News > Fact Sheets
Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine
Posted on Aug 25 2023
This fact sheet is current as of August 21, 2023.
On Friday, August 18, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the extension and redesignation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months from Oct. 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
TPS is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their return to their home country.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are not removable from the United States and not detainable by DHS based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), and eligible for travel authorization.
What does the extension of TPS for Ukraine mean?
If you currently have TPS under the Ukrainian designation, you can apply to extend your TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the re-registration period from August 21, 2023 through October 20, 2023. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended until April 19, 2025.
It is important to re-register during the re-registration period. Do not wait until your EAD expires to re-register.
What does the redesignation of TPS for Ukraine mean?
If you are a Ukrainian national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for TPS for the first time. If you have lived in the United States continuously since August 16, 2023, you can apply for TPS between August 21, 2023 and April 19, 2023. You must also meet the eligibility requirements.
How do I apply for TPS?
If you are interested in TPS, you must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the filing fee. You may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization.
All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility. More details about the eligibility criteria to submit an initial TPS application and apply for an EAD can be found in the Federal Register Notice (FRN).
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney.
- The re-registration period for current Ukrainian TPS holders to submit TPS applications is from August 21, 2023, through October 20, 2023.
- The registration period for new Ukrainian TPS applicants runs from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is extending Ukrainian TPS designation for Ukraine for an 18-month period, beginning on October 20, 2023, and ending on April 19, 2025.
I have Ukrainian TPS, can I apply to extend it?
Yes. Under Ukrainian TPS, individuals who already have TPS must apply before October 20, 2023 to extend their TPS.
I do not have TPS, can I apply for the first time?
Yes. Individuals applying for TPS for the first time can apply during the entire initial registration period from August 21, 2023 through April 19, 2025.
I have been in the United States since before August 16, 2023, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?
Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.
I am from Ukraine, and I came to the United States as a refugee. Do I need to apply for TPS?
No. People who are in the United States with refugee status can live and work here and apply for permanent resident status after one year. They do not require TPS.
I am from Ukraine, and I now have a green card. Do I need to apply for TPS?
No. As a permanent resident, you have legal status in the United States and are on a path to citizenship. You do not need and would not qualify for TPS.
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