Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Form I-821 and EAD

Who this is for

Nationals of a country currently designated for TPS, or people without nationality who last lived there
People who have been continuously living in the U.S. since the date set for their country
People who have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the date set for their country
People who file during the open registration or re-registration period
People who do not have certain criminal records or other bars

Forms involved

Form	Official name	What it does
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Used for both initial TPS applications and re-registration during each announced period.
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Used to request a work permit based on TPS, either with the I-821 or separately.
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Used by TPS applicants or holders to request permission to travel abroad and return.

Step by step

Check your country's current statusVisit the official USCIS TPS page to see whether your country is designated, extended or terminated and what dates apply.
Confirm the registration periodEach designation or extension comes with a Federal Register notice setting the dates to register or re-register.
Gather evidenceCollect proof of nationality, identity, date of entry and continuous residence in the U.S.
File Form I-821 and Form I-765 if neededSubmit the forms during the open period, following the instructions in the notice for your country.
Attend biometricsUSCIS may schedule an appointment to collect fingerprints and photos for background checks.
Re-register on timeIf TPS is extended, current holders generally must re-register during each new period to keep their status and work permit.

Documents usually requested

Passport, national ID or birth certificate with photo ID showing nationality
Proof of date of entry into the U.S., such as an I-94 or passport stamp
Evidence of continuous residence, such as leases, utility bills, school or medical records
Pay stubs, tax records or bank statements covering the required period
Prior TPS approval notices and work permits, if re-registering
Court records for any arrests or convictions
Passport-style photos
Certified English translations of foreign-language documents

How long it takes

Timing depends on the country's registration period, the volume of applications, and whether courts or new notices change the designation. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and your country's TPS page for current information.

Government filing fees

Form I-821 and the related work permit application carry fees, and a 2025 federal law added new TPS-related fees; some fees depend on age and whether it is an initial or re-registration filing. Fees are set by USCIS and change, so check uscis.gov/g-1055 and the instructions for your country.

Working and traveling while you wait

TPS holders can generally get a work permit, and some notices automatically extend existing work permits for a period of time. Travel abroad generally requires advance permission on Form I-131, and leaving without it can cause loss of TPS.

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing the re-registration period announced for your country
Relying on old information about whether a country is still designated
Traveling abroad without first getting a travel document
Not keeping proof of continuous residence and presence
Assuming TPS leads directly to a green card, which it generally does not

How MyUSVisa helps

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Frequently asked questions

Which countries are designated for TPS?

The list changes, so the official USCIS TPS page is the best place to check. In 2025 and 2026, several designations were extended, terminated or challenged in court, and the dates can shift quickly. Each country has its own page and Federal Register notice with current details.

Can I work with TPS?

Yes, TPS holders can generally get an employment authorization document. You can request it with Form I-765, often filed with Form I-821. Some notices also automatically extend current work permits for a set time.

Does TPS lead to a green card?

Not by itself. TPS is temporary and does not directly provide permanent residence, although some TPS holders may qualify for a green card through another path, such as family or employment. An attorney can review other options.

What happens if my country's TPS is terminated?

When TPS ends, holders generally return to the immigration status they had before, or to no status if they had none. Terminations are sometimes delayed or blocked by courts, so check the official TPS page for your country and consider speaking with an attorney.

Do I need to re-register every time TPS is extended?

Yes, current TPS holders generally must re-register during each new period announced in the Federal Register. Missing it can mean losing TPS unless USCIS accepts a late filing for good cause.

Official sources

Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.