**What is Temporary Protected Status: A Comprehensive Guide**

Temporary Protected Status, as explained on WHAT.EDU.VN, is a humanitarian program offering refuge to eligible foreign nationals already in the U.S. when their home country faces extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent their safe return. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements, benefits, and application process, ensuring you understand your options and can navigate the system effectively. We aim to simplify complex legal jargon, providing clarity and support for those seeking safe haven and stability in the United States, while exploring options like asylum eligibility and immigration relief.

1. Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

1.1. Defining Temporary Protected Status

What Is Temporary Protected Status? Temporary Protected Status or TPS, is a temporary immigration status granted by the United States government to eligible nationals of designated foreign countries (or parts of countries), who are already present in the United States. It allows beneficiaries to live and work in the U.S. for a designated period. This is made possible because conditions in their country of origin prevent them from returning safely. These conditions may include ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary circumstances.

1.2. Legal Basis for TPS

The authority to designate a country for TPS rests with the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary may make this designation when conditions in a country temporarily prevent its nationals from returning safely. This is in accordance with Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This designation can be based on:

• Ongoing armed conflict, such as civil war.
• An environmental disaster like an earthquake or hurricane, or an epidemic.
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

1.3. Key Benefits of TPS

What does temporary protected status offer? During the designated period, individuals with TPS, or those found preliminarily eligible (prima facie eligible), receive significant protections and benefits:

• Protection from Removal: They cannot be deported from the United States.
• Employment Authorization: They can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work legally in the U.S.
• Travel Authorization: They may be granted travel authorization, permitting them to travel outside the U.S. and return.
• Protection from Detention: They cannot be detained by DHS based solely on their immigration status.

1.4. Limitations of TPS

It’s important to understand the limitations of TPS:

• Temporary Status: TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) or any other permanent immigration status.
• No Guarantee of Future Status: TPS does not guarantee any future immigration benefits.

However, applying for TPS does not prevent individuals 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 they may be eligible.

Meeting all eligibility requirements for any other immigration benefit is still necessary. Applying for TPS does not affect an application for asylum or any other immigration benefit, and vice versa. However, the grounds for denial of an application for asylum or another immigration benefit may also lead to denial of TPS.

1.5. TPS vs. Other Immigration Relief

Understanding the differences between TPS and other forms of immigration relief is crucial. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Asylum: Asylum is available to individuals who have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Asylum can lead to permanent residency.
• Refugee Status: Refugee status is granted to individuals who are outside the United States and are fleeing persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution. Refugees can also apply for permanent residency after a certain period.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. DACA does not provide a path to permanent residency.

Table 1: Comparison of Immigration Relief Options

Feature	TPS	Asylum	Refugee Status	DACA
Eligibility	Nationals of designated countries in the US	Individuals persecuted or fearing persecution in their home country	Individuals outside the U.S. fleeing persecution	Undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children
Status	Temporary	Can lead to Permanent Resident status	Can lead to Permanent Resident status	Temporary
Work Authorization	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Path to Permanent Residency	No Direct Path	Yes	Yes	No Direct Path
Key Benefit	Protection from deportation	Protection from persecution	Protection from persecution	Protection from deportation and work authorization
Location Requirement	Must be present in the U.S.	Can apply from within the U.S. or at a port of entry	Must be outside the U.S. when applying	Must be present in the U.S.

2. Eligibility Requirements for TPS

2.1. Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for TPS, you must meet several requirements:

• Nationality: Be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country.
• Filing Period: File during the open initial registration or re-registration period. If filing late, you must meet the requirements for late initial filing during any extension of your country’s TPS designation.
• Continuous Physical Presence (CPP): Have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation date for your country.
• Continuous Residence (CR): Have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country. Check your country’s TPS web page for the specific date.

2.2. Exceptions to CPP and CR Requirements

The law allows exceptions to the continuous physical presence and continuous residence requirements for brief, casual, and innocent departures from the United States. When applying or re-registering for TPS, you must inform USCIS of all absences from the United States since the CPP and CR dates. USCIS will determine whether the exception applies in your case.

2.3. Ineligibility Factors

You may NOT be eligible for TPS or to maintain your existing TPS if you:

• Criminal Record: Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States.
• Inadmissibility: Are found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds in INA section 212(a), including non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds.
• Asylum Bars: Are subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylum. These include, but are not limited to, participating in the persecution of another individual or engaging in or inciting terrorist activity.
• Failure to Meet Requirements: Fail to meet the continuous physical presence and continuous residence requirements in the United States.
• Registration Issues: Fail to meet initial or late initial TPS registration requirements.
• Re-Registration Failure: If granted TPS, you fail to re-register for TPS, as required, without good cause.

2.4. Specific Country Requirements

Each country designated for TPS may have specific requirements or considerations. Always refer to the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information on your country’s designation.

3. The TPS Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

3.1. Gathering Necessary Documents

When filing your TPS application, you must include the necessary forms, evidence, fees, or fee waiver request. Check your country’s specific TPS page on the USCIS website for any special filing instructions.

3.2. Required Forms

• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status: This is the primary form for registering or re-registering for TPS. Eligible nationals of certain countries, or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in those countries, can now file Form I-821 online. All applicants eligible to file for TPS under one of the current designations may file Form I-821 online.
• Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization: You can request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting this form when filing Form I-821. You may also file Form I-765 separately at a later date. Filing Form I-821 with Form I-765 may help you receive your EAD more promptly if you are eligible. You may also file Form I-765 online if filing concurrently with Form I-821 online.
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility: If a relevant ground of inadmissibility applies to you and you need a waiver to obtain TPS, include this form with your TPS application package. However, you do not need to file a new Form I-601 for an incident that USCIS has already waived with a prior TPS application. USCIS may grant a waiver of certain inadmissibility grounds for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is in the public interest.
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: If you have TPS and wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization by filing Form I-131.

These forms are free and available on the forms section of the USCIS website at: www.uscis.gov/forms.

3.3. Providing Evidence

When filing an initial TPS application, you must submit:

• Identity and Nationality Evidence: To demonstrate your identity and that you are a national of a country designated for TPS (or that you have no nationality and you last habitually resided in a country designated for TPS).
• Date of Entry Evidence: To demonstrate when you entered the United States.
• Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence: To demonstrate that you have been in the United States since the CR date specified for your country (see your country’s TPS web page to the left).

Any document that is not in English must be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translator must certify that:

• He or she is competent both in English and the foreign language used in the original document; and
• The translation is true and correct to the best of his or her ability, knowledge, and belief.

3.4. Types of Evidence

3.4.1. Identity and Nationality Evidence

It is recommended to submit primary evidence, if available. If USCIS does not find the documents you submit with your application to be sufficient, they will send you a request for additional evidence. If you cannot submit primary evidence of your identity and nationality, you may submit the secondary evidence listed below with your application.

Table 2: Identity and Nationality Evidence

Type of Evidence	Description
Primary Evidence	A copy of your passport, a copy of your birth certificate, accompanied by photo identification; and/or Any national identity document bearing your photograph and/or fingerprint issued by your country, including documents issued by your country’s Embassy or Consulate in the United States, such as a national ID card or naturalization certificate.
No Primary Evidence	If you do not have any of the primary evidence listed above, you must submit an affidavit with: Proof of your unsuccessful efforts to obtain such documents; and An explanation why the consular process for your country was unavailable to you, and affirming that you are a national of your country. USCIS may interview you regarding your identity and nationality.
Secondary Evidence	Nationality documentation, such as a naturalization certificate, even if it does not have your photograph and fingerprint; Your baptismal certificate if it indicates your nationality or a parent’s nationality; Copies of your school or medical records if they have information supporting your claim that you are a national from a country designated for TPS; Copies of other immigration documents showing your nationality and identity; or Affidavits from friends or family members who have close personal knowledge of the date and place of your birth and your parents’ nationality.

You may also provide any other document or information that you believe helps prove your nationality.

Birth in a TPS-designated country does not always mean you are a national of that country. Please see your TPS-designated country’s nationality laws for further information.

3.4.2. Date of Entry Evidence

• A copy of your passport.
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
• Copies of documents specified in the “Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence” section below.

3.4.3. Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence

• Employment records.
• Rent receipts, utility bills, receipts, or letters from companies.
• School records from the schools that you or your children have attended in the U.S.
• Hospital or medical records concerning treatment or hospitalization of you or your children.
• Attestations by church, union, or other organization officials who know you and where you have been residing.

Refer to Form I-821 instructions for more details on acceptable evidence.

3.5. Understanding and Paying Fees

There is a fee for Form I-821 if you are registering for TPS for the first time. There is no fee for Form I-821 if you are re-registering for TPS. Other related fees for initial registrations and re-registrations vary depending on:

• If you want an EAD.
• If you need to request a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

Review the Form I-821 webpage carefully before applying, including the form instructions and the Filing Fee section. This section explains what fees to pay and your payment options. Refer to the chart under Special Instructions for fee information. If you do not pay the appropriate fees (or submit a proper fee waiver request), your application will be rejected. You can also find the filing fees for TPS-related forms on the Fee Schedule page.

3.6. Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford the costs associated with the TPS filing, include a fee waiver request on Form I-912, Application for Fee Waiver (or other written request). For more information about filing a fee waiver request, visit the webpages on Form I-912 and on Additional Information on Filing a Fee Waiver.

If you are filing an initial application and USCIS denies your fee waiver request, you may re-file and pay the correct fees either before the registration deadline or within 45 days of the date on the fee waiver denial notice, whichever is later.

If you are filing a re-registration application and USCIS denies your fee waiver request on or before the re-registration deadline, it is recommended that you re-file and pay the correct fees before the re-registration deadline. If you are unable to file before the re-registration deadline, you may still re-file after the deadline, and this will be reviewed under good cause for late re-registration.

3.7. Filing Deadlines and Locations

For information about when and where you must file your TPS application, see the country-specific pages on the USCIS website.

3.8. Application Process Steps

3.8.1. Step 1: File Your Application

Once you have prepared your TPS package with the forms, evidence, and filing fees (or request for a fee waiver), send it to the address indicated on your TPS country page. Make sure you sign your application and include the correct fee amount (or fee waiver request). These are two of the most common mistakes USCIS receives on TPS applications. Please look above at the fee chart to see what fees you must pay (a properly documented fee waiver request may be submitted). If you do not pay the proper fees (or submit a proper fee waiver request), your application will be rejected.

3.8.2. Step 2: USCIS Receives Your Application

When USCIS receives your application, they will review it for completeness and for the proper fees or a properly documented fee waiver request. If your case meets the basic acceptance criteria, your application will be entered into their system, and you will receive a receipt notice. At the top of this notice, you will find a receipt number which can be used to check the status of your case online.

If you do not receive your receipt notice within three weeks of filing, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request assistance. If your application is rejected at the initial review stage, you may re-file within the registration period after correcting the problems described in the USCIS notification.

If your application was rejected because USCIS determined you were not eligible for a fee waiver, you may submit a new TPS package. Go to the ‘Fee Waiver’ section above for more information.

3.8.3. Step 3: USCIS Contacts You

If USCIS needs to collect your photograph, signature, and/or fingerprints (these are called biometrics), you will receive an appointment notice to have your biometrics captured at an Application Support Center (ASC). Every TPS applicant over 14 years old must have their biometrics collected. Biometrics are required for identity verification, background checks, and the production of an EAD, if one has been requested.

In certain situations, such as when it’s impossible to take a fingerprint, USCIS can waive the collection of biometrics. In some cases, they may be able to reuse the biometrics previously collected in association with your previous TPS application. Even if you do not need to attend an ASC appointment, you still need to pay the biometrics fee (if required) to help cover costs associated with reusing your biometrics.

3.8.4. Step 4: Go to the ASC

When you report to an ASC, you must bring:

1. Evidence of nationality and identity with a photograph of you, such as a passport
2. Your receipt notice
3. Your ASC appointment notice
4. Your current EAD, if you already have one

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, you may reschedule. To reschedule an ASC appointment, make a copy of your appointment notice to retain for your records, then mail the original notice with your rescheduling request to the ASC address listed on the notice. You should submit your request for rescheduling as soon as you know you have an unavoidable conflict on your scheduled ASC date. A new appointment notice will be sent to you by mail. Please note that rescheduling a biometrics appointment may cause the adjudication of your application to be delayed.

If you need an accommodation due to a disability that affects your ability to go to the ASC, please go to the Disability Accommodations for the Public webpage for more information.

WARNING: If you fail to appear for your ASC appointment without rescheduling, or if you repeatedly miss scheduled ASC appointments, your TPS application could be denied for abandonment.

If there is an emergency need for you to travel abroad for humanitarian reasons, you may request expedited processing on your advance parole application (Form I-131) after you have appeared at an ASC for your biometrics appointment. Please see the travel section below for more information.

3.8.5. Step 5: USCIS Determines Work Eligibility

If you are not seeking an employment authorization document (EAD), skip to Step 6.

Table 3: EAD Processing

If you are…	Then…
Applying for TPS for the first time and seeking an EAD	USCIS will review your case to determine whether you are eligible to work before they make a final decision on your TPS application. If you are found to be eligible upon initial review of your TPS application (prima facie eligible) you will receive an EAD. Note: If your application is denied and you choose to appeal to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or request review of your application by an immigration judge, your EAD will be extended while you are waiting for a decision. If your EAD expires, to request an extension of your EAD, you must file a Form I-765 along with evidence of your appeal to the AAO or that you have requested an immigration judge to review your TPS application.
Re-Registering for TPS and seeking an EAD	You will receive your new EAD when your entire TPS package is adjudicated.

USCIS makes every effort to avoid backlogs at this step, but it is urged to remember that USCIS may experience a higher volume of applications in the first few months of a registration period.

3.8.6. Step 6: USCIS Adjudicates the Application

During this phase, USCIS may ask you for additional documents to establish your eligibility for TPS. If you receive a request for evidence (RFE) or a notice of intent to deny, it is extremely important that you respond immediately to avoid processing delays and possible denial for failure to timely respond. Upon completion of your case, USCIS will notify you if your request for TPS is granted or denied. If one of the waivable grounds of inadmissibility applies to you, USCIS will give you an opportunity to submit a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility if you did not include this with your TPS package. Please submit this form within the time frame specified in the USCIS notice, or your case will be denied.

3.8.7. Step 7: USCIS Approves or Denies the Application

Table 4: Application Outcomes

If your application for TPS is…	Then…
Approved and you filed an initial application	USCIS will send you an approval notice and an EAD, if you requested one and haven’t received it before this step.
Approved and you filed a re-registration application	USCIS will send you an approval notice if you do not request an EAD. USCIS will send you a new EAD if you do request one.
Denied	USCIS will send you a letter indicating the reason for your denial and, if applicable, provide you with the opportunity to appeal the denial.

4. Maintaining Your TPS Status

4.1. Re-Registration Requirements

Once you are granted TPS, you must re-register during each re-registration period to maintain TPS benefits. This applies to all TPS beneficiaries, including those who were initially granted by USCIS, an Immigration Judge, or the BIA. Follow the instructions above to apply for re-registration.

4.2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension

If you have and maintain TPS, you may receive an extension of your EAD:

• Through publication of a Federal Register notice extending the TPS designation of your country, if the Federal Register notice also authorizes an extension of existing EADs (see your country’s TPS page for details).
• Through notification of extension, typically when USCIS sends you a Form I-797, Notice of Action.
• Through the automatic EAD extensions announced through temporary final rules in May 2022 and April 2024. For more information, including eligibility requirements and showing proof of identity, visit the Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension page.

For more information, please see the country-specific pages on the USCIS website.

4.3. Late Filing

4.3.1. Late Re-Registration for TPS

USCIS may accept a late re-registration application if you have good cause for filing after the end of the re-registration period of your country. You must submit a letter that explains your reason for filing late with your re-registration application. If you file your TPS re-registration application late, processing may be delayed and can lead to gaps in your work authorization.

4.3.2. Late Initial Filing for TPS

You can apply for TPS for the first time during an extension of your country’s TPS designation period. If you qualify to file your initial TPS application late, you must still independently meet all the TPS eligibility requirements listed in the Eligibility section above.

To qualify to file your initial TPS application late, you must meet at least one of the late initial filing conditions below:

• During either the initial registration period of your country’s designation or during any subsequent initial registration period if your country was re-designated you met one of the following conditions, and you register while the condition still exists or within a 60-day period immediately following the expiration or termination of such condition
  • You were a nonimmigrant, were granted voluntary departure status, or any relief from removal
  • 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
  • You were a parolee or had a pending request for re-parole
  • You are a spouse of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS
• OR
• During either the initial registration period of your country’s designation or during any subsequent initial registration period if your country was re-designated you were a child of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS. There is no time limitation on filing if you meet this condition. So if your parent is currently eligible for TPS and you were his or her child (unmarried and under 21 years old) at any time during a TPS initial registration period for your country, you may still be eligible for late initial filing even if you are now over 21 years old or married. You may file during an extension of your TPS designated country.

Check your country-specific web page for the dates of the initial registration period or periods that apply for late initial filing.

You cannot obtain TPS as a derivative because your parent or child has TPS.

5. Traveling with TPS

5.1. Travel Authorization

If you have TPS and wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization. If your request is approved, you will be issued a Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States, to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States. If a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines that you are eligible, they will admit you into TPS upon your return. Note that if you were previously granted parole, this admission will render you ineligible for a new period of parole.

5.2. Advance Parole

If USCIS is still adjudicating your application for TPS, and you wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization. If your request for travel authorization is approved, you will be issued a Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States.

To apply for TPS travel authorization or advance parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records. If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821, send your forms to the address listed for your country. (Click on “Temporary Protected Status” on the menu above left to find a list of countries designated for TPS. Then click on the name of your country.) If you are filing Form I-131 separately based on a pending or approved Form I-821, check the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 page.

If you have TPS and leave the United States without first obtaining TPS travel authorization, you may lose TPS, and you may not be able to reenter the United States. If you have a pending TPS application and leave the United States without first obtaining advance parole, your application for TPS may be denied, and you may not be able to reenter the United States.

If USCIS is still adjudicating your TPS application, you may miss important USCIS notices, such as Requests for Additional Evidence, while you are outside the United States. If you do not respond to these requests, your application may be denied.

It is encouraged to read and understand the travel warning on Form I-131 before you request TPS travel authorization or advance parole. You may want to seek legal advice before you request TPS travel authorization or advance parole for travel.

6. Change of Address

If your address changes after you file your application, you must notify USCIS immediately. For information about how to notify USCIS, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange.

7. TPS Granted by an Immigration Judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals

7.1. Providing Proof of TPS Grant

If an Immigration Judge (IJ) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) granted you TPS, you must provide USCIS with proof of the TPS grant (such as a final order from the IJ or final decision from the BIA) when you file for your first TPS benefit (such as an EAD, travel authorization, or with your first TPS re-registration application filed with USCIS). You should also submit a copy of the I-821 TPS application that the IJ or the BIA approved.

7.2. Filing Information

See the table below for filing information based on the first TPS benefit you are requesting after an IJ or BIA granted you TPS.

Table 5: Filing After IJ or BIA Grant

If the first TPS benefit you are requesting is…	Then you must…	And…
Your first EAD,	File Form I-765 only with required fee(s) or fee waiver request. You must also submit a cover sheet that states “DO NOT REJECT – TPS GRANTED BY IJ/BIA.”	Send your Form I-765 to the mailing address on your country-specific page.
Travel Authorization	File Form I-131 with the required fee	Send your Form I-131 to the mailing address noted on the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 page.
Your first re-registration NOTE: Even if you were granted TPS by an IJ or the BIA, you must re-register with USCIS during each future extension period for your country.	File Form I-821 and Form I-765 with required fee(s) or a fee waiver request. See re-registration instructions above.	Send your TPS package to the mailing address on your country-specific page.

You can find the filing fees for Forms I-821, I-765, and I-131 by visiting the Fee Schedule page.

8. Appealing a Denial

If USCIS denies your application, you will be informed in the denial notice whether you have 30 days to appeal to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). If you do not have the right to appeal because you were placed in removal proceedings when your TPS application was denied by USCIS, you can request that the immigration judge adjudicate your TPS application.

You may also choose to file a motion to reconsider with the Service Center that adjudicated your TPS application by submitting:

If USCIS denies your TPS application, it is recommended that you consult with an accredited legal representative to determine whether you should pursue an appeal or motion. If you have been placed in removal proceedings, you may request that the immigration judge adjudicate your TPS application. If an immigration judge denies your request for TPS, you may file an appeal with the BIA.

9. Countries Previously Designated for TPS

To find information on countries that were previously designated for TPS, refer to the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney.

10. Other Immigration Options

You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for lawful permanent status (a Green Card), you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on the Green Card Eligibility Categories page. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.

Note on Seeking Asylum: Being granted and maintaining TPS status until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one-year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, if the one-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).

11. Avoiding Immigration Scams

Be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. To ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to obtain legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance, a list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS website on the finding legal advice web page.

Do not become a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

Navigating the complexities of Temporary Protected Status can be daunting. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges you face in finding accurate and timely information. If you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of the TPS process, don’t hesitate to reach out! We offer a free consultation service to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Contact us today:

• Address: 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• WhatsApp: +1 (206) 555-7890
• Website: what.edu.vn

We’re here to help you find the answers you need, quickly and easily.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

To provide further clarity, here are some frequently asked questions about Temporary Protected Status:

Table 6: Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
1. What countries are currently designated for TPS?	The list of countries designated for TPS can change. Check the USCIS website for the most current list. Each country’s designation has specific start and end dates, so it’s essential to stay updated.
2. Can I apply for TPS if I entered the U.S. illegally?	Yes, you can apply for TPS even if you entered the U.S. illegally, as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements, including continuous residence and physical presence.
3. Does TPS lead to a Green Card?	No, TPS is a temporary status and does not directly lead to a Green Card or any other permanent immigration status. However, having TPS does not prevent you from applying for other forms of immigration relief if you are eligible.
4. What if my country’s TPS designation is terminated?	If your country’s TPS designation is terminated, you will lose your TPS status. It is essential to plan for this possibility by exploring other potential immigration options and consulting with an immigration attorney.
5. Can I work in the U.S. with TPS?	Yes, with TPS, you are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to work legally in the United States.
6. Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?	Yes, but you must apply for and receive travel authorization (Advance Parole) before leaving the U.S. If you leave without Advance Parole, you may lose your TPS status and be unable to re-enter the United States.
7. What is the difference between initial registration and re-registration for TPS?	Initial registration is for individuals