TPS for Ukrainians
What does TPS status mean?
TPS is a non-immigrant temporary status that allows citizens of certain countries to remain in the U.S. legally, providing protection from deportation. It is granted to citizens of countries experiencing problems, such as war or natural disasters, and it is considered unsafe to return to those countries.
Ukrainian citizens can apply for TPS status beginning April 19, 2022, provided they entered the U.S. before April 11, 2022, and have resided permanently in the U.S. since then.
TPS status for Ukrainians is granted for 18 months with the possibility of renewal.
How do I apply for TPS status?
You can apply online through the uscis website (after creating an account and selecting "File a Form online" in your personal account) or by downloading Form I-821 in pdf format, filling it out, printing and mailing it. The address where to mail depends on your state of residence. Information can be found on the Where to file page.
How much does TPS cost?
State fee: $50
Biometrics fee: $85 for ages 14 to 65.
Total: $135 for adults and $50 for children
Does TPS status automatically authorize me to work in the U.S.?
No. An application for TPS status alone does not automatically authorize employment. For work authorization, Form I-765, indicating category (c)(19), must be filed at the same time or separately, along with Form I-821.
How much does it cost for a work permit and SSN under TPS?
State fee: $410 for individuals between the ages of 14 and 65
Free for children and persons over 65
Work permits are issued until October 19, 2023.
Is it possible to avoid paying the fees?
Yes, if you have a serious financial hardship, you can avoid paying the biometrics fee ($85) and the I-765 fee ($410). To do so, you must complete Form I-912 and submit it with your TPS and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications. Important: Form I-912 cannot be submitted online, reviewing it will extend the application processing time, and if you are denied, you will have to resubmit Forms I-821 and I-765.
Does TPS status provide grounds for legalization in the U.S.?
No. TPS status alone does not provide grounds for legalization. However, you can pursue parallel legalization if you have grounds, for example, by reuniting with a relative who has legal status in the United States.
Can I leave the U.S. with TPS status?
Yes, but only after obtaining an Advance Parole document (Form I-131). Without it, entry into the U.S. may be denied. The fee for Advance Parole is $575.
How is the TPS different from the humanitarian password?
The TPS and the humanitarian password have many similarities, but the TPS has its advantages:
TPS is a non-immigrant temporary status that allows citizens of certain countries to remain in the U.S. legally, providing protection from deportation. It is granted to citizens of countries experiencing problems, such as war or natural disasters, and it is considered unsafe to return to those countries.
Ukrainian citizens can apply for TPS status beginning April 19, 2022, provided they entered the U.S. before April 11, 2022, and have resided permanently in the U.S. since then.
TPS status for Ukrainians is granted for 18 months with the possibility of renewal.
How do I apply for TPS status?
You can apply online through the uscis website (after creating an account and selecting "File a Form online" in your personal account) or by downloading Form I-821 in pdf format, filling it out, printing and mailing it. The address where to mail depends on your state of residence. Information can be found on the Where to file page.
How much does TPS cost?
State fee: $50
Biometrics fee: $85 for ages 14 to 65.
Total: $135 for adults and $50 for children
Does TPS status automatically authorize me to work in the U.S.?
No. An application for TPS status alone does not automatically authorize employment. For work authorization, Form I-765, indicating category (c)(19), must be filed at the same time or separately, along with Form I-821.
How much does it cost for a work permit and SSN under TPS?
State fee: $410 for individuals between the ages of 14 and 65
Free for children and persons over 65
Work permits are issued until October 19, 2023.
Is it possible to avoid paying the fees?
Yes, if you have a serious financial hardship, you can avoid paying the biometrics fee ($85) and the I-765 fee ($410). To do so, you must complete Form I-912 and submit it with your TPS and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications. Important: Form I-912 cannot be submitted online, reviewing it will extend the application processing time, and if you are denied, you will have to resubmit Forms I-821 and I-765.
Does TPS status provide grounds for legalization in the U.S.?
No. TPS status alone does not provide grounds for legalization. However, you can pursue parallel legalization if you have grounds, for example, by reuniting with a relative who has legal status in the United States.
Can I leave the U.S. with TPS status?
Yes, but only after obtaining an Advance Parole document (Form I-131). Without it, entry into the U.S. may be denied. The fee for Advance Parole is $575.
How is the TPS different from the humanitarian password?
The TPS and the humanitarian password have many similarities, but the TPS has its advantages:
- It is available to anyone, in any status, including those in deportation proceedings.
- The term of the TPS is longer - it's currently 1.5 years - and it's usually always renewed. Renewing the password is much more complicated.
- Filing I-765 and getting a work permit for children when filing for TPS waives the $410 fee.
- TPS allows you to defer filing for asylum for a year, which gives you a chance to think about your future path to legalization.