When conditions in a foreign country make it unsafe to return, the Secretary of Homeland Security designates that foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). USCIS grants TPS to eligible nationals of those countries (who are already in the United States or to eligible individuals without the nationality who last resided in the designated country).
What are the Benefits under TPS? TPS beneficiaries:
- Are not removable from the United States based on their status.
- Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)
- May be granted travel authorization.
TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for TPS does not prevent you from:
- Applying for nonimmigrant status
- Filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition
- Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which you may be eligible.
What are the Requirements for TPS?
- Be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country;
- File during the open initial registration or re-registration period
- Have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation date of your country; and
- Have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country.
You may NOT be eligible for TPS or to maintain your existing TPS if you:
- Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors or engaged in certain criminal or terrorist activities;
- Fail to meet the continuous physical presence in the United States requirements;
- Fail to meet initial or late initial TPS registration requirements; or
- If granted TPS, you fail to re-register for TPS, as required, without good cause.
Which Countries are Recently Designated for TPS?
| Country | TPS Designation Date | Registration Period | TPS Designated Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haiti | May 21,2021 | TBD | TBD |
| Venezuela | March 8, 2021 | March 9, 2021-Sept 5, 2021 | Sept 9, 2022 |
| Syria | March 19, 2021 | March 19, 2021-Sept 15, 2021 | Sept 30, 2022 |
| Burma | May 25, 2021 | May 25, 2021-Nov 22, 2021 | Nov 25, 2022 |
Contact Us for More Information
It is important to speak with an attorney to review your case and eligibility for TPS. We are available to take your call at (954) 881-8820 or email us at [email protected].