Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Who qualifies

National of a designated country, continuously present since the designated date, and filing during the open registration period.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Confirm country designation and dates

   Check uscis.gov/tps for your country, the registration window and continuous presence date.

   Watch out: Filing outside the registration window can cause denial.

   Common rejection reason: Late filing without good cause.
2. 2

   Gather identity and nationality proof

   Passport, national ID or birth certificate with photo ID.

   Watch out: Translations must be certified.

   Common rejection reason: Missing nationality evidence.
3. 3

   Prove continuous residence and presence

   Collect dated records showing you have lived in the U.S. since the required date.

   Watch out: Cover every gap with evidence.

   Common rejection reason: Gaps in residence history.
4. 4

   Complete I-821 and optional I-765

   Fill forms carefully; include I-912 if you qualify for a fee waiver.

   Watch out: Sign every form.

   Common rejection reason: Unsigned forms or wrong fee.
5. 5

   File, attend biometrics, re-register

   Submit online or by mail, attend biometrics, and re-register in every future period.

   Watch out: Missing re-registration ends TPS.

Documents you'll need

• Form I-821

  Application for Temporary Protected Status.

• Form I-765 (optional)

  Work permit application.

• Passport or national ID

  Proof of identity and nationality.

  Note: Certified translation if not in English.

• Entry evidence

  I-94, passport stamp or other proof of entry date.

• Continuous residence proof

  Leases, utility bills, pay stubs, school or medical records.

• 2 passport-style photos

  Required for EAD requests.