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TPS — Temporary Protected Status
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

TPS — Temporary Protected Status

Work Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1.1–1.6 years

Estimated Cost

USD $540–$1,900

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6, 12, or 18 months (renewable)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary immigration status for nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

TPS is a US humanitarian program for nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary temporary conditions. It grants temporary protection from deportation and the right to work, but does not confer permanent status.

Status is granted in 6-, 12-, or 18-month periods tied to each country's designation, renewable while the designation remains in effect. There is no PR pathway, no derivative status for spouses or dependents, and dual intent is not permitted. Work authorization requires a separate Form I-765 filing.

This visa is ideal for nationals of designated countries already present in the US who need temporary protection from removal while conditions in their home country remain dangerous.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-821 Filing FeeUSD $510
Biometric Services FeeUSD $30
Form I-765 Filing Fee (Paper)USD $520
optional
Form I-765 Filing Fee (Online)USD $470
optional
Initial TPS EAD Fee (Pub. L. 119-21)USD $560
optional
Renewal TPS EAD Fee (Pub. L. 119-21)USD $280
optional
TotalUSD $540–$1,900

Eligible Nationalities (17)

AfghanistanAfghanistanMyanmar (Burma)Myanmar (Burma)CameroonCameroonEl SalvadorEl SalvadorEthiopiaEthiopiaHaitiHaitiHondurasHondurasLebanonLebanonNepalNepalNicaraguaNicaraguaSomaliaSomaliaSouth SudanSouth SudanSudanSudanSyriaSyriaUkraineUkraineVenezuelaVenezuelaYemenYemen

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a national of a designated TPS country

Must file during the open initial registration or re-registration period

Must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the most recent designation

Must have been continuously residing in the U.S. since the date specified for your country

Must not be inadmissible under certain criminal or security-related grounds

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of identity and nationality

Proof of date of entry

Proof of continuous residence

Two passport-style photographs

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Provides temporary protection from deportation
  • Allows for employment authorization
  • Allows for travel authorization

Worth Knowing

  • No direct pathway to permanent residency
  • Status is dependent on country designation
  • Long processing times
  • Convicted of any felony
  • Convicted of two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.

Application Process

1

Verify your country's active TPS designation and registration dates.

2

Complete Form I-821 and Form I-765.

3

Gather supporting evidence for identity, nationality, entry date, and continuous residence.

4

Submit the application online via myUSCIS or by mail.

5

Attend a biometrics appointment if scheduled.

6

Await USCIS decision.

Application Forms

I-821
Application for Temporary Protected Status
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online
I-912
Request for Fee Waiver
Fill online
I-601
Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Fill online
I-131
Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records
Fill online

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