Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary benefit given to nationals of particular countries for a specified period of time. According to the USCIS website, Homeland Security may designate a country for TPS when conditions in the country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning and living safely or when the country can not facilitate return of its nationals who are already in the U.S. Temporary conditions in a country that could lead to designation for TPS include: (1) ongoing armed conflict, (2) environmental disaster, or (3) other extraordinary and temporary circumstances.

The benefits of TPS Those granted TPS:

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

• Apply for TPS with Form I-821
• Complete Form I-765 for a work permit
• Complete Form I-131 for a travel permit

Though TPS does not automatically lead to a green card or any other immigration status, it does not prevent TPS beneficiaries from 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.

• Afghanistan
  • Through Sept 30, 2023 there is no fee to file Form I-765 for Afghan nationals applying for work authorization on the basis of parole
• Burma
• Cameroon
• El Salvador
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Hondurus
• Liberia
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela