Temporary Protected Status

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation made by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for people from countries that have experienced environmental disasters, civil war, armed conflict, civil upheaval, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

TPS is different than asylum. TPS applies to all individuals inside the designated country due to the temporary unsafe or unstable conditions inside the designated country. Asylum applies only to individuals that have been persecuted due to their race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group.

What Countries Have Been Designated for Temporary Protected Status?

The following countries have been formally designated for Temporary Protected Status: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela.

How Do I Submit an Initial Application for Temporary Protected Status?

You must file your initial application within the initial designated application period that is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You must also show that you have continuously resided in the United States since the date established by USCIS.

Can I still submit an initial application if I missed the deadline?

Yes, you can can submit a late initial application. However, you must show that (1) you were a nonimmigrant, were granted voluntary departure status, or any relief from removal; (2) you had an application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from removal which was pending or subject to further review or appeal; (3) you were a parolee or had a pending request for re-parole; or (4) you are a spouse of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS; (5) you were the child of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS even if you have already turned 21 years old. If any of the above apply to you, then you can file a late initial application for TPS.

When is the Re-registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status?

The re-registration deadline depends on the country. The following are the current re-registration periods:

El Salvador is currently open and runs through March 9, 2025;

Haiti is currently open and runs through Aug. 3, 2024;

Honduras is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025;

Nepal is currently open and runs through June 24, 2025;

Nicaragua is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025; and

Sudan is currently open and runs through April 19, 2025.

How long is Temporary Protected status granted for?

Temporary Protected Status is granted up to eighteen (18) months. Prior to the expiration of a Temporary Protected Status designation, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security must assess whether the conditions in a country currently designed protected status merit extending the protected status or terminating it. The benefits of Temporary Protected Status include the employment authorization and relief from removal from the United States. A person with temporary protected status enjoys and maintains a lawful status within the United States. Significantly, a person convicted of any two misdemeanors in the United States is ineligible for Temporary Protected Status.