Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Immigrants

Russia's military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 triggered a humanitarian crisis that forced millions of Ukrainians from their homes. Those who were already in the United States at the time of the invasion — students, temporary workers, sailors, tourists, and others — are unable to safely return home.

On March 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing eligible Ukrainians to legally remain and work in the United States while the designation is in effect.

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status is a non-immigrant status granted to foreign nationals who are already in the U.S. and cannot safely return to their home country due to an ongoing armed conflict (civil war), environmental disaster (earthquake), or other extraordinary conditions. Key points:

TPS allows you to "wait out" the danger while legally staying in the U.S.
TPS does not lead to a green card on its own.
TPS is granted for an initial period and reviewed periodically. If conditions improve, the program closes.
TPS grants the right to legally remain in the United States.
TPS allows you to separately apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Social Security Number — and eventually a driver's license.

Required Documents to Apply for TPS

To apply for TPS, you must prove the following:

Ukrainian citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
Entry into the U.S. by the applicable TPS deadline (entry stamps, Form I-94)
Continuous physical presence in the U.S. since the TPS designation date, supported by:
- Rent receipts, utility bills, or letters from service providers showing dates
- Employment records (pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns)
- School or college enrollment records for you or your children
- Medical records with treatment dates
- Documents from churches or community organizations
- Other supporting documents (children's birth certificates, bank statements, contracts, insurance, etc.)

Right to Work

TPS status alone does not grant work authorization — it only allows you to legally remain in the U.S. You must separately file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). We recommend submitting your TPS application, EAD request, and Advance Parole application at the same time.

Traveling Outside the U.S. with TPS

If you have TPS and wish to temporarily leave the U.S. and return, you must first obtain an Advance Parole document (Form I-131). Leaving the U.S. without it may result in being refused re-entry in TPS status.

Note: If you originally entered on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa and later changed your status to TPS, you may still be able to re-enter the U.S. as a tourist on a valid B-1/B-2 visa after departure — but your TPS status, including your work authorization, would be terminated. You would be in the U.S. as a visitor only.

Why Work With Us for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Attorney-Led Review

Your case handled or personally overseen by a licensed immigration attorney — not a paralegal or document preparer.

Multilingual Service

We serve clients in English, Russian, and Ukrainian — explain your situation in the language you're most comfortable with.

TPS Country & Eligibility Expertise

Experience with TPS filings for Ukraine, Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, and other designated countries — including extensions and EAD renewals.

Transparent Flat Fees

No surprise billing. Most services are flat-fee so you know exactly what you pay from day one.

We Walk With You

We care about your outcome, not just paperwork. You get a dedicated point of contact at every stage of the process.

Serving Families Worldwide

Chicago office, clients in all 50 states and abroad. Trusted by U.S., Russian & Ukrainian communities for over a decade.

What We Do For You — Step by Step

Initial Eligibility Assessment
Attorney-led review of your country designation, continuous residence dates, continuous physical presence, and any disqualifying factors.
Personalized Filing Strategy
We determine whether you are filing for initial TPS, re-registration, or a late initial registration under a new TPS designation.
Form I-821 Preparation
We prepare your TPS application accurately — correctly identifying the applicable country designation period and all required supporting information.
EAD Application (Form I-765)
We prepare your Employment Authorization Document application concurrently with your TPS filing so you can work legally as soon as possible.
Document Checklist & Evidence Planning
Custom checklist of identity documents, country of nationality proof, continuous residence evidence, and criminal history disclosures.
Document Review & Quality Control
Line-by-line attorney review of all forms and supporting evidence to eliminate errors before submission.

Biometrics Appointment Guidance
We explain what to bring, what to expect, and how the identity verification and background check process works.
Proactive RFE Prevention & Response
We build filings to minimize RFEs. If USCIS requests additional information, we respond quickly and completely.
Re-Registration Deadline Tracking
We monitor USCIS TPS registration windows and notify you of upcoming re-registration deadlines so you never lose your status.
Advocacy on Complex Issues
Criminal history, prior removals, or gaps in TPS registration? We advise on available remedies and how to address each issue.
Long-Term Immigration Planning
We advise on how TPS fits into your broader immigration strategy — including any paths to permanent residency when available.
Continuous Communication
Timely updates, direct access to our team, and a dedicated contact so you always know where your case stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

TPS is a non-immigrant status granted to foreign nationals already in the U.S. who cannot safely return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. It lets you legally stay and work in the U.S. for the duration of the designation.

Who qualifies for TPS as a Ukrainian national?

Ukrainian nationals who were continuously residing in the U.S. and were present in the U.S. as of the TPS designation date qualify. You must also meet continuous physical presence requirements and have no disqualifying criminal history.

Does TPS lead to a green card?

TPS does not by itself lead to a green card. However, having TPS allows you to remain lawfully in the U.S. while you explore other immigration pathways, such as family-based petitions or other immigrant visa categories.

Can I work with TPS?

TPS itself does not grant work authorization. You must separately file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). We recommend filing for TPS, the EAD, and Advance Parole at the same time.

Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?

If you wish to travel outside the U.S. and return in TPS status, you must first obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131). Leaving without it may result in being denied re-entry in TPS status.

Services – Temporary Protected Status (TPS)