TPS

Temporary Protection for Individuals from Countries Designated by the United States

The Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS may allow certain nationals of designated countries to remain temporarily in the United States when conditions in their home country prevent a safe return.

These conditions may include armed conflict, natural disasters, epidemics, or other extraordinary and temporary circumstances. TPS is not permanent residence and does not automatically lead to a Green Card, but it may provide protection from removal and work authorization while the designation remains in effect and the person continues to meet the requirements.

At Canto Legal Immigration Attorneys, we help individuals and families understand whether they may qualify for TPS, whether they should apply for the first time, re-register, or review other immigration options that may apply to their situation.

Designated Country

Nationality and Applicable Dates Are Essential

TPS is available only to individuals from countries that have been designated by the U.S. government. Each designation has specific dates for validity, initial registration, re-registration, and physical presence requirements.

Being born in a designated country is not enough by itself. It is also necessary to meet the dates and conditions established for that country.

Presence in the United States

The Date You Arrived May Affect Your Eligibility

Each TPS designation includes requirements related to continuous residence and continuous physical presence in the United States.

That is why we review when you arrived, how you entered, whether you have traveled outside the United States, and whether there are any periods that may require additional analysis.

Registration and Re-Registration

Deadlines Are a Critical Part of the Process

Some people may be applying for TPS for the first time, while others already have TPS and must re-register within a specific period to maintain their protection. Understanding the correct deadline, documentation, and work authorization process is an important part of protecting your status.

Our Mission

Helping You Understand Your Current Protection and Next Steps

TPS can provide temporary stability, but each person should understand what their status means, which dates they must comply with, and what other immigration options may exist based on their history.

Our team helps review your situation clearly so you can make informed decisions.

During the process, we help you:

  • Confirm whether your country currently has a TPS designation.
  • Review whether you meet nationality, residence, and physical presence requirements.
  • Analyze whether an initial application or re-registration may apply.
  • Review important dates and necessary documents.
  • Evaluate an application or renewal for work authorization.
  • Review prior travel, entries, departures, and immigration history.
  • Analyze other immigration options that may exist beyond TPS.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify
Indicators

Important elements for an TPS Application

Nationality or Connection to a Designated Country

The person must be a national of a country designated for TPS or, in certain cases, a person without nationality whose last habitual residence was in a designated country.

Residence and Physical Presence Dates

Each country has specific dates that determine when the person must have been residing and physically present in the United States.

Application Filed Within the Applicable Period

Initial registration or re-registration must be completed within the established deadlines, unless certain exceptions require individual review.

Complete Immigration History

Entries, departures, previous applications, immigration orders, expired visas, and other situations may be relevant when defining the strategy.

Criminal History and Inadmissibility Issues

Certain backgrounds may affect eligibility for TPS. Immigration authorities may review factors such as felony convictions, multiple misdemeanor convictions, and certain grounds of inadmissibility.

Work Authorization

Eligible individuals may request or renew work authorization related to TPS, according to the applicable instructions and periods.

Do You Want to Know Whether TPS May Apply to Your Case?

You do not need to have all your documents organized before contacting us. Complete an initial evaluation and tell us your nationality, when you arrived in the United States, whether you already have TPS, and what your current immigration situation is.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify