Temporary Protected Status allows nationals of certain countries designated by the Department of Homeland Security, often due to armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions, to remain in the U.S. and obtain work authorization while conditions in their home country remain unsafe.
TPS designations, deadlines, and requirements change frequently and depend heavily on your country of nationality, so we stay current on the specific designation period and filing window that applies to your case, and help you understand whether TPS could serve as a bridge to a more permanent status.
Who This Helps
- Nationals of a country currently designated for TPS by DHS
- Individuals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date specified for their country's designation
- Applicants filing an initial TPS application within their country's open registration period
- Current TPS holders needing to re-register during a redesignation or extension period
- TPS holders exploring whether travel authorization, adjustment of status, or another benefit may be available based on their individual history
- Individuals with a past immigration violation who are unsure whether it affects TPS eligibility
How We Handle These Cases
Designation & Deadline Review
We confirm your country's current TPS designation status, registration window, and continuous residence requirements before you file.
Application or Re-Registration Filing
We prepare and file Form I-821 for initial applications or re-registration, along with the I-765 work authorization application.
Eligibility Issue Resolution
If you have a past immigration violation or criminal history, we assess how it affects TPS eligibility before filing, rather than after a denial.
Beyond TPS
We evaluate whether your history opens the door to a more permanent status, including through a qualifying family petition or other relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TPS lead to a green card?
TPS itself does not directly grant permanent residency, but it doesn't prevent you from pursuing another path to a green card if you separately qualify, such as through a family petition. In some circuits, TPS holders who later become eligible for adjustment of status have successfully argued that TPS satisfies certain entry requirements, this is a fact-specific and evolving area of law worth discussing directly.
What happens if I miss the re-registration deadline?
Missing a re-registration window can jeopardize your TPS status and work authorization, though USCIS sometimes allows late filing for good cause. It's important to act as soon as you realize you've missed a deadline rather than waiting.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while I have TPS?
Only with advance travel authorization from USCIS. Traveling without it can be treated as abandoning your TPS status, so this needs to be requested and approved before you leave.
What if my country's TPS designation ends?
When a designation ends, current TPS holders generally revert to whatever status they held before, unless they've obtained a different status in the meantime. We monitor these terminations and help clients plan ahead rather than being caught by surprise.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case depends on its specific facts. Contact Murph & Tchamda LLP to discuss your situation with a licensed attorney before taking any action.