The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali nationals, further tightening immigration policies affecting thousands of individuals and students alike.

In a Federal Register notice published this week, DHS stated that the TPS designation for Nepal will officially end at 11:59 pm on August 5, 2025. The decision, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem following a review of current conditions in Nepal, concluded that the country no longer meets the statutory requirements for continued protection under the programme.

TPS had allowed thousands of Nepalis to legally reside and work in the United States following the 2015 earthquakes that devastated parts of the country. With the programme now set to expire, beneficiaries without alternative lawful immigration status are expected to prepare for return to Nepal.

“If you are currently a TPS beneficiary from Nepal, and have no other lawful basis to remain, you should begin preparations for departure,” the notice said. The DHS has advised affected individuals to use the CBP One mobile app to facilitate their return process.

This development comes amid a broader shift in US immigration and visa policy, which has already created uncertainty for many Nepali students. The US State Department recently suspended new student visa interview appointments, causing aspiring applicants to reconsider their education plans abroad.

Around 8,000 Nepali students received government approval to study in the US during the current fiscal year. But that number is declining sharply, with many now turning to the UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan instead.