Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon
If you do not have TPS Cameroon, you can apply now through June 7, 2025. If you are granted temporary protected status, it will be valid through June 7, 2025. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply. Also, find information for those who already have TPS.
What is TPS
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of immigration status for people already in the United States. TPS is for people who cannot go back to their home country because of danger, such as an armed conflict or environmental disaster.
If you have TPS, you can:
- Stay in the U.S. legally for a period of time
- Apply for a work permit in the U.S.
- Apply to travel outside the U.S.
- Be protected from detention and deportation
You will not get any of the benefits of TPS until your application is approved. TPS is temporary. It does not give you lawful permanent status, citizenship, or any permanent immigration status.
| Go to the USCIS TPS Cameroon page for more details. |
New applicants
Who can apply
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of Cameroon or a person without nationality who lived in Cameroon for a long time before arriving in the USA
- Have lived only in the U.S. since October 5, 2023
- Have not left the U.S. since December 8, 2023
You may not be eligible if you have committed certain crimes.
| Public charge does not apply to TPS applicants. You can use any government programs you qualify for. |
How to apply
You can apply for TPS Cameroon by filing Form I-821. You can file your application online or by mail with USCIS.
You must send documents showing proof of your identity, nationality, and date of entry. These are listed in the What to File section.
You must pay a fee if you are applying for TPS for the first time. You might be able to apply for a fee waiver if you can’t afford to pay the fee. Learn how to use the USCIS fee calculator.
It is important to apply as soon as possible. The last day to apply is June 7, 2025, but that is also the last day TPS for Cameroon is currently available.
What happens next
USCIS will review your application and send you a receipt notice. You can check the status of your application online by typing in your receipt number.
You may get a letter asking for more evidence. This could be your photo, fingerprints, signature, and other documents.
You will get a letter approving or denying your application. If you applied for a work permit, you will also get information about your application.
If you do not get TPS, you will get information on whether and how you can appeal their decision.
Current TPS holders
If you already have TPS for Cameroon under a previous designation, you must have re-registered by December 9, 2023, to extend your benefits to June 7, 2025.
If you miss the deadline to re-register, you can submit a late re-registration application. You will also have to submit a letter explaining why you filed it late, such as a serious illness. You can re-register online or by mail with USCIS under the Where To File section.
DHS automatically extended the EADs for TPS holders from the previous registration period to December 7, 2024. You will need to apply to renew your EAD to extend it to June 7, 2025.
Work permit
Work permits are available to people with TPS and are known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It shows employers that you are allowed to work in the USA.
You can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765. It is recommended to apply at the same time you apply for TPS. Filing both forms together may help you get an EAD faster. You can also apply after.
Travel permit
Travel permits are available to people with TPS. It is known as advanced parole. It shows immigration officials that you are allowed to travel abroad and back to the USA.
You can apply for a travel permit by filing Form I-131. Follow the Federal Register notice instructions when applying for a travel permit.
What happens when TPS expires?
DHS will review country conditions at least 60 before it is set to expire. They will decide whether to continue it further. If TPS Cameroon expires, you will have the same immigration status you had before getting temporary protected status.
If you did not have a legal immigration status before you applied for TPS, you may become undocumented. You can apply for another form of immigration status if you are eligible. If you stay without any legal status, you will risk the chance of arrest or deportation.
Can I change my immigration status?
You can have TPS at the same time as another immigration status.
You can apply for asylum, lawful permanent status (Green Card), or other protected status if you meet the requirements for those applications.
Where can I find help?
It is important to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer or accredited representative. They can help you apply and discuss questions or concerns. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services.
The Embassy of Cameroon can offer more information. You can contact the Embassy of Cameroon at (202) 265-8790 or visit its consular offices in Washington D.C.
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