Last updated 10/12/2023
For Venezuelan TPS Applicants USCIS: As of 10/03/2023 extension and redesignation for Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Venezuela for 18 months is now open. The designation provides temporary protection from deportation as well as work authorization for individuals who arrived in the United States before July 31, 2023. For more information, scroll below.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows individuals from certain countries to remain in the United States if it is unsafe for them to return to their home country due to a humanitarian emergency there. For example, the federal government may designate a country for TPS if there is an armed conflict (e.g., civil war) or a natural disaster (e.g., earthquake). TPS enables recipients to work in the United States lawfully and protects them from deportation as long as the TPS designation is in effect.
In order to receive TPS, applicants must prove that they have lived continuously in the United States since a date specified by the federal government. Countries' TPS designations come up for renewal at 6 to 18-month intervals, at which point the federal government again makes a determination about whether a given country can absorb its returning nationals safely.
Recipients must re-register for TPS if a TPS designation is extended, or in some cases ended. Visit the USCIS website for additional information about TPS.
If you have questions about whether you or a loved one might be eligible for TPS, free legal help is available. MOIA's Legal Support Centers can provide free, safe immigration legal help in your community and in your language. You can call MOIA's Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 between 9am-6pm, on Monday through Friday, to make an appointment.
Regardless of your immigration status, New York City is here to help. If you have questions about how to access City services, call MOIA's Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 212-788-7654 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email us at askmoia@cityhall.nyc.gov.
To learn more about the available resources for immigrant New Yorkers visit nyc.gov/immigrantresources.
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Is the Temporary Protected Status program ending?
TPS is a form of immigration relief created by federal law. The law allows the federal government to "designate" certain countries for TPS based upon country conditions. However, each country has a different expiration date for TPS. The federal government is required to announce a determination at least 60 days before the expiration date of TPS for a given country.
By law, decisions on TPS designations must be made on a country-by-country basis. It is important for you to track when your TPS is set to expire. If you currently have TPS, you will have lawful status and work authorization until the date on which your TPS expires.
Where can I find out more about changes to TPS?
You should continue to check the USCIS website for additional information about TPS and any changes to TPS.
I'm worried that the federal government might not extend my TPS. What should I do?
Now is the time to look into what your legal options might be. You may be eligible for other forms of immigration relief. It is very important for you to get a legal consultation with a trusted legal services provider. Free legal help is available.
How can I avoid fraud while I am seeking immigration legal help?
Beware of unlicensed immigration service providers who take advantage of their customers.
Get help only from a trusted, licensed attorney or an accredited representative. Only lawyers or those who have gotten permission from the Department of Justice can give legal advice.
For questions about this, or to report fraud, call the New York State New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 between 9am-8pm, on Monday through Friday, or call 311.
Please visit our Avoid Fraud page for more information.
If I lose TPS, will I still have access to City services?
Yes. Many services provided by the City are available to all New Yorkers no matter their immigration status. For more information visit: www.nyc.gov/immigrantresources