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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador

You can now re-register for TPS El Salvador through March 9, 2025. If you re-register, your temporary protected status will extend to March 9, 2025. Learn about the process and get work permit information. 

Updated June 26, 2024

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 of the U.S.
  • Be protected from detention and deportation

TPS is temporary. It does not give you lawful permanent status, citizenship, or any permanent immigration status.

Go to the USCIS TPS El Salvador page for more details.

Who can have TPS for El Salvador?

You must have met the following requirements:

  • Be a national of El Salvador or a person without nationality who lived in El Salvador for a long time before arriving in the USA
  • Lived only in the U.S. since Feb. 13, 2001
  • Did not leave the U.S. since Mar. 9, 2001

You may not have been eligible if you committed certain crimes.

Public charge does not apply to TPS applicants. You can use any government programs you qualify for.

Re-registration for current TPS holders

If you already have TPS for El Salvador under a previous designation, you can re-register to extend it further to March 9, 2025.

If you had TPS under the 2001 designation, your TPS will no longer be automatically extended for the Ramos court case. You must re-register to keep your TPS benefits.

To re-register, you must file a new Form I-821 by March 9, 2025. You can file your application with USCIS online or by mail. You do not have to pay a fee.

It is important to re-register as soon as possible. That is also the last day TPS for El Salvador is currently available.

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.

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 days before it is set to expire. They will decide whether to continue it further. If TPS for El Salvador 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.

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 El Salvador can offer more information. You can contact the Embassy of El Salvador at (202) 595-7500 or visit its consular office in Washington D.C.

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The information on this page comes from DHS, USCIS, and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.

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