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Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine
Posted on Aug 25 2023
This fact sheet was originally published on August 21, 2023. It is current as of January 21, 2025.
On Friday, January 17, 2025 Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the extension of designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months beginning on April 20, 2025, and ending on October 19, 2026.
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?
The 18-month extension of Ukraine’s TPS designation begins on April 20, 2025, and will remain in effect for 18 months, ending on October 19, 2026. The extension allows existing TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through October 19, 2026, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS.
Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through October 19, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period described in this notice. The re-registration period for existing beneficiaries runs from January 17, 2025, through March 18, 2025.
Note: It is important for re-registrants to timely re-register during the re-registration period and not to wait until their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) expire, as delaying re-registration could result in gaps in their employment authorization documentation. USCIS will issue new EADs with an October 19, 2026, expiration date to eligible beneficiaries granted TPS under Ukraine’s designation who timely re-register and apply for EADs.
For more details on re-registering for TPS and re-applying for EADs, visit the Federal Registry Notice (FRN).
How do I apply for TPS?
People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They 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.
If you have TPS and are applying for an extension of your TPS under the Ukrainian designation your re-registration period runs from January 17, 2025, through March 18, 2025.
If you do not have TPS and are applying for TPS under the Ukrainian designation for the first time, your registration period runs from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025.
More details about the eligibility criteria to submit a TPS application and apply for an EAD can be found in the Federal Register notice (FRN).
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is extending TPS designation for Ukraine for an 18-month period, beginning on April 20, 2025, and ending on October 19, 2026.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney. The registration period for eligible individuals to submit initial TPS applications is open until April 19, 2025. You must fill out an I-821 Form to apply.
I have Ukrainian TPS, can I apply to extend it?
Yes. Under Ukrainian TPS, individuals who already have TPS must apply by March 18, 2025 to extend their TPS.
I do not have TPS, can I apply for the first time?
Yes, you may be eligible if you began residing in the US before August 17, 2023. The registration period for eligible individuals to submit initial TPS applications is open until April 19, 2025.
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.
Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency?
No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue.
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