Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, protects certain people from deportation and lets them apply for a work permit while their country's designation is in effect. A country is designated because of temporary conditions that make return unsafe, such as armed conflict or a natural disaster. To qualify, you normally must be a national of the designated country, meet the continuous residence and physical presence dates, file during the registration period and not have certain convictions. Because designations change, you must confirm the current information before filing.
- TPS protects against deportation and allows you to apply for a work permit for as long as the designation lasts.
- You must be a national of a designated country and meet the residence and presence dates.
- Certain convictions or conduct can prevent TPS.
- Designated countries and dates change; confirm them with official sources.
Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS, protects certain people from deportation and lets them apply for a work permit while their country's designation is in effect. A TPS lawyer can review whether you meet the requirements, file the initial or renewal application, and explain what to do if the designation changes.
This guide answers the questions we hear most from people living in Florida, explains what a TPS lawyer does and how we serve clients across the state from Orlando and by video call.
What TPS is and who can apply
The U.S. government can designate a country for TPS when temporary conditions make return unsafe, such as armed conflict, a natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances. Nationals of that country, or stateless people who last lived there, may qualify if they meet certain conditions. Among the most common are:
- Being a national of a currently designated country.
- Having resided continuously and been physically present in the United States since the dates set by the designation.
- Filing the application within the registration period, or showing a valid reason for filing late if the law allows it.
- Not having convictions or conduct that the law establishes as grounds for exclusion, such as certain serious crimes or several minor offenses.
Designated countries and key dates change over time, and sometimes designations are ended or challenged in federal courts. That is why reading an old list is not enough; you must confirm the current information with official sources and with your lawyer before filing anything.
What TPS gives and what it does not
If approved, TPS generally offers protection from deportation during the designation period and allows you to apply for a work permit. In some cases you can also request permission to travel, although traveling without the proper authorization can cause serious problems.
However, TPS is temporary and is not the same as permanent residence. By itself it does not create a direct path to a green card. Some people with TPS may have other options, such as a family petition, an employment case or an asylum application, and that analysis requires reviewing your complete history, including how you entered the country. If you want to explore further protections, see our page on TPS and the one on work permits.
When it makes sense to hire a lawyer
Many people file their applications without help and have no problems, but there are situations in which it is prudent to consult a lawyer before signing anything.
- You have a criminal record, arrests or pending charges, even from years ago.
- You have left the United States since you arrived or you have doubts about your date of entry.
- Your TPS application was denied or has been pending for a long time.
- You have a removal order or an open case in immigration court.
- A change in your country's designation was announced and you do not know how it affects you.
USCIS and court notices have exact deadlines, and a one-day delay can cost you the chance to fix a problem. If you receive a letter you do not understand, do not ignore it, and bring it to your consultation as soon as possible.
The process, step by step
Although every case is different, the TPS process usually includes the following:
- Verify that your country is designated and confirm the registration period.
- Gather proof of identity, nationality, date of entry and continuous residence.
- File the TPS application and, if you want to work, the work permit application.
- Attend the fingerprint appointment, if one is assigned.
- Respond to any request for additional evidence.
- Re-register within each renewal period for as long as TPS continues.
Re-registering on time is essential, because a late renewal without justification can put the status at risk. If your work permit expires, an automatic extension may depend on official announcements, so confirm the dates with your lawyer.
What documents to gather
Gathering evidence calmly from the start avoids mistakes and saves time when USCIS asks for more information.
The most useful documents include a passport or other identity document from your country, a birth certificate, proof that you have lived in the United States without interruption, such as rent receipts, school records, account statements, medical or employment records, and documents from any prior immigration filing. If you received letters from USCIS or from your country's government about your case, bring them too. If you have a criminal record, bring the official court documents, because its immigration effect is evaluated based on the record and not on what you remember.
How we serve TPS clients in Florida
Vasquez Law Firm is an immigration law firm with a single office, located at 1111 E Amelia Street, Orlando. We serve people in Miami, Homestead, Tampa, Kissimmee, Jacksonville and across Florida by phone and secure video call, and in person at our Orlando office. Consultations are in Spanish and English. When someone seeks help with TPS, what matters is that they receive clear information about their case and understand what is being filed on their behalf.
We do not promise results, because the decision belongs to the government and TPS rules change. What we do is prepare your case carefully and keep you informed. To request an appointment, you can write or call us.
Other ways to search for this help
People search for this help using different words. Related searches: TPS attorneys.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different; talk with an immigration attorney about your situation.
