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
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 Haiti page for more details. |
New applicants
Who can apply
You must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Be a national of Haiti or a person without nationality who lived in Haiti for a long time before arriving in the USA
- Have lived only in the USA since June 3, 2024
- Did not take trips outside the U.S. after August 4, 2024 that might impact eligibility
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 Haiti 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 now August 3, 2025, but that is also when TPS for Haiti ends.
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. If you do not get a receipt within 3 weeks of filing, you can call the USCIS Contact Center.
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
The TPS designation period was changed to 12 months. You will no longer have benefits through February 3, 2026. Your benefits are now valid through August 3, 2025. USCIS will not issue new documentation with this new expiration date.
If you already have TPS for Haiti under a previous designation, you must have re-registered by August 30, 2024 to continue your benefits through August 3, 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 EAD faster. You can also apply after.
If you apply for a new EAD during the current registration period, your work permit will be valid through August 3, 2025. USCIS will not issue new work permits with this new date.
If you have TPS under a previous designation, USCIS has automatically extended the expiration date of EADs for TPS Haiti holders to August 3, 2025, for those whose EADs expired on the following dates:
- Aug. 3, 2024
- June 30, 2024
- Feb. 3, 2023
- Dec. 31, 2022
- Oct. 4, 2021
- Jan. 4, 2021
- Jan. 2, 2020
- July 22, 2019
- Jan. 22, 2018
- July 22, 2017
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.
Before traveling outside the USA, talk to a lawyer. Immigration rules may change and it is important to know if it is safe to travel.
What happens when TPS expires?
The U.S. government will review the designation by June 4, 2025, to decide if it will continue or end. Be prepared for the possibility that it will end.
If you do not have another legal immigration status besides TPS, you will become undocumented and lose your work authorization. If you stay without legal status, you will risk being detained and deported.
How to prepare
- Talk to an immigration lawyer. It is important to seek legal help and learn about your options for staying in the U.S.
- Apply for another immigration status if you qualify.
- You can have TPS at the same time as another immigration status.
- Review if you are eligible for asylum, lawful permanent status (Green Card), or other U.S. visas.
- Know your rights. Learn what to do if federal immigration officers or local law enforcement stop you.
- Plan for emergencies. Be ready for situations like detention, deportation, or sudden separation from loved ones.
- Be prepared for ICE. Know what to do if you are undocumented and agents come to your home or work.
- Stay informed. Learn more about immigration changes under the new administration.
Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites. Learn what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.
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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