Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 2026: Designated Countries, How to Apply, and Current Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a congressionally created immigration benefit under INA § 244 that allows nationals of certain foreign countries to live and work legally in the United States when conditions in their home country make it temporarily unsafe or impossible for them to return. According to USCIS, more than 860,000 individuals held TPS as of FY2025, representing nationals of over 17 designated countries.

TPS is not a path to permanent residence on its own — it is a temporary protection measure. But it is critically important for hundreds of thousands of people who have built lives in the United States. This 2026 guide covers every current TPS-designated country, the application and renewal process, work authorization, and what TPS holders can and cannot do to pursue a more permanent immigration status.

What Is TPS and Who Can Get It?

The Secretary of Homeland Security designates a country for TPS when conditions there meet one of three statutory criteria:

1. Ongoing armed conflict — civil war or other armed conflict making return dangerous
2. Environmental disaster — earthquake, flood, drought, epidemic, or similar conditions
3. Extraordinary and temporary conditions — other conditions preventing nationals from returning safely

To be eligible for TPS from a designated country, you must:

• Be a national of the designated country (or a stateless person who last resided there)
• Have been continuously present in the United States since the TPS designation date (or the specific required date for your country)
• Have been continuously residing in the United States since the required residency date
• Register during the open registration period for your country
• Not be subject to certain criminal or security-related bars (including any felony or 2+ misdemeanor convictions)

Currently TPS-Designated Countries (2026)

The following countries have active TPS designations as of April 2026. Dates and designations can change — always verify current status at uscis.gov/tps:

Note: TPS designations and extensions change frequently due to administration changes, litigation, and country conditions. Some older designations for El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua face ongoing legal challenges. Check uscis.gov/tps for current status of your country’s designation.

How to Apply for TPS: Step-by-Step

TPS applications require Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and, for work authorization, concurrent Form I-765. Here is the complete process:

Step 1: Confirm Your Country’s Registration Period

DHS announces registration and re-registration periods in the Federal Register. Initial registration is typically open for 180 days following a new TPS designation. Re-registration periods are announced with each extension and are typically 60-day windows. Filing outside these periods is generally not accepted unless you qualify for a late initial registration (within 60 days of a qualifying reason for lateness).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Completed Form I-821
• Completed Form I-765 (for work authorization — file concurrently)
• Biometric services fee ($85, unless fee waiver applies)
• I-821 filing fee (currently $50 for initial registration; no fee for re-registration)
• Passport or government ID from the designated country proving nationality
• Evidence of continuous presence in the US since the designation date (utility bills, lease agreements, employment records, school records, tax returns)
• Two passport-style photos
• For initial applicants: evidence of continuous residence

Step 3: File Form I-821 with Concurrent I-765

File with the correct USCIS lockbox address (varies by TPS country). USCIS recommends online filing where available. The concurrent I-765 is required to receive work authorization — do not forget to include it.

Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment

After filing, USCIS will send a biometrics appointment notice. Attend your ASC appointment with the notice and a government-issued ID.

Step 5: Receive EAD and TPS Approval

USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) coded C19 (TPS) upon approval. This allows you to work legally for any employer in the United States. USCIS also sends a TPS approval notice. The EAD is valid for the duration of the TPS designation period.

TPS and the Path to a Green Card

TPS itself does not lead to a green card. However, TPS holders may be eligible to pursue green cards through other means:

• Family-based petition: If you have an immediate relative (spouse, parent) who is a US citizen, you may be able to adjust status. See our Marriage Green Card guide and our I-130 Petition guide for details.
• Employment-based petition: Employer-sponsored green cards remain available to TPS holders who meet the requirements.
• Asylum: TPS holders who face persecution may pursue asylum independently. See our Asylum guide.
• VAWA self-petition: TPS holders who are victims of domestic abuse may pursue VAWA relief.
• Special immigrant categories: Certain TPS holders may qualify for special immigrant juvenile status or other special immigrant categories.

An important legal question for TPS holders seeking adjustment of status is whether their TPS-based entry (or admission to TPS) counts as a qualifying “inspection and admission” for I-485 purposes. The Supreme Court addressed this in Sanchez v. Mayorkas (2021), ruling that TPS status does not satisfy the inspection and admission requirement for adjusting status through the family preference categories for individuals who entered without inspection. Consult an attorney to understand how this ruling affects your specific situation.

TPS in the Current Political Climate (2026)

TPS designations are subject to administration changes and have been a point of political contention. Several long-standing TPS designations (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua) have faced termination attempts, extensions, court injunctions, and ongoing litigation. As of 2026, these designations remain in force due to court orders and DHS extensions, but TPS holders from these countries should monitor developments closely and consult an immigration attorney about long-term planning options.

For TPS holders facing potential deportation proceedings, see our Deportation Defense guide. For those with unlawful presence concerns, see our guide on visa overstay consequences.