Everything You Need to Know About Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary benefit given to nationals of particular countries for a specified period of time. Examples of countries eligible for TPS are included at the end of this article. Generally, Homeland Security designates a country for TPS when conditions in the country temporarily prevent its nationals from returning and living safely. Examples of country conditions that could lead to a TPS designation are:

• Ongoing armed conflict
• Environmental disaster
• Other extraordinary and temporary circumstances

Each case is unique, so it’s important to consult with a immigration professional to determine whether applying for TPS is right for you. General benefits for those granted TPS include:

• Can not be deported from the US
• Can apply for work permit (i.e. EAD)
• May be granted an Advance Parole travel permit

Things to keep in mind:

• Applying for TPS does not prevent you from applying for other immigration benefits
• Such as permanent residence, asylum etc.
• TPS is a temporary benefit offered by the U.S. government
• If circumstances in your country of origin change, TPS may no longer be available. It can certainly pay to take advantage of TPS benefits while you can.
• Having a removal order is not a bar to TPS eligibility.
• While a grant of TPS does not eliminate the removal order, it prevents DHS from removing the TPS holder while they remain in valid TPS

Like any documents submitted to USCIS, it’s important to include relevant, accurate and consistent information in your TPS application. Here’s what you need to know about the forms involved in the application process:

• Form I-821: Complete this form to apply for TPS
• Form I-765: Complete this form to seek a TPS work permit
• Form I-131: Complete this form to seek advanced parole for travel

Though TPS does not automatically lead to a green card or any other immigration status, it does not prevent TPS beneficiaries rom applying for permanent residence, filing adjustment of status, or any other immigration benefit they may be eligible for. An application for asylum or any other benefit will not affect an individual’s ability to apply for TPS.

Reaching out to an immigration attorney to prepare and submit your forms can help increase your likelihood of success for TPS and across all your applications.

Interested in Speaking About or Applying for Temporary Protected Status with a Former USCIS Officer? Schedule a Consultation to learn more.

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Cameroon
• El Salvador
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Hondurus
• Liberia
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela