Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation given by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to nationals of certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions that temporarily prevent their safe return.

Countries Currently Designated for TPS

• Afghanistan
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• El Salvador
• Ethiopia
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Syria
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Ukraine
• Venezuela
• Yemen

These countries have been designated due to various crises, including civil war and natural disasters, that make returning unsafe for their nationals.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last resided in a designated country.
• Must file during the open initial registration or re-registration period.
• Must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the initial TPS designation date for your country.
• Must have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country.

Disqualifications

• Conviction of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
• Inadmissibility based on criminal and security-related grounds.
• Failure to meet initial or continuous residency requirements.

Application Process

To apply for TPS, you need to file Forms Application for Temporary Protected Status with supporting documents proving your eligibility, such as identity, nationality, and continuous residence; and a application for Employment Authorization.

Costs and Processing Times

The USCIS Filing Fee for Initial Registration is: $50, plus an $85 biometric fee.

The USCIS Filing Fee for Reregistration is: $85 for a biometric fee and $0 for the TPS application.

Processing times can vary but typically range from six months to a year.

Late Filing and Re-registration

If you miss the initial registration or re-registration period, you can file during the extension period but must demonstrate "good cause" for the delay. For those who missed a previous re-registration, check current guidelines for late filing.

For late initial filings, applicants must meet the continuous physical presence and continuous residence requirements from the initial TPS designation date and show eligibility for late registration.

Open Re-registration Period

The current re-registration period is open for certain countries. It's crucial to re-register during this time to maintain your TPS benefits. Check the USCIS TPS page for the latest information on deadlines and requirements.