TPS

General information, not legal advice. Facts checked on October 10, 2026.

Important today

Today (October 10, 2026) there is no open period to apply for TPS for the first time. You apply for TPS only when a Federal Register notice opens a registration period (first time) or a re-registration period (if you already have TPS) for your country. There are limited late-filing exceptions. Before you pay, confirm with a lawyer or accredited representative.

Official sources: USCIS · Form I-821 ↗ · USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗ · GovInfo · TPS statute (8 U.S.C. 1254a) ↗

What it is

TPS is temporary protection for people from certain countries facing war, disasters, or other crises. While you have TPS, you cannot be deported, and DHS cannot detain you because of your immigration status. You can ask for a work permit and for permission to travel. TPS is NOT a green card and does not lead to one by itself.

Official sources: USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗

Who

• You must be from a TPS country (or have last lived there without a nationality) and already be in the U.S.
• You must have lived in and stayed in the U.S. without a break since the dates set for your country.
• You do not qualify if you were convicted in the U.S. of a felony or of two or more misdemeanors.
• Each person applies on their own. TPS does not pass from parent to child.

Official sources: USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗

Which countries

The list of countries changes often: TPS ended for many countries in 2025 and 2026, and in June 2026 the Supreme Court limited judges' power to review those terminations. To find out if your country has TPS today and if a period is open, check uscis.gov/tps. If your country's TPS ended, your TPS work permit is no longer valid, unless an official notice or a court order says otherwise. You may have other options: talk to a lawyer or accredited representative. If someone offers to "renew" or "get" TPS for a country whose TPS already ended, it is a scam.

Official sources: USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗ · Supreme Court · Mullin v. Doe (2026) ↗

How

1. Check your country page at uscis.gov/tps and confirm that a registration or re-registration period is open.
2. Fill out Form I-821 (free at uscis.gov). To work, add Form I-765 (or file it later). You can file Form I-821 online; you can file Form I-765 online too if you file it together with Form I-821 online.
3. Include proof of identity, nationality, date of entry, and residence. Anything not in English needs a complete English translation with the translator's certification.
4. Sign the form and pay the right fee. Missing either one is among the most common mistakes.
5. Go to your fingerprint and photo (biometrics) appointment, required for applicants over 14 years old. If you cannot go, reschedule it.
6. If you already have TPS, re-register every period.
7. Before leaving the U.S., get travel permission (Form I-131).

Official sources: USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗ · USCIS · Form I-821 ↗

How much it costs

• First application (I-821): $520.
• Re-registration: $0.
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo): $30, for first applications and re-registration.
• First work permit: $520 on paper or $470 online, plus $570.
• Work permit renewal: $520 on paper or $470 online, plus $280.
• The $30 biometrics fee and the H.R. 1 fee must each be paid separately from the main filing fee.
• H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived. You can only ask to waive the $30 biometrics fee (I-821) or the regular I-765 fee.
• By mail, pay by card (G-1450) or U.S. bank account (G-1650). Never cash.

Official sources: USCIS · I-821 fees (G-1055) ↗ · Federal Register · FY2027 H.R. 1 fees ↗ · USCIS · I-765 fees (G-1055) ↗

Deadlines

• A TPS work permit lasts up to 1 year, or less if your country's TPS ends sooner. Even if a country's TPS is extended for 18 months, each permit lasts 1 year at most.

Official sources: Federal Register · FY2027 H.R. 1 fees ↗ · USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗

Watch out

• Before you pay, confirm your country still has TPS and that a period is open.
• Leaving the U.S. without travel permission can make you lose TPS.
• Missing your biometrics appointment without rescheduling, or re-registering late without good cause, can make you lose TPS. If you missed the re-registration deadline, you can still file with a letter explaining why.
• Only a lawyer or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice can give legal advice. Be careful with "notarios" and anyone who promises a green card through TPS.
• Sources: uscis.gov/tps and federalregister.gov.

Official sources: USCIS · Temporary Protected Status ↗