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.