Skip to main contentSkip to main content

TPS (Temporary Protected Status)

🚨 CRITICAL 2025 TPS UPDATES

Secretary Noem has terminated TPS for multiple countries in 2025: Honduras (terminated July 8, 2025), Nepal (terminated August 20, 2025), and Afghanistan (terminated July 22, 2025). Haiti TPS is terminating September 2, 2025.

Immediate Action Required:

  • • Check your country's current TPS status immediately
  • • Consult immigration attorney if your TPS is terminated or terminating
  • • Do not rely on previous expiration dates - many have changed
  • • Visit USCIS.gov/TPS for latest official designations
  • • Check Federal Register for the most current termination notices
  • • Consult with qualified legal counsel

What is TPS?

TPS provides temporary immigration relief for nationals of designated countries that are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances.

  • Duration: 6-18 months, renewable by country designation
  • Status: Temporary protection, not permanent residence
  • Benefits: Protection from removal and work authorization

TPS Benefits

TPS provides important protections and benefits:

  • • Protection from deportation
  • • Work authorization eligibility
  • • Travel authorization in some cases
  • • Cannot be detained solely for immigration status
  • • May help with other immigration benefits

Grounds for TPS Designation

Ongoing Armed Conflict

Civil war or other armed conflict where return would pose serious threat to safety

Current Examples:

SyriaSouth SudanSomalia

Environmental Disaster

Natural disaster that temporarily prevents safe return

Current Examples:

Haiti (earthquake)Nepal (earthquake)

Extraordinary and Temporary Conditions

Other extraordinary circumstances that prevent safe return

Current Examples:

Venezuela (political crisis)Burma (military coup)

Current TPS Designated Countries

CountryDesignation DateCurrent ExpiresResidence SincePhysical Presence
AfghanistanMay 20, 2022May 20, 2025May 20, 2022May 20, 2022
Burma (Myanmar)May 25, 2021May 25, 2025May 25, 2021May 25, 2021
CameroonApril 15, 2022April 15, 2025April 15, 2022April 15, 2022
El SalvadorMarch 9, 2001March 9, 2026February 13, 2001March 9, 2001
EthiopiaOctober 20, 2022April 20, 2025October 20, 2022October 20, 2022
HaitiJuly 3, 2021September 2, 2025July 29, 2021August 3, 2021
HondurasJanuary 5, 1999July 8, 2025December 30, 1998January 5, 1999
NepalJune 24, 2015August 20, 2025June 24, 2015June 24, 2015
NicaraguaJanuary 5, 1999July 5, 2025December 30, 1998January 5, 1999
SomaliaSeptember 16, 2012September 17, 2025September 16, 2012September 16, 2012
South SudanMay 3, 2016November 3, 2025January 9, 2011May 3, 2016
SudanNovember 2, 1997November 2, 2025November 2, 1997November 2, 1997
SyriaAugust 1, 2016September 30, 2025August 1, 2016August 1, 2016
UkraineApril 19, 2022October 19, 2026April 11, 2022April 19, 2022
VenezuelaSeptember 9, 2021September 10, 2025September 9, 2021September 9, 2021
YemenSeptember 3, 2015March 3, 2025September 3, 2015September 3, 2015

Note: This information is current as of January 2025. TPS designations and dates change frequently. Always check USCIS.gov/TPS for the most current information.

TPS Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements for TPS

  • You are a national of a TPS-designated country (or person without nationality who last habitually resided there)
  • You have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of designation
  • You have continuously resided in the United States since the required date for your country
  • You are admissible as an immigrant or eligible for any necessary waivers
  • You do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions
  • You are not subject to any of the mandatory bars to TPS

Application Process

Step-by-Step TPS Application

1

Verify Country Designation and Dates

Confirm your country has current TPS designation and check required dates

1-2 weeks research
Required Documents:
  • •Federal Register notices for your country
  • •Evidence of nationality or last habitual residence
  • •Documentation of arrival and residence dates
  • •Current TPS designation status
2

Gather Required Documentation

Collect evidence of identity, nationality, and continuous presence/residence

2-4 weeks preparation
Required Documents:
  • •Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
  • •Evidence of nationality or habitual residence
  • •Documentation of continuous residence since required date
  • •Evidence of continuous physical presence since required date
3

Complete and File Form I-821

Submit TPS application with supporting evidence and fees

Same day filing
Required Documents:
  • •Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
  • •Form I-765 (Work authorization - if desired)
  • •Supporting evidence and civil documents
  • •Filing fees or fee waiver request
4

Attend Biometrics Appointment

Complete biometric services appointment if required

4-8 weeks after filing
Required Documents:
  • •Biometrics appointment notice
  • •Valid photo identification
  • •I-821 receipt notice
5

Receive Decision and Benefits

USCIS issues decision and provides TPS documentation if approved

3-6 months processing
Required Documents:
  • •Respond to any requests for evidence
  • •Employment authorization card (if applied for)
  • •Notice of approval with TPS grant period

Re-Registration Requirements

TPS is temporary status that must be renewed when designations expire:

Re-Registration Process:

  • •TPS is temporary protection that must be renewed when the designation expires
  • •USCIS publishes Federal Register notices announcing re-registration periods
  • •You must re-register during the specified time period to maintain status

Important Reminders:

  • •Late re-registration may be accepted with good cause in limited circumstances
  • •Work authorization must also be renewed with each re-registration period

TPS Benefits

  • ✓Protection from removal (deportation) while TPS designation is in effect
  • ✓Eligibility for Employment Authorization Document (work permit)
  • ✓Eligibility for travel authorization (advance parole) in certain circumstances
  • ✓Cannot be detained by DHS based solely on immigration status
  • ✓May be eligible for certain other immigration benefits in limited circumstances

TPS Limitations

  • •Temporary status only - not a path to permanent residence
  • •Must re-register each time designation is extended
  • •Status ends when country designation is terminated
  • •Cannot petition for family members to immigrate

Check Your Eligibility

Use our assessment tool to see if you may qualify for TPS.

Other Protections

Explore other forms of humanitarian protection that may be available.

Legal Assistance

Get help with your TPS application or re-registration.

TPS Filing Fees

MAJOR FEE INCREASE - 2025

Form I-821 TPS Registration Fee:

• Previous fee: $50

• NEW fee (July 2025): $500

• This is a 1000% increase due to H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill

Additional Fees

Form I-765 (Work Authorization):

• Fee for TPS category (c)(19): $275 (renewal/extension)

• Biometrics fee: $85 (if required)

• Fee waivers available with Form I-912 for I-821 only

• H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived

Official Resources