Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
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Key Forms & Process
The process begins by filing Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) along with Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to receive a work permit. You must provide proof of: (1) nationality (passport, birth certificate, or national ID), (2) continuous residence in the U.S. since your country’s designation date (lease agreements, utility bills, school records, affidavits, tax returns), (3) physical presence in the U.S. on the date your country was designated, and (4) that you are not barred (no felony convictions, no persecution bars). Biometrics (fingerprints) are required. If approved, you receive TPS status and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for the designation period. You must re-register during each extension period to maintain benefits.
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates manage every step: verifying your country’s current TPS designation and deadlines, gathering continuous residence evidence (even if you have gaps), notarizing affidavits from friends, employers, or landlords who can confirm your presence in the U.S., filing I-821 and I-765 together, and handling re-registration every time TPS is extended. We also advise on late initial registration if you missed the original deadline but have good cause (e.g., illness, lack of notice). For TPS holders, we help with advance parole (Form I-131) to travel abroad (with significant risks – travel to your home country may jeopardize TPS). We also explore pathways to a green card through family, employment, or other means while you maintain TPS.
Call us at 865-382-2900 to check if your country is currently designated for TPS and whether you meet the continuous residence deadline.
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit for nationals of designated countries who are already in the U.S. and cannot safely return due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions. It provides protection from deportation and work authorization.
As of 2025, designated countries include (check USCIS for updates):
Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen.
Designations change. Call us for current status.
TPS is granted in designation periods (typically 6–18 months). The Secretary of Homeland Security can extend a country's designation. You must re-register during every extension period to keep your benefits.
No. TPS is temporary and does not directly lead to lawful permanent residence. However, TPS holders may qualify for a green card through other means (family petition, employment, U visa, etc.). We help you explore those options.
Yes. You must file Form I-765 with your I-821 to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your work permit is valid for the length of your TPS designation period.
Yes, but only if you obtain advance parole (Form I-131) before leaving. If you travel without advance parole, you will likely be denied re-entry and lose TPS. Travel to your home country is strongly discouraged – USCIS may presume you no longer fear conditions there.
You are ineligible for TPS if you:
Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
Are subject to mandatory bars (persecution of others, terrorism, human trafficking)
Failed to meet continuous residence or physical presence requirements
Are inadmissible under certain grounds (e.g., security-related)
You may still apply late if you have good cause (e.g., serious illness, mental disability, lack of notice, attorney error). We help prepare a detailed explanation and supporting evidence for late filing.
I-821 – Application for Temporary Protected Status
I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (work permit)
I-131 – Application for Travel Document (advance parole) – optional
Biometrics fee (unless fee waiver granted)
Yes. We provide full notarization services for sworn affidavits from friends, family, employers, landlords, or community members who can confirm your continuous residence in the U.S. since your country's designation date. We also certify translations of foreign documents.
