Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, lets people from certain countries live and work in the United States for a period of time when it is not safe to go home because of war, disaster, or other serious problems. For many Jacksonville families, TPS is what keeps a parent working and a household together.

But TPS is temporary by design. The government can extend it, change it, or end it for a whole country. Here are seven practical steps to protect your status and your family.

1. Watch for your country's re-registration period.

TPS does not renew on its own. When the government extends TPS for your country, it announces a set window to re-register. If you miss that window, you can lose your status. Check the official USCIS TPS page for your country regularly, not just social media.

2. File on time, and keep proof.

Re-registering is done with Form I-821. If you also want a work permit, you file Form I-765. Save a copy of everything you send, plus your receipt notices. Those papers can matter a lot if your employer or the DMV asks questions.

3. Know what happens if your country's TPS ends.

The government has ended TPS for some countries. When that happens, the protection and the work permit tied to it stop on the date announced. Do not wait until that date to find out what else you may qualify for. Talk to a lawyer early, while you still have time to plan.

4. Ask whether you have another path.

TPS alone does not lead to a green card. But many people with TPS also have a U.S. citizen spouse or adult child, a pending asylum case, or another option. A lawyer can look at your full history and tell you what is realistic.

5. Keep your address up to date.

Most noncitizens must tell USCIS within 10 days when they move. If USCIS mails a notice to an old address and you miss it, your case can be denied. Update your address online every time you move.

6. Stay out of trouble with the law.

Certain criminal convictions can make you ineligible for TPS. Even an arrest can cause problems. If you have any arrest or court case, talk to an immigration lawyer before you re-register.

7. Watch out for scams.

Some people promise faster approvals or say they have "special contacts" at USCIS. That is not true. Only use a licensed attorney or an accredited representative, and never sign a form you do not understand.

We are here to help

If you or a loved one has TPS, a quick review now can prevent a big problem later. Bilbao Law helps Jacksonville families with TPS, work permits, and the next steps when TPS is ending. Call us at (904) 300-0825 to schedule a consultation.



This post is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different.

Additional resources

• USCIS: Temporary Protected Status (country list and updates): https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
• USCIS: Form I-821, Application for TPS: https://www.uscis.gov/i-821
• USCIS: Form I-765, Work permit application: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
• USCIS: Change your address: https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange
• USCIS: Avoid immigration scams: https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams
• Immigration Court (EOIR): Find legal help: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/find-legal-representation