Temporary Protected Status may be available to eligible nationals of designated countries who meet presence, residence, registration, and background requirements.
Informational content only. Immigration rules, fees, forms, and agency timing can change.
What TPS can and cannot do
TPS can provide temporary protection and work authorization for eligible people from designated countries, but it is not the same as permanent residence.
What to review
TPS applicants should review nationality, entry and residence dates, criminal history, prior immigration records, and registration or re-registration deadlines.
- Country of nationality or last habitual residence
- Continuous residence and physical presence dates
- Initial registration or re-registration window
- Criminal and immigration history
- Work authorization and travel questions
TPS checklist
| Topic | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Country | Current TPS designation and eligibility dates |
| Presence | Continuous residence and physical presence |
| Deadlines | Initial registration or re-registration period |
| Background | Criminal and immigration history review |
Confirm current country designation
TPS eligibility depends on the current Federal Register/USCIS designation for the country.
Review dates and background issues
Residence, physical presence, criminal history, and prior immigration issues can affect eligibility.
File or re-register on time
Missing registration windows can create avoidable problems.
Timeline
TPS timing depends on designation periods, registration windows, USCIS processing, biometrics, EAD processing, and re-registration cycles.
Filing costs and legal fees
TPS and work authorization fees vary, and some fee-waiver options may exist. Legal fees depend on status history and complexity.
When to contact an attorney
- You are unsure whether your country is currently designated.
- You missed a registration or re-registration deadline.
- You have arrests, convictions, or prior immigration issues.
- You need to understand TPS alongside asylum, family immigration, or employment options.
Common questions
Is TPS a green card?
No. TPS is temporary protection. Some people may have other paths to permanent residence, but those require separate review.
Can TPS holders apply for work authorization?
Many TPS applicants may request employment authorization if eligible.
Next step
Talk through your situation with an attorney.
Immigration outcomes depend on your history, timing, and evidence. Gather relevant documents before contacting us so the conversation can be more useful.