Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States from deportation due to dangerous conditions in their home countries. If you have TPS, you must re-register during each designated re-registration period to maintain your status. Missing the deadline can mean losing your protection and your work permit. This guide explains everything you need to know about TPS re-registration in 2026.
What Is TPS?
Temporary Protected Status is a temporary immigration benefit granted to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS provides two key benefits: protection from deportation (removal) and eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD/work permit).
TPS does not lead to permanent residency by itself, but it allows you to live and work legally in the United States as long as the designation for your country remains active and you continue to re-register.
Which Countries Have TPS in 2026?
As of early 2026, the following countries have active TPS designations (check USCIS.gov for the most current list, as this changes frequently):
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Guatemala
- Venezuela
- Haiti
- Nicaragua
- Nepal
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- Ukraine
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
How Much Does TPS Re-Registration Cost?
- DocPros preparation fee: $229 — includes I-821 and I-765 preparation, professional review, and filing instructions
- USCIS filing fee for I-765 (EAD): $410 — paid directly to USCIS
- USCIS filing fee for I-821 (TPS): $50 — paid directly to USCIS
What Forms Do You Need?
- Form I-821 — Application for Temporary Protected Status (for re-registration)
- Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (to renew your work permit)
Required Documents
- Copy of your current or most recent EAD
- Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches)
- Copy of your previous TPS approval notice (I-797)
- Evidence of nationality (passport, birth certificate, or national ID)
- Evidence of continuous residence in the US since your TPS eligibility date
- Evidence of continuous physical presence in the US
Re-Registration Deadlines
USCIS publishes a Federal Register notice for each country specifying the re-registration period — typically a 60-day window. You MUST file during this window. Filing before or after the window will result in rejection.
Processing Time
- EAD auto-extension: USCIS typically issues an automatic extension of your existing EAD while your re-registration is pending
- New EAD card: 3-6 months after filing
- I-797 receipt notice: 2-4 weeks after filing
Common Mistakes
- Missing the re-registration window — This is the most critical mistake and cannot be easily fixed
- Not filing the I-765 with the I-821 — You need both forms to maintain your work permit
- Wrong country designation code — Each country has a specific code
- Inconsistent dates — Entry dates and residence dates must match prior filings
How DocPros Can Help
DocPros prepares your complete TPS re-registration package for $229. We prepare both the I-821 and I-765, verify your eligibility dates, cross-check your information against prior filings, and provide step-by-step filing instructions. Every case is reviewed by a licensed professional. Available in English and Spanish.