TPS

TPS (ONLY THROUGH 2025)

Temporary Protected Status or “TPS” refers to a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.


The Department of Homeland Security has re-designated Ukraine under TPS through April 19, 2025.


You are eligible to apply for TPS if you are a Ukrainian national who arrived in the U.S. on or before August 16, 2023, have lived in the U.S. since and do not have convictions for serious crimes. Ukrainians who arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa, humanitarian parole (including Uniting for Ukraine), or are in the process of removal or seeking asylum can apply for TPS. With the TPS status, you will remain in the US legally and may apply for work authorization and enroll your children in school. You may also travel outside the U.S. and return with a permission of the immigration service (“TPS Travel Authorization”).


The easiest way to apply for TPS and employment authorization document (EAD) based on TPS is to submit both applications together from your USCIS online account. The cost of the initial TPS application is $50 plus $30 biometrics fee. An EAD based on TPS costs $470 when you apply online.

How To Apply:

I-912: Request for Fee Waiver

If you want to request for fee waiver based on low income or financial hardship, you must submit the TPS and EAD forms together by mail along with form I-912 – Request for Fee Waiver. If the application involves a fee and you cannot afford to pay the fee, you may apply by mail with a fee waiver request.

How To Apply:

I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status

Fill out form I-821 – Application for Temporary Protected Status. The filing fee for the initial application is $50; re-registration is free. Add $30 for biometric services.

How To Apply:

I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document

If the applicant needs permission to work and has not yet applied for employment authorization, fill out form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization Document. The filing fee for this form is $470.

How To Apply:

I-131: Application for Travel Document

If the applicant wants to be able to travel outside the U.S. while on TPS, submit also form I-131 – Application for Travel Document to receive a TPS Travel Authorization. This form can only be filed by mail. The filing fee for this form is $630.