TPS, I-821

Temporary Protected Status

The Secretary of Homeland Security can designate a country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) when conditions there, such as armed conflict or a natural disaster, prevent its nationals from returning safely. Eligible nationals in the United States can stay and work while the designation lasts. Designations, extensions and terminations have changed often since 2025, and several have been challenged in court, so we confirm the current position for each country before filing.

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Last reviewed September 2026

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TPS is a temporary status. It does not lead to a green card by itself, but it does not stop a person from seeking another status for which they qualify.

See the glossary

Who this is for

Nationals of designated countries who meet the residence and presence dates
TPS holders filing during a re-registration period
TPS holders who need a work permit
Holders whose country's designation is ending and who want to review other options

How we help

Eligibility: We check nationality, the required dates of continuous residence and physical presence, and the criminal and other bars.
Timely filing: We file within the registration period set in the Federal Register notice, including late initial filing where a basis exists.
Work permits: We prepare the work permit application and explain how long the card will be valid.
Planning ahead: Where a designation ends, we review other routes, such as family petitions, asylum or employment-based options.

Forms involved

I-821Application for Temporary Protected Status
I-765Application for Employment Authorization
I-131Application for Travel Documents

Government filing fees are listed on our filing fees page.

Timeline

Each designation sets its own registration period in the Federal Register. Under a 2025 law, work permits for TPS holders requested on or after 22 July 2025 are generally limited to one year or the end of the TPS period, whichever is shorter.

Document checklist

A starting list. We send a checklist for your case after the consultation.

Passport or national identity document proving nationality
Evidence of continuous residence since the required date
Evidence of physical presence since the required date
Prior TPS approval notices, if re-registering
Court records for any arrest

Questions clients ask

Does TPS lead to a green card?

Not by itself. A TPS holder may qualify for a green card through another route, such as a family or employment petition.

What if I miss the re-registration period?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may accept a late re-registration for good cause. Late initial registration is available only in limited situations.

Can I travel abroad?

Only with permission granted before you leave, requested on Form I-131. Travel without it can end TPS.

What happens when a designation ends?

TPS and related work permits end on the date set in the termination notice, unless a court orders otherwise. Holders should review other options well before that date.

Can a person with a criminal record get TPS?

A felony, or two or more misdemeanours, committed in the United States generally makes a person ineligible, and other bars also apply.

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