dhs travel document

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Need help? Visit a USCIS office

We want your feedback, citizenship.

• Sign In Create Account
• Create Account
• Find a doctor
• Find an English or citizenship class
• Learn about the naturalization process
• Learn about citizenship rights and responsibilities
• Schedule an appointment

USCIS I-131A Application for Travel Document Fee

Before you start the payment process, eligibility.

Anyone can pay the I-131A filing fee from anywhere in the world. Whoever pays the fee must use a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account.

The current filing fee is $575.00

You must submit your filing fee before going to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A. You must bring evidence of payment with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

Refund Policy

USCIS does not refund fees, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition or request, or how long USCIS takes to reach a decision.

By continuing this transaction, you acknowledge that you must submit fees in the exact amount and that you are paying the fees for a government service.

Please refer to the instructions for the form(s) you are filing for additional information or you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) 800-767-1833.

Information You May Need

To pay the fee, you will need the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A-Number as they appear on the lawful permanent resident's (LPR's) Green Card or Reentry Permit.

You must turn on JavaScript in order to use this website.

You are using an outdated browser and some features of this website may not work correctly. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Your time is valuable. Take this short quiz to find out if the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) is right for you. If not, we'll point you to the right place. 

DHS TRIP is not designed to address travel issue related to:

• discrimination
• lost/damaged items or personal injury
• assistance during screening for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other circumstances

Does any of the above apply to you?

TRIP.dhs.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Accessibility
• Budget and Performance
• DHS Components
• FOIA Requests
• No FEAR Act Data
• Privacy Policy
• Office of Inspector General

Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

Is It Safe in Peru?

Is It Safe in Guatemala?

Is It Safe in Rio de Janeiro?

Is It Safe in Barbados?

Is It Safe in Egypt?

Is It Safe in Sweden?

Is It Safe in Colombia?

Is It Safe in Jamaica?

Is It Safe in Germany?

Is It Safe in Iceland?

Is It Safe in Mexico?

Is It Safe in Amsterdam?

Is It Safe in Thailand?

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

Is It Safe in Russia?

Is It Safe in Trujillo, Peru?

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

The Federal Register

The daily journal of the united states government, request access.

Due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, programmatic access to these sites is limited to access to our extensive developer APIs.

If you are human user receiving this message, we can add your IP address to a set of IPs that can access FederalRegister.gov & eCFR.gov; complete the CAPTCHA (bot test) below and click "Request Access". This process will be necessary for each IP address you wish to access the site from, requests are valid for approximately one quarter (three months) after which the process may need to be repeated.

An official website of the United States government.

If you want to request a wider IP range, first request access for your current IP, and then use the "Site Feedback" button found in the lower left-hand side to make the request.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Publication Library
• DHS/ICE/PIA 003 electronic Travel Document System

This page and its content reflects language used at the time of publication and may include terminology no longer used by the Department.

DHS/ICE/PIA-003 electronic Travel Document System

ICE owns and operates the electronic Travel Document (eTD) System. eTD provides an efficient means for ICE personnel to request, and foreign consular officials to review and adjudicate travel document requests for aliens who have been ordered removed or granted voluntary departure from the United States but do not possess valid travel documents. The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for eTD was originally published on October 13, 2006. Since that time, several technical releases have been made to improve the overall efficiency of the system, and a flag has been added to identify aliens with a criminal record, thus necessitating this update and republication of the eTD PIA.

February 2014

Associated SORNs:

• DHS/ICE-011 Immigration and Enforcement Operational Records System (ENFORCE) SORN
• DHS/ALL-004 General Information Technology Access Account Records System (GITAARS) SORN
• Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
• Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Create Account

Temporary Protected Status

ALERT:  On Dec. 28, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed Ramos v. Nielsen , 18-cv-01554 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 28, 2023). Bhattarai v. Nielsen , 19-cv-731 (N.D. Cal. March 12, 2019) was consolidated with Ramos in August 2023.  The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan remain effective. Current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their TPS must re-register during the re-registration period for their country’s designation. The validity of Employment Authorization Documents and other TPS-related documentation that DHS automatically extended in this  Federal Register notice continues through June 30, 2024.

ALERT:  The Department of Homeland Security extended the re-registration periods for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan.

The re-registration period under the TPS designation of:

• El Salvador is currently open and runs through March 9, 2025;
• Haiti is currently open and runs through Aug. 3, 2024;
• Honduras is currently open and runs  through July 5, 2025;
• Nepal is currently open and runs through June 24, 2025;
• Nicaragua is currently open and runs through July 5, 2025; and
• Sudan is currently open and runs through April 19, 2025.

For more information, please see the Federal Register notice .

ALERT:  Certain TPS beneficiaries and applicants who electronically filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, did not receive a receipt notice or their receipt notice did not include language about the 540-day automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extension . On or before the week of March 13, we will send these applicants an email and/or text notification instructing them to sign into their USCIS online account and obtain a corrected, printable receipt notice. We will also send corrected paper receipt notices by mail. Please note that, if you are a TPS beneficiary and your TPS country designation is still current, you are authorized to work. However, you must obtain your corrected receipt notice to present when completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. If you are eligible for the 540-day automatic EAD extension, any USCIS receipt notice for your Form I-765-- together with your expired EAD-- will serve as acceptable proof of employment authorization and EAD validity during the automatic extension period.

ALERT: Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States.

Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. We will no longer issue advance parole documents as evidence of our prior consent to a TPS beneficiary’s travel outside the United States.

If you are a TPS beneficiary with an existing, unexpired advance parole document, you may continue to use it for travel outside the United States through the period of validity printed on it.

If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for a new travel authorization document, you should continue to use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application.

We will continue issuing advance parole documents to noncitizens with pending applications for TPS (Form I-821).

Recent TPS Designations/Extensions:

• On April 12, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, through Dec. 12, 2025. For additional information, please see the  TPS Ethiopia page and the Federal Registe r notice.    
• On March 22, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Burma (Myanmar) for TPS for 18 months, from May 26, 2024, through Nov. 25, 2025. For additional information, please see the  TPS Burma (Myanmar) page and the  Federal Register notice .
• On Jan. 26, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for TPS for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. For additional information, please see the  TPS Syria  page and the  Federal Register notice .
• On Oct. 6, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for TPS for 18 months, from Dec. 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025. For additional information, please see the  TPS Cameroon page and the  Federal Register notice .

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to the following temporary conditions in the country:

• Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
• An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

During a designated period, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or who are found preliminarily eligible for TPS upon initial review of their cases ( prima facie eligible):

• Are not removable from the United States
• Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)
• May be granted travel authorization

Once granted TPS, an individual also cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States.

TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for TPS does not prevent you from:

• Applying for nonimmigrant status
• Filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition
• Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which you may be eligible

PLEASE NOTE: To be granted any other immigration benefit you must still meet all the eligibility requirements for that particular benefit.  An application for TPS does not affect an application for asylum or any other immigration benefit and vice versa. Denial of an application for asylum or any other immigration benefit does not affect your ability to register for TPS, although the grounds of denial of that application may also lead to denial of TPS.

Select the country link for additional specific country information.

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• El Salvador
• South Sudan

To be eligible for TPS, you must:

• Be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country;
• File during the open initial registration or re-registration period, or you meet the requirements for late initial filing during any extension of your country’s TPS designation (Late initial filers see ‘Filing Late’ section below);
• Have been continuously physically present (CPP) in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation date of your country; and
• Have been continuously residing (CR) in the United States since the date specified for your country. (See your country’s TPS web page to the left). The law allows an exception to the continuous physical presence and continuous residence requirements for brief, casual and innocent departures from the United States. When you apply or re-register for TPS, you must inform USCIS of all absences from the United States since the CPP and CR dates. USCIS will determine whether the exception applies in your case.

You may NOT be eligible for TPS or to maintain your existing TPS if you:

• Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States;
• Are found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds in INA section 212(a), including non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds;
• Are subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylum. These include, but are not limited to, participating in the persecution of another individual or engaging in or inciting terrorist activity;
• Fail to meet the continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States requirements;
• Fail to meet initial or late initial TPS registration requirements; or
• If granted TPS, you fail to re-register for TPS, as required, without good cause.

You must include the necessary forms, evidence, fees, or fee waiver request when filing your TPS application. Below is information about what you must include in your TPS package. Please also check your country’s specific TPS page to the left to see if there are any special filing instructions specific to your TPS-designated country.

To register or re-register for TPS you must file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status . Eligible nationals of certain countries, or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in those countries, can now file Form I-821 online. All applicants eligible to file for TPS under one of the current designations may file Form I-821 online.

When filing an initial TPS application or re-registering for TPS, you can also request an employment authorization document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization, at the time of filing Form I-821. You may also file your Form I-765 request separately at a later date. Filing Form I-821 with Form I-765 may help you receive your EAD more promptly if you are eligible. You may also file Form I-765 online if filing concurrently with Form I-821 online.

When you apply, if you are aware that a relevant ground of inadmissibility applies to you and you need a waiver to obtain TPS, please include a  Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility , with your TPS application package. However, you do not need to file a new Form I-601 for an incident that USCIS has already waived with a prior TPS application. USCIS may grant a waiver of certain inadmissibility grounds for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is in the public interest.

These forms are free and available on the forms section of the USCIS website at:  www.uscis.gov/forms .

When filing an initial TPS application, you must submit:

• Identity and Nationality Evidence : to demonstrate your identity and that you are a national of a country designated for TPS (or that you have no nationality and you last habitually resided in a country designated for TPS).
• Date of Entry Evidence : to demonstrate when you entered the United States.
• Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence : to demonstrate that you have been in the United States since the CR date specified for your country (see your country’s TPS web page to the left).

Any document that is not in English must be accompanied by a complete English translation. The translator must certify that:

• He or she is competent both in English and the foreign language used in the original document; and
• The translation is true and correct to the best of his or her ability, knowledge, and belief.

Identity and Nationality Evidence We encourage you to submit primary evidence (see below), if available. If USCIS does not find  the document(s) you submit with your application to be sufficient, we will send you a request for additional evidence. If you cannot submit primary evidence of your identity and nationality, you may submit the secondary evidence listed below with your application.

The following table explains the different types of evidence you can provide.

You may also provide any other document or information that you believe helps prove your nationality.

PLEASE NOTE: Birth in a TPS-designated country does not always mean you are a national of that country. Please see your TPS-designated country’s nationality laws for further information.

Date of Entry Evidence

• A copy of your passport;
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record; or
• Copies of documents specified in the “Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence” section below.

Continuous Residence (CR) Evidence

• Employment records;
• Rent receipts, utility bills, receipts or letters from companies;
• School records from the schools that you or your children have attended in the U.S.;
• Hospital or medical records concerning treatment or hospitalization of you or your children; or
• Attestations by church, union or other organization officials who know you and where you have been residing.

Please see  Form I-821 instructions  for more details on acceptable evidence.

There is a fee for Form I-821 if you are registering for TPS for the first time. There is no fee for Form I-821 if you are re-registering for TPS.

Other related fees, vary for initial registrations and re-registrations depending on:

• If you want an EAD; and
• If you need to request a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

Please review the  form instructions  carefully before applying.  Read the Filing Fee and Special Instructions sections on the  Form I-821  web page. These sections explain what fees to pay. Refer to the chart under Special Instructions for fee information. If you do not pay the proper fees (or submit a proper fee waiver request), your application will be rejected. You can also find the filing fees for TPS related forms on our Fee Schedule page.

If you cannot afford the costs associated with the TPS filing, please make sure to include a fee waiver request on Form I-912, Application for Fee Waiver  (or other written request). For more information about filing a fee waiver request, visit the webpages on Form I-912 and on Additional Information on Filing a Fee Waiver .

If you are filing an initial application and USCIS denies your fee waiver request, you may re-file and pay the correct fees either before the registration deadline  or  within 45 days of the date on the fee waiver denial notice, whichever is later.

If you are filing a re-registration application and USCIS denies your fee waiver request on or before the re-registration deadline, we recommend that you re-file and pay the correct fees before the re-registration deadline. If you are unable to file before the re-registration deadline, you may still re-file after the deadline and this will be reviewed under good cause for late re-registration.

For information about when and where you must file your TPS application, please see the country specific pages to the left.

Step 1: File Your Application Once you have prepared your TPS package with the forms, evidence and filing fees (or request for a fee waiver), you will need to send it to the address indicated on your TPS country page to the left. Please make sure you sign your application and include the correct fee amount (or fee waiver request). These are the two of the most common mistakes USCIS receives on TPS applications.  Please look above at the fee chart to see what fees you must pay (a properly documented fee waiver request may be submitted). If you do not pay the proper fees (or submit a proper fee waiver request), your application will be rejected.

Step 2: USCIS Receives Your Application When USCIS receives your application, we will review it for completeness and for the proper fees or a properly documented fee waiver request. If your case meets the basic acceptance criteria, your application will be entered into our system and we will send you a receipt notice. At the top of this notice you will find a receipt number which can be used to check the status of your case online.

If you do not receive your receipt notice within three weeks of filing, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request assistance. If your application is rejected at the initial review stage, you may re-file within the registration period after correcting the problems described in the USCIS notification.

If your application was rejected because we determined you were not eligible for a fee waiver, you may submit a new TPS package. Go to the ‘Fee Waiver’ section above for more information.

Step 3: USCIS Contacts You If USCIS needs to collect your photograph, signature, and/or fingerprints (these are called biometrics), USCIS will send you an appointment notice to have your biometrics captured at an Application Support Center ( ASC ). Every TPS applicant over 14 years old must have their biometrics collected. Biometrics are required for identity verification, background checks and the production of an EAD, if one has been requested.

In certain situations, such as when it’s impossible to take a fingerprint, USCIS can waive the collection of biometrics. In some cases, we may be able to reuse the biometrics previously collected in association with your previous TPS application. Even if you do not need to attend an ASC appointment, you still need to pay the biometrics fee (if required) to help cover costs associated with reusing your biometrics.

Step 4: Go to the ASC When you report to an ASC, you must bring:

• Evidence of nationality and identity with a photograph of you, such as a passport
• Your receipt notice
• Your ASC appointment notice
• Your current EAD, if you already have one

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, you may reschedule. To reschedule an ASC appointment, make a copy of your appointment notice to retain for your records, then mail the original notice with your rescheduling request to the ASC address listed on the notice. You should submit your request for rescheduling as soon as you know you have an unavoidable conflict on your scheduled ASC date. A new appointment notice will be sent to you by mail. Please note that rescheduling a biometrics appointment may cause the adjudication of your application to be delayed.

If you need an accommodation due to a disability that affects your ability to go to the ASC, please go to the  Disability Accommodations for the Public webpage for more information.

WARNING: If you fail to appear for your ASC appointment without rescheduling, or if you repeatedly miss scheduled ASC appointments, your TPS application could be denied for abandonment.

If there is an emergency need for you to travel abroad for humanitarian reasons, you may request expedited processing on your advance parole application (Form I-131) after you have appeared at an ASC  for your biometrics appointment. Please see the travel section below for more information.

Step 5: USCIS Determines Work Eligibility If you are not seeking an employment authorization document (EAD), skip to Step 6.

USCIS makes every effort to avoid backlogs at this step, but we urge you to remember that USCIS may experience a higher volume of applications in the first few months of a registration period.

Step 6: USCIS Adjudicates the Application During this phase, we may ask you for additional documents to establish your eligibility for TPS. If you receive a request for evidence (RFE) or a notice of intent to deny, it is extremely important that you respond immediately to avoid processing delays and possible denial for failure to timely respond. Upon completion of your case, USCIS will notify you if your request for TPS is granted or denied. If one of the waivable grounds of inadmissibility applies to you, USCIS will give you an opportunity to submit a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility if you did not include this with your TPS package. Please submit this form within the time frame specified in the USCIS notice, or your case will be denied.

Step 7: USCIS Approves or Denies the Application

Once you are granted TPS, you must re-register during each re-registration period to maintain TPS benefits. This applies to all TPS beneficiaries, including those who were initially granted by USCIS, an Immigration Judge, or the BIA. Follow the instructions above to apply for re-registration.

Sometimes DHS must issue a blanket automatic extension of the expiring EADs for TPS beneficiaries of a specific country in order to allow time for EADs with new validity dates to be issued. If your country’s EADs have been automatically extended, it will be indicated on your country specific pages to the left.

Late Re-Registration for TPS USCIS may accept a late re-registration application if you have good cause for filing after the end of the re-registration period of your country. You must submit a letter that explains your reason for filing late with your re-registration application. If you file your TPS re-registration application late, processing may be delayed and can lead to gaps in your work authorization.

Late Initial Filing for TPS You can apply for TPS for the first time during an extension of your country’s TPS designation period. If you qualify to file your initial TPS application late, you must still independently meet all the TPS eligibility requirements listed in the Eligibility section above.

To qualify to file your initial TPS application late, you must meet at least one of the late initial filing conditions below:

• You were a nonimmigrant, were granted voluntary departure status, or any relief from removal
• You had an application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from removal which was pending or subject to further review or appeal
• You were a parolee or had a pending request for re-parole
• You are a spouse of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS
• During either the initial registration period of your country’s designation or during any subsequent initial registration period if your country was re-designated you were a child of an individual who is currently eligible for TPS. There is no time limitation on filing if you meet this condition. So if your parent is currently eligible for TPS and you were his or her child (unmarried and under 21 years old) at any time during a TPS initial registration period for your country, you may still be eligible for late initial filing even if you are now over 21 years old or married. You may file during an extension of your TPS designated country.

Please check your country-specific web page for the dates of the initial registration period or periods that apply for late initial filing.

PLEASE NOTE: You cannot obtain TPS as a derivative because your parent or child has TPS.

If you have TPS and wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization. If we approve your request, we will issue you a Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States. If a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines that you are eligible, they will admit you into TPS upon your return.

If we are still adjudicating your application for TPS, and you wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization. If we approve your request for travel authorization, we will issue you a Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document (APD), to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States.

To apply for TPS travel authorization or advance parole, you must file  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document  and select type 1.d in Part 2 Application Type. If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821, send your forms to the address listed for your country. (Click on “Temporary Protected Status” on the menu above left to find a list of countries designated for TPS. Then click on the name of your country.) If you are filing Form I-131 separately based on a pending or approved Form I-821, check the  Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131  page.

If you have TPS and leave the United States without first obtaining TPS travel authorization, you may lose TPS and you may not be able to reenter the United States. If you have a pending TPS application and leave the United States without first obtaining advance parole, we may deny your application for TPS, and you may not be able to reenter the United States.

If we are still adjudicating your TPS application, you may miss important USCIS notices, such as Requests for Additional Evidence, while you are outside the United States. If you do not respond to these requests, we may deny your application.

We encourage you to read and understand the travel warning on Form I-131 before you request TPS travel authorization or advance parole. You may want to seek legal advice before you request TPS travel authorization or advance parole for travel.

If your address changes after you file your application, you must notify USCIS immediately. For information about how to notify USCIS go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange .

Step 1: If an Immigration Judge (IJ) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) granted you TPS, you must provide USCIS with proof of the TPS grant (such as a final order from the IJ or final decision from the BIA) when you file for your first TPS benefit (such as an EAD, travel authorization, or with your first TPS re-registration application filed with USCIS). You should also submit a copy of the I-821 TPS application that the IJ or the BIA approved.

Step 2: See the table below for filing information based on the first TPS benefit you are requesting after an IJ or BIA granted you TPS.

You can find the filing fees for Forms I-821, I-765 and I-131 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.

If USCIS denies your application, you will be informed in the denial notice whether you have 30 days to appeal to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). If you do not have the right to appeal because you were placed in removal proceedings when your TPS application was denied by USCIS, you can request that the immigration judge adjudicate your TPS application.

You may also choose to file a motion to reconsider with the Service Center that adjudicated your TPS application by submitting:

• Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion
• The correct filing fee, see form instructions (PDF, 392.95 KB) . Or Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (or written request) if you are unable to pay

If USCIS denies your TPS application, we recommend that you consult with an accredited legal representative to determine whether you should pursue an appeal or motion. If you have been placed in removal proceedings, you may request that the immigration judge adjudicate your TPS application. If an immigration judge denies your request for TPS, you may file an appeal with the BIA.

• Sierra Leone

You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for a lawful permanent status (Green Card), you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on the Green Card Eligibility Categories page. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.

Note on Seeking Asylum : Being granted and maintaining TPS status until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, if the one-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).

Please be aware that some  unauthorized practitioners  may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to obtain legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance. A list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS website on the  finding legal advice  web page.

We don’t want you to become a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

More Information

• Update on Bhattarai v. Nielsen
• भट्टराइ बिरुद्द नेल्सन मुद्दाबारे पछिल्लो जानकारी (PDF, 1.44 MB)
• Dènye Nouvèl sou Plent Ramos Kont Nielsen an (PDF, 379.44 KB)
• تحديث بشأن راموس ضد نيلسين (PDF, 480.83 KB)
• Peyi ki Kalifye pou Pwogram TPS lan (Zafè Pwoteksyon Pwovizwa): Ayiti
• I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
• I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• I-131, Application for Travel Document
• I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
• I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility
• In-Country Refugee/Parole Processing for Central American Minors
• My Case Status
• Additional Information on Filing a Fee Waiver
• TPS Avoid Scams Flier (PDF, 34.69 KB)

Non-USCIS Links

• Department of Justice, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section