TPS

TPS Updates

What is TPS?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from a country enduring conditions that prevent the person from returning safely, such as a natural disaster or armed conflict. TPS may also apply when the person's home country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. Some people without nationality who last lived in the affected country may also receive TPS.

TPS is a conditional status that requires periodic renewal and provides the recipient with a work permit, protection from deportation, and authorization to travel abroad. Renewal of this benefit is at the discretion of DHS, which determines whether the conditions that prevented the person's return persist. Note that travel abroad requires a separate application (Travel Authorization), which must be approved before the applicant leaves the country.

Do I qualify for TPS?

To be eligible for TPS, you must:

Be a citizen of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last lived in the affected country. See Temporary Protected Status | USCIS for a current list of designated countries.
Apply for TPS during the initial registration period and timely renew during subsequent redesignations as announced by DHS. People who meet certain requirements and who didn't apply during the initial registration period, may be able to apply for “late registration” at any time while the country remains designated for TPS.
Among other requirements, all applicants whether they are initial registrants or renewing, must meet the continuous residence and continuous physical presence requirements specific to each country designated for TPS and meet certain admissibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions*

How much does TPS cost? Are there fee waivers available?
In 2025, H.R.1, also known as the "One Beautiful Bill Act," changed the rules for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) fees. Some forms require an extra fee in addition to the regular filing fee. These extra fees cannot be waived and need to be paid separately at the same time as the filing fee. H.R.1 fees adjust each year as required by law.

Initial TPS Form Fees:
- I-821 (TPS Application): $510 (fee increase due to H.R.1, no fee waiver available)
- Biometrics: $30 (USCIS fee waiver available)
- I-765 (Work Authorization - Valid for 1 year or the duration of the TPS designation whichever is shorter): $520 (fee waivable available) plus an additional $560 H.R.1 fee (this fee must be paid separately, no fee waiver available)
Renewal TPS Form Fees:
- I-821 (TPS Application): $0
- Biometrics: fee waiver available
- I-765 (Work Authorization)**: $520 (fee waiver available) plus an additional $280 H.R.1 fee (this fee must be paid separately, no fee waiver available)

**The Form I-765 has a reduced filing fee of $470 if it is filed online but the H.R.1 fee remains the same. Also, online filing is not available if you want to request a waiver for the fees that are waivable.

Am I eligible for Travel Authorization? How much does it cost?
Traveling with Travel Authorization has many potential benefits. Applicants seeking to travel with Travel Authorization should consult with an attorney or DOJ (Department of Justice) Accredited Representative before doing so. CARECEN offers FREE Travel Authorization application assistance to income eligible TPS holders.

I-131 (Travel Authorization) Form Fee: $630 (fee waiver available)

What happens if I miss a re-registration window?

If you did not renew your TPS during the designated timeframe, we recommend that you get a consultation to see if you qualify to re-register late by showing you had good cause for missing the filing window.

What legal assistance does CARECEN offer to TPS holders?

CARECEN offers comprehensive and free legal services to income qualified TPS holders in California from all TPS designated countries.  Services include applications for TPS, work permits, Travel Authorization, legal consultations, family petitions, and applications for other immigration relief. 

If you would like information about our TPS services, contact us at 213-385-7800 x0 or x500. Address: 2845 W. 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90005.  For TPS assistance in the San Fernando Valley, please call our office in Van Nuys at 213-385-7800 x122.   

I am directly affected by these TPS decisions. How do I join the TPS campaign?
CARECEN, the Save TPS campaign, and the National TPS Alliance invite you to join in their efforts to protect TPS and collectively advocate for permanent residency for TPS holders and the 12 million other immigrants that are fighting for legal status in the United States.

Visit  www.nationalTPSalliance.org for more information

*We encourage you to consult with a trusted attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative to verify eligibility and potential legal particularities for every individual case.