Administrative process · USCIS

TPS (Temporary Protected Status) in Orlando

TPS (Temporary Protected Status) is an immigration benefit granted by the United States government to nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) designates because of ongoing armed conflict, a natural disaster, an epidemic, or another extraordinary condition that prevents a safe return. While the designation is in effect, the beneficiary is protected from removal (deportation) and may apply for work authorization. It is a process that is legal and administrative in nature, handled before USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) through Form I-821, and governed by federal immigration law (the INA and the CFR regulations). Even without going before a court, every requirement and every deadline must be met exactly.

Who can apply for TPS

TPS is not available to everyone: first and foremost, it depends on your country being designated at the time of the application. In general, to qualify you must:

Be a national of a country designated for TPS (or a stateless person who last habitually resided in that country)
Prove continuous residence in the United States since the date required by the designation
Prove continuous physical presence in the U.S. since the required date
Apply within the initial registration or re-registration period, or meet a late-registration exception provided by law
Not be barred by certain criminal records or grounds of inadmissibility set out in the law

The residence and physical-presence dates, as well as the registration windows, are specific to each country's designation. Because of this, two people from the same country may be in different situations depending on their date of entry and their history. An individual review is the first step in knowing whether you qualify and under which designation.

How the process works, step by step

In general, registering for and maintaining TPS tends to follow these phases:

Verifying the country's designation and the dates and deadlines in effect
Preparing and filing Form I-821 with USCIS, usually together with the request for work authorization (Form I-765) when you want the EAD
Biometrics collection (fingerprints and photo) on a date scheduled by USCIS
Review of the application, with a possible request for additional documents or clarifications
Grant of TPS and issuance of work authorization, when approved
Re-registration in each new window, to keep the status while the designation remains in effect

Documents commonly required

A document proving nationality (passport, birth certificate with identification, among others)
Proof of entry and of continuous physical presence in the U.S. (for example, records, bills, proof of address)
Proof of continuous residence during the required period
Identity documents and photos in the required format
Records that may be requested depending on your personal history

TPS depends on designations, dates, and re-registration windows set by the government, which change over time and can be the subject of administrative and judicial disputes. Missing a re-registration window, failing to prove physical presence, or submitting incomplete information can cost you the benefit, interrupt work authorization, and in some cases expose you to the risk of removal. In immigration, an error or a delay has real legal consequences. That is why keeping track of the calendar and having the right representation matter.

What to expect during the process

Applying for TPS tends to be a matter of documentation and deadline-tracking, rather than hearings. After filing, you receive notices from USCIS, attend biometrics, and wait for the decision, which can come in varying timeframes. Waiting periods are common, and it is not unusual for USCIS to request additional documents through a formal request (RFE). One point that causes anxiety is the continuity of work authorization from one period to the next: in many designations, the EAD is automatically extended by official notices, but this needs to be confirmed on a case-by-case basis. Keeping your contact information up to date and responding quickly to any USCIS request makes a difference. Throughout the process, the most important thing is not to let deadlines lapse and to keep track of news about your country's re-designation.

How Without Borders handles your case

Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice. Your TPS case is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to act in administrative proceedings before USCIS and DHS. We verify your country's designation and deadlines, organize the proof of residence and physical presence, prepare Form I-821 and, when you want it, the request for work authorization, and follow the case through to the decision. We also help keep track of the re-registration windows, so that your benefit is not lost over a calendar issue. All services are provided in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with clear explanations at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my country covered by TPS?

TPS designations change over time, with countries being added, extended, or losing their designation. During the consultation, we check your country's current situation and the dates and deadlines in effect to guide your case.

Does TPS turn into a green card?

TPS itself is temporary and does not, on its own, grant lawful permanent residence. Depending on your history and your family or employment ties, there may be other paths to residence. We assess those possibilities in the consultation.

Can I work with TPS?

Yes. People with TPS can apply for work authorization (EAD) through Form I-765, usually together with registration. The authorization depends on USCIS approval and must be kept current in each period.

Do I have to re-register every time?

Yes. TPS requires re-registration within each window set by the government, as long as the country's designation remains in effect. Missing a window can mean losing the benefit, which is why tracking the calendar is essential.

Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?

Traveling requires specific travel authorization, requested before you leave. Leaving the country without it can put your status and your re-entry at risk. Talk to us before planning any trip.

I have a record — can I still apply for TPS?

Certain criminal records and grounds of inadmissibility can bar TPS or require careful review. Every situation is different. We review your history carefully in the consultation before any filing.

Related services

Assess your TPS and its deadlines

Service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with a DOJ Accredited Representative.

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Informational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.