Can TPS lead to a green card?

TPS does not directly convert to a green card. However, TPS holders may pursue green cards through other pathways: (1) family-based sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or green card holder (I-130); (2) employment-based immigration through employer sponsorship (PERM/I-140); (3) self-petition if eligible for EB-1A or NIW. A key issue is the "lawful admission" requirement — TPS holders who originally entered the U.S. unlawfully typically cannot adjust status through I-485 and must use consular processing. However, if the TPS holder traveled internationally using TPS-based Advance Parole, the subsequent reentry may be treated as a "lawful admission," potentially satisfying the I-485 requirement.

What happens if TPS is terminated for my country?

If the U.S. government terminates TPS designation for a country, affected TPS holders typically receive a transition period (usually 6-18 months) to arrange their status. Options include: (1) changing to another visa status if eligible (e.g., H-1B, F-1); (2) waiting for a pending green card application to be approved; (3) departing the U.S.; (4) challenging the termination through legal proceedings if the decision is deemed improper (several TPS terminations have been blocked by courts). Consulting an attorney immediately after a termination announcement is strongly recommended.

Can TPS holders travel internationally?

TPS holders must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131 travel document) before departing the U.S. Leaving without approved AP will be treated as abandonment of TPS status. After obtaining AP, the holder may travel and reenter as a Parolee. Importantly, reentering on AP may help satisfy the "lawful admission" requirement for I-485 (for TPS holders who originally entered unlawfully). However, travel to the home country may affect TPS status (similar to the risk asylees face when returning to the country of claimed persecution).

What if I miss the re-registration deadline?

If the TPS re-registration deadline is missed, TPS status will terminate when the current designation period expires. However, USCIS has discretion to accept "Late Registration" if the applicant demonstrates "Good Cause" for the delay. Good cause may include: serious illness or hospitalization, natural disaster impact, attorney negligence, etc. Filing the late registration promptly with an explanation letter and evidence is recommended. If the late filing is rejected, TPS status terminates.

The Peng Law

TPS临时保护身份

TPS Temporary Protected Status

临时保护身份（Temporary Protected Status，TPS）是美国为因武装冲突、自然灾害或其他特殊条件而无法安全返回本国的外国公民提供的临时保护。

Overview

概述

临时保护身份（Temporary Protected Status，TPS）是美国为因武装冲突、自然灾害或其他特殊条件而无法安全返回本国的外国公民提供的临时保护。TPS由国土安全部长指定特定国家，该国在美国的公民可以在指定期间内注册TPS，获得合法停留权利和工作许可。TPS不是签证，也不自动转为绿卡，但持有人在保护期间不会被递解出境。截至目前，被指定的TPS国家包括：萨尔瓦多、洪都拉斯、海地、尼加拉瓜、委内瑞拉、乌克兰、缅甸、索马里、也门、叙利亚等16个国家。每个国家的指定期限不同，需定期重新指定。

Eligibility

申请条件

必须是被指定TPS国家的国民（或在该国最后惯常居住的无国籍人）

在TPS指定日期或之前已经在美国境内（具体日期因国家而异）

在规定的注册期间内向USCIS提交申请

未曾被判重罪或两项以上轻罪（Good Moral Character要求）

不属于TPS禁止情形（如恐怖活动、迫害他人等）

每次TPS延期时需要重新注册（Re-registration）

Application Process

申请流程

确认指定国家和日期

查看USCIS网站确认自己的国籍是否在TPS指定国家列表中，以及注册期限和连续居住起始日期。

提交TPS申请

在注册期间内向USCIS提交I-821表格（TPS申请）和I-765表格（EAD申请）。初始注册费$50 + I-765费$520。

生物识别采集

按通知到ASC完成指纹和照片采集。

等待审批

USCIS审查申请，验证资格和背景调查。审批期间可以合法停留。

获得TPS和EAD

获批后收到TPS批准通知和EAD工卡。EAD有效期与TPS指定期限一致。

定期重新注册

每次TPS延期时（通常每12-18个月），需要在规定期限内重新注册（Re-registration），否则TPS身份将终止。

Timeline Reference

时间线参考

阶段	预计时间
初始注册	指定注册期间内（通常60-180天窗口）
TPS审批	3-12个月
EAD获批	3-6个月
TPS指定期限	6-18个月（可续期）
重新注册窗口	延期公告后60天内

Frequently Asked Questions

常见问题

TPS本身不直接转为绿卡。但TPS持有人可以通过其他途径申请绿卡，如：(1) 通过美国公民或绿卡持有人的家庭担保（I-130）；(2) 通过雇主担保的职业移民（PERM/I-140）；(3) 如果符合EB-1A或NIW条件可自行申请。关键问题是"合法入境"要求——如果TPS持有人当初是非法入境美国，通常不能在境内调整身份（I-485），需要通过领事处理。但如果曾使用TPS旅行许可证（Advance Parole）出入境，再次入境可能被视为"合法入境"，从而满足I-485条件。