What do you need to be eligible for TPS Venezuela?

You need to register during the 18-month registration period until September 9, 2022. Submit Form I-821 Application for Temporary Protected Status. Have continuously lived in the United States since March 8, 2021. Have continuously had physical presence in the United States since March 9, 2021.

Can I get work authorization under TPS Venezuela and DED?

Yes, if you apply for and receive TPS Venezuela, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Also, under TPS Venezuela, you are also covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

TPS Venezuela | Temporary Protected Status

Updated January 20, 2023

You cannot apply or re-register for TPS Venezuela at this time.

If you already have TPS Venezuela, your temporary protected status is valid through March 10, 2024.

DED Venezuela expired on July 20, 2022.

Venezuelans outside the US may now be eligible for a humanitarian parole program to travel, live and work temporarily in the USA.

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 disasters.

If you have TPS, you can:

Stay in the USA legally for a period of time
Apply for a work permit in the USA
Apply to travel outside of the USA
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.

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

Who could have applied for TPS?

You must have met the following requirements:

Be a national of Venezuela
- or a person without nationality who lived in Venezuela for a long time before arriving in the USA
Have lived only in the USA since March 8, 2021
Have not left the USA since March 9, 2021

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

Current TPS-holders

If you already have TPS Venezuela, you must have re-registered by November 7, 2022 to continue your benefits.

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 a work permit by filing Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization with USCIS.

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, Application for Travel Document. Follow the instructions on the Federal Register notice when applying for a travel permit.

What happens when TPS Venezuela expires?

If TPS Venezuela is not renewed, you will have the same immigration status you had before getting TPS.

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 DED and 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 Venezuela can offer more information. You can contact the Embassy of Venezuela at (202) 342-2214 or visit its consular offices in Washington D.C.; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Houston, TX; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Information on this page comes from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Register, USCIS, and other trusted sources. It is intended for guidance and is updated as often as possible.

USAHello does not give legal advice, nor are any of our materials intended to be taken as legal advice.