TPS provides temporary protection from removal and work authorization for nationals of countries designated by the Department of Homeland Security. Latif Law represents TPS applicants in Columbus and Central Ohio in initial registration and re-registration.
Temporary Protected Status is a country-specific immigration benefit Congress authorized to protect nationals of countries facing armed conflict, environmental disaster, epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate, extend, or terminate a country's TPS. Beneficiaries receive protection from removal, and most receive employment authorization, for the period of the designation.
TPS is independent of asylum. A person may hold TPS while pursuing asylum, a family-based petition, or another form of relief.
Important: TPS designations and registration windows change frequently. Always confirm the current list of designated countries and current filing windows at uscis.gov/tps before filing.
You must be a national of a TPS-designated country (or, if stateless, last habitually resided in such a country).
You must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the date specified in your country's designation, with limited brief, casual, and innocent departures permitted.
You must have continuously resided in the U.S. since the residence date specified in your country's designation.
You must register during the initial registration window or re-register during each re-registration period the Secretary establishes.
Certain criminal convictions, security concerns, and persecution-of-others bars disqualify applicants. Counsel should review history before filing.
Most TPS applicants file Form I-765 with the I-821 to request an Employment Authorization Document.
First-time TPS application during your country's initial registration window. Requires complete proof of nationality, identity, continuous presence, and continuous residence.
For existing TPS holders to maintain status during each re-registration window the Secretary announces. Missing a re-registration deadline can result in loss of TPS unless you can show good cause for late filing.
Not by itself. TPS is temporary protection. To pursue lawful permanent residence, you typically need a separate basis — a family or employment petition, asylum, or another path. An attorney can review whether multiple options apply.
Travel is possible only with prior advance permission, generally through an authorized travel document. Departing without authorization can break continuous physical presence and end your TPS. Always confirm current rules before any international travel.
USCIS may accept a late re-registration if you show good cause for the delay and re-register as soon as the cause is resolved. Don't assume the deadline is fatal — get advice quickly.
TPS is individually held. Each family member must independently meet eligibility, including the country of nationality and the residence and presence dates. Some children may not qualify even if a parent does.
TPS itself is generally compatible with other applications. Some interactions — such as effects on accruing unlawful presence or continuous residence — depend on individual facts. An attorney should review your full immigration history before relying on TPS as a long-term plan.
TPS representation throughout the greater Columbus metro area:
A separate humanitarian path that may be available to TPS holders.
Form I-765 work authorization is typically filed with the TPS application.
Protection for victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
Independent immigration relief for abused spouses, children, and parents.
For TPS holders married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Long-term planning beyond temporary protection.
TPS deadlines and country designations change. Get current advice before relying on it.