TPS (Temporary Protected Status): eligible countries and how to renew in 2026

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is relief the DHS Secretary grants to people from certain countries where returning would be dangerous due to armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. This guide explains who qualifies, how to register and renew, and what to do when a country's designation changes.

What TPS is

TPS lets eligible people:

• Live and work in the U.S. during the designated period.
• Receive an EAD (work permit).
• Not be deported while TPS is in effect.
• Apply for travel permission (advance parole) in certain cases.

TPS does not grant residency or a direct path to citizenship. It is temporary protection. In some situations, it can be combined with other paths (marriage, parole) toward residency.

Countries with TPS (check current status)

Designations change often. Countries that have had TPS recently include:

• Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua.
• Venezuela.
• Burma (Myanmar).
• Cameroon.
• Ethiopia.
• Somalia.
• Sudan and South Sudan.
• Syria.
• Ukraine.
• Yemen.

Important: each designation has a registration start date and a validity period. Check uscis.gov for the current status before filing anything.

Basic requirements

To qualify for TPS, you generally must:

• Be a national of the designated country (or stateless and lived there).
• Have entered the U.S. before the date set in the designation.
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. since the designated date.
• Have been physically present in the U.S. since a designated date.
• Register during the initial period or during a reopening.
• Have no disqualifying record (felonies, two or more misdemeanors).
• Be admissible or qualify for a waiver.

Initial registration

When a country is designated or re-designated, there is an initial registration period (usually 6 to 18 months) for eligible people to sign up. After that, no new applicants are accepted until another reopening.

Forms:

• I-821 — Application for TPS.
• I-765 — Work permit (optional but recommended).
• I-601 — Inadmissibility waiver if applicable.

Fees (2026):

• I-821: approximately $50 + biometrics fee $85.
• I-765: approximately $520.

Fees may have hardship waivers (I-912).

How to renew TPS

Before the TPS period ends, DHS announces whether the country's designation continues and publishes a re-registration period (usually 60 days). You must re-register during that period to keep TPS active.

Renewal:

• File a new I-821 checking re-registration.
• To keep your EAD, file a new I-765.
• Keep your address updated (AR-11). Also read: how to update your address with USCIS.

USCIS often grants automatic EAD extensions to those who re-register during the valid period. Check published extensions on uscis.gov.

Common mistakes

• Not re-registering during the open window (you lose TPS).
• Leaving the U.S. without advance parole (may be denied re-entry).
• Not reporting an address change (USCIS loses contact).
• Not documenting continuous presence since the designated date.

If your country loses TPS designation

When DHS decides not to extend TPS:

1. There is usually a wind-down period (60-180 days) where TPS and EAD remain valid.
2. Federal courts may halt terminations — check the most recent status.
3. After termination, the person reverts to whatever status they had before TPS.

If they had no status before and no other relief, they are left without status and may face removal.

Important backup plans

Do not rely on TPS alone. While protected, explore other paths:

• Marriage-based residency with a citizen or resident.
• I-130 family petition with a citizen parent or child.
• U Visa if you were a victim of a qualifying crime.
• Asylum if you have grounds based on persecution. Also read: U.S. asylum process.
• Adjustment of status if you entered on a visa or parole and have an approved I-130.
• VAWA if you suffered abuse from a citizen or resident spouse. Also read: VAWA.

Traveling on TPS: advance parole

TPS holders can request advance parole with I-131 before leaving. Leaving without advance parole can prevent re-entry or end TPS. Re-entry on parole can, in some cases, open the door to adjustment of status through marriage.

Special rule: Sanchez v. Mayorkas

A 2021 decision held that TPS alone does not count as a lawful entry for certain benefits. This affects how adjustment of status is processed. Alternative paths (parole, departure and re-entry on a visa) can resolve this in some cases.

Next steps

If you have TPS and never explored whether you qualify for something more stable, it is worth reviewing your case now. Protection may not last forever. [