TPS & Country Programs

*This page is for people from countries with special U.S. protection programs due to crisis or unsafe conditions. It explains how TPS and country-specific programs may allow you to stay and work legally in the U.S. for a protected period.*

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a form of humanitarian relief granted by the United States to certain foreign nationals who are unable to return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. TPS beneficiaries are allowed to live and work in the United States legally, but do not have a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

The process for obtaining TPS begins with the Secretary of Homeland Security designating a country for TPS based on the conditions in the country. If a country is designated for TPS, individuals from that country who are already in the United States may be able to apply for TPS if they meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being present in the United States during a specific time period and not having a criminal record.

If an individual is granted TPS, they will be given a work permit and will be able to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation for the duration of the TPS designation. TPS designations are typically valid for a limited period of time, and individuals must re-register for TPS before it expires in order to continue to benefit from the protection.

TPS can be a helpful form of relief for individuals who are unable to return to their home country due to temporary circumstances, but it is important to note that TPS is not a path to permanent residency or citizenship. If an individual wants to become a permanent resident or citizen, they may need to explore other options, such as applying for a green card through a family member or employer, or applying for asylum.