Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian measure granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that allows individuals from certain countries to legally live and work in the U.S. temporarily when they cannot safely return to their home country for extraordinary reasons.

What is TPS?

It is a tool that can be used by citizens of designated countries who are already physically present in the United States and, for reasons of force majeure, cannot safely return to their home country. This protection does not lead directly to permanent residence (a Green Card), but it does provide legal and temporary immigration relief.

Reasons for granting TPS

The reasons the U.S. government grants this status to nationals of a specific country include:

1. Ongoing armed conflicts, such as civil wars, that endanger the life or safety of the citizen if they were to return.

2. Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, epidemics) that seriously affect the country and make it impossible to guarantee the safe return of its citizens.

3. Extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return, except when the Attorney General believes granting TPS would be contrary to U.S. national interests.

Which countries currently have TPS?

Through 2025, TPS has been designated for nationals of the following countries (the list is updated regularly):

Venezuela

El Salvador

Honduras

Nicaragua

Haiti

Afghanistan

Ukraine

Syria

Sudan and South Sudan

Yemen

Nepal

Burma (Myanmar)

Cameroon

Ethiopia

Somalia

The TPS designation has specific start and end dates for each country. Always consult the official USCIS website for up-to-date details.

Requirements to apply for TPS

To be eligible for TPS, you must meet:

Be a national (or a person without nationality whose last residence was in that country) of one of the designated countries.

Have been physically present in the U.S. since a certain date established by DHS.

Have resided continuously in the U.S. since a specified date.

Not having committed any felonies or two misdemeanors in the U.S.

Not be considered a threat to national security.

Submit your application during the registration or re-registration period.

Necessary Documents and Forms

You must submit:

Form	Purpose
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status.
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization (work permit).
I-912 (optional)	Fee waiver if you can’t pay.
Additional tests	Identity, nationality, continuous physical presence, and residence in the U.S.

TPS Duration and Renewal

TPS is granted for specified periods (usually 6 to 18 months).

It can be renewed if DHS decides to extend the designation for your country.

You must actively re-register each time it is extended.

TPS is not equivalent to permanent residence.

TPS does not provide an automatic path to a green card or citizenship. However, you may be able to apply for permanent residency if:

You marry an American citizen.

An immediate family member asks you (parent, child, or resident spouse).

You receive asylum or other valid immigration status.

In some cases, if you were admitted legally (with parole or inspection), you can adjust your status without leaving the country.

Can I work legally with TPS?

Yes. With an approved TPS, you can apply for a work permit (EAD) that authorizes you to legally work in any state in the country for the duration of your protection.

Can I travel outside the US with TPS?

Yes, but only if you obtain a special travel permit known as Advance Parole (Form I-131). Leaving the country without this document could result in your loss of TPS status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is TPS the same as asylum?

No. TPS is temporary and collective, based on the country’s situation. Asylum is individual and permanent if approved, based on personal persecution.

What happens if TPS is canceled for my country?

You’ll have a grace period to prepare, change your status if you qualify, or leave the country. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer.

Can I apply for TPS if I arrived after the cutoff date?

No. One of the key requirements is having been present in the U.S. before the date established for your country. If you don’t meet this requirement, you can’t apply, with a few exceptions.

Can I be deported if I have TPS?

No. As long as your TPS is valid and you comply with its conditions, you are protected from deportation.

Do I need to renew my EAD every time I renew TPS?

Yes. Every time TPS is extended for your country, you must renew your work permit (EAD) if you want to continue working legally.

Can I study with TPS?

Yes. You can study freely, but you do not automatically qualify for federal scholarships unless you have another status that allows it.

Statement: The concepts explained should not be taken as legal advice, it is a compendium of public information from the INA.

In all cases, consultation with an attorney is recommended to determine your eligibility. At Immigration Document Preparers, we limit ourselves to submitting forms to USCIS correctly based on the information that the client provides us. We do not give advice or legal advice.