Temporary Protected Status

TPS does not automatically provide a person with a path to citizenship or lawful permanent residence (a green card). However, a person with TPS status who is otherwise eligible for permanent residence may apply for that status. Likewise, a person who becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence while they hold TPS (for example, if they marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) may apply for a green card. Read more

A person does not become eligible for any government benefits or public assistance just because they have been granted TPS status. However, some people may be eligible to receive certain benefits if they already hold a certain legal status, or if they are approved for a certain legal status while they hold TPS. Ukrainian individuals (and certain non-Ukrainian individuals who last habitually resided in Ukraine) who have been or will be granted humanitarian parole by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may be eligible for some federal benefits. These benefits may include cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income, health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you are not eligible to receive these mainstream benefits, you may still be eligible for state government benefits or other benefits from a resettlement agency in your state. For more information on federal benefits for Ukrainians who are granted humanitarian parole, please visit the previous section on Humanitarian Parole or this site: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/fact-sheet/benefits-ukrainian-humanitarian-parolees  Some states or municipalities offer non-permanent residents certain benefits, depending on a person’s legal status. It is necessary to check with each state or municipality to find out whether it offers benefits. Each state also has different laws about driver’s licenses. Some states allow licensed drivers from other countries […] Read more

Receiving TPS will not automatically give you employment authorization. You must separately file Form I-765, an Application for Employment Authorization. Those who are eligible for employment authorization may apply before they file for TPS, or at the same time. This may help their Employment Authorization Document to be approved more quickly. Read more

Those who are eligible may apply for TPS during the registration period, which begins April 19, 2022 and ends October 19, 2023. Applicants may either file online or by mail. To file online, you or your attorney will need to file through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, where you will need an account. You may also send an application by mail to the appropriate address listed on this page for the filing state in which you reside: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-ukraine   Ukrainians can also sign up to receive help with TPS registration through a non-profit organization that is offering assistance with filing for TPS: http://L4GG.org/TPS-Ukraine  Read more

No, a person must apply to receive TPS. To apply for TPS, fill out Form I-821, an Application for Temporary Protected Status. Please note that it could take 6+ months to receive the status individually. Read more

A person who is granted TPS is protected from being removed from the U.S. and is eligible to apply for authorization to travel abroad and return to the U.S. If granted, TPS status lasts only until the end of their country’s designated period, regardless of the individual’s approval date. Read more

If you have no legal status after the TPS term expires after October 19, 2023, you will have to leave the U.S. or face being deported. The Department of Homeland Security will determine whether to redesignate or extend the current designation. If TPS is extended for Ukraine, you will need to reapply for TPS before the expiration of the current term. As of now, the government has not announced any intention to extend TPS for Ukraine beyond the current 18-month term. Read more

The Department of Homeland Security designated Ukraine for TPS for 18 months. The TPS designation for Ukraine will remain in effect through October 19, 2023. Read more

TPS is available for those Ukrainian nationals who were already in the U.S. on or before April 11, 2022 and have been physically present in the U.S. continuously since April 19, 2022. Ukrainians who arrived in the U.S. after April 11 are not eligible to apply for TPS. TPS is available regardless of one’s current immigration status in the U.S., except those who are already U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders). However, eligibility may be affected if an individual has been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States. Those who previously applied for asylum and have a case pending should speak with an attorney before applying for TPS, since there could be some negative interactions between asylum and TPS. Read more

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted when the person’s home country is experiencing difficulties or conflicts that make returning unsafe or unfeasible. People who are granted TPS are protected from being removed from the U.S. Read more