As of May 2025, the United States has designated 17 countries for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — a form of humanitarian relief for individuals who cannot safely return to their home country due to conflict, disaster, or extraordinary conditions.
In this guide, we list the countries currently eligible for TPS, their expiration dates, and key details to help you understand who qualifies and how to apply.
What Is TPS?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to nationals of certain countries who are already in the U.S. when:
- Armed conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies make it unsafe to return
- Their home country is designated by DHS for TPS
TPS provides:
- Protection from deportation
- Work authorization (via Form I-765)
- Eligibility for travel authorization (Form I-131)
TPS is temporary, and status must be re-registered each time it’s extended.
Countries Currently Designated for TPS (as of May 2025)
| Country | TPS Valid Through | Reason for Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | July 14, 2025 | Termination announced due to DHS policy change |
| Burma (Myanmar) | November 25, 2025 | Ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis |
| Cameroon | June 7, 2025 | Armed conflict and instability |
| El Salvador | September 9, 2026 | Environmental disasters and insecurity |
| Ethiopia | December 12, 2025 | Ongoing civil unrest and conflict |
| Haiti | August 3, 2025 | Political crisis and natural disasters |
| Honduras | July 5, 2025 | Persistent humanitarian conditions |
| Lebanon | May 27, 2026 | Political and economic collapse |
| Nepal | June 24, 2025 | Earthquake recovery and fragile infrastructure |
| Nicaragua | July 5, 2025 | Social unrest and instability |
| Somalia | March 17, 2026 | Civil war and famine conditions |
| South Sudan | November 3, 2025 | Violent conflict and political unrest |
| Sudan | October 19, 2026 | Armed conflict and military violence |
| Syria | September 30, 2025 | Civil war and humanitarian crisis |
| Ukraine | October 19, 2026 | Ongoing Russian invasion |
| Venezuela | October 2, 2026 | Economic collapse and political persecution |
| Yemen | March 3, 2026 | Civil war and famine conditions |
Key Notes
- Afghanistan: TPS ends on July 14, 2025 following a DHS termination decision.
- Haiti: TPS shortened from 18 to 12 months due to a court decision.
- Venezuela: TPS continues through October 2, 2026 by court order despite an attempted termination.
How to Apply for TPS
To apply, you must:
- File Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
- Submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) if you want to work
- Provide documentation proving:
- Your identity and nationality
- Continuous residence in the U.S. since the required date
- Your physical presence on the TPS designation date
Make sure to:
- Apply within the registration period for your country
- Re-register during re-designation periods to avoid losing status
- Stay up-to-date via USCIS.gov/TPS
Final Thoughts
TPS provides life-saving protection for thousands of people already in the U.S. from unstable countries. While not a path to permanent residency on its own, it offers critical time and work authorization for those in need.
If you believe you qualify for TPS, it’s important to act quickly and file with complete, accurate documentation. When in doubt, consult an immigration attorney or accredited nonprofit for legal help.