Maintaining TPS
Once you are granted TPS, you must re-register during each re-registration period to maintain TPS benefits. This applies to all TPS beneficiaries, including those who were initially granted by USCIS, an Immigration Judge, or the BIA. To maintain TPS benefits you must submit:
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- The relevant application and biometric fees or a fee waiver request with supporting documentation
E-filing is available if you are re-registering for TPS during the open re-registration period and do not need to submit any supporting documents. To file electronically, see the “E-filing” link on the right.
Late Re-Registration for TPS
USCIS may accept a late re-registration application if you have good cause for filing after the end of the re-registration period of your country. You must submit a letter that explains your reason for filing late with your re-registration application.
If you are late filing your TPS re-registration application, processing may be delayed and can lead to gaps in your work authorization.
Late Initial Filing for TPS
If the registration period for the most recent designation of your country has closed, you can still apply for TPS for the first time. To be eligible one of the following conditions must have existed during the initial registration period for the most recent designation for your country:
- You were a nonimmigrant, were granted voluntary departure status, or any relief from removal;
- You had an application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from removal which was pending or subject to further review or appeal;
- You were a parolee or had a pending request for re-parole;
- You were a spouse of an individual eligible for TPS or you are still the spouse of that person who is currently eligible for TPS; or
- You were and remain a child of an individual eligible for TPS.
You must file your TPS application no later than 60 days after one of these conditions ends (except for a continuing spousal or child relationship to an individual eligible for TPS). This means that you do not need to wait until a registration or re-registration period opens for your country.