who have employees from Somalia or Syria with TPS should review their existing I-9 records in light of this guidance. USCIS typically provides specific document acceptance instructions and re-verification timelines when issuing such updates. Consulting with an immigration attorney is recommended to ensure full compliance with the updated procedures.