About Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti
Initial Applicants: If you are a Haitian citizen who entered the United States before June 3, 2024, you may be eligible for Haiti TPS. If you are eligible for Haiti TPS, you must file your application before the initial registration period ends on February 3, 2026. Please complete the survey below as soon as possible if you think you are eligible. Once you complete the survey, a CASA legal department member will screen you for TPS eligibility. If you are eligible, CASA might be able to help you complete and file your TPS application.”
Renewal Applicants: If you are a Haitian citizen who currently has TPS, you may be eligible to renew your TPS. You must submit your renewal application between July 1, 2024 through August 30, 2024. Please complete the survey below as soon as possible if you think you are eligible to renew your TPS. Once you complete the survey, a CASA legal department member will screen you for TPS renewal eligibility. If you are eligible, CASA might be able to help you complete and file your TPS application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
- TPS is a temporary legal status established by Congress for people from specific countries fleeing armed conflict or other circumstances that prevent them from safely returning to their home countries. When a country is designated for TPS, nationals from that country who are already living in the U.S. may apply if they meet certain requirements.
Who is eligible for TPS under this extension and re-designation?
- Haitian nationals who currently have TPS are eligible to renew their TPS under this extension.
- Haitian nationals who have never had TPS but have lived in the U.S. since June 3, 2024 are eligible to submit initial TPS applications.
NOTE: Even if you meet the eligibility requirements above, there are factors like criminal history that may prevent you from TPS eligibility.
Why is TPS beneficial?
- Some key benefits of TPS include:
- Protection from immigration detention and deportation- As long as you do not violate your TPS status, you cannot be detained by ICE or deported while having TPS.
- Work authorization- You are eligible to apply for work authorization at the same time you apply for TPS or once your TPS application is approved. The application for employment authorization has a fee of $520 with a few exceptions.
- Apply for permission to travel- With TPS, you can apply to travel outside of the U.S. This requires an additional application after you have been approved for TPS. CASA recommends consulting with an attorney before traveling outside of the U.S.
- No unlawful presence- During the period you have TPS, you will not acquire unlawful presence (which can impact future immigration applications with pathways for citizenship).
NOTE: TPS is not a pathway for lawful permanent residence or citizenship
When can you apply for TPS?
- Re-registration- Current TPS holders must re-register (renew) for TPS between July 1, 2024 through August 30, 2024. If you are filing to re-register, there is no application fee though you will be responsible for the biometrics fee.
- NOTE: Failure to re-register properly within the 60-day period can result in the withdrawal of your TPS
- Initial registration- Initial TPS applications can be submitted between July 1, 2024 through February 3, 2026. An initial TPS application has a fee of $50.
NOTE: The biometrics fee for TPS $30.
How can you get more information and assistance with your TPS application?
- CASA is offering free consultations for our members to help guide you through the TPS process. Depending on where you live, we may be able to assist you with your initial application or renewal application.
- The CASA fees-
- TPS: $100
- TPS and work authorization: $150
- ***CASA will waive these fees for those who demonstrate a financial difficulty***
To receive a consultation or assistance on the TPS process, please visit https://wearecasa.org/updates/how-to-apply-for-tps-for-haiti/
** For more information on TPS for Haiti, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services website. **
NOTE: This publication is for general education only, and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different. We recommend that you consult with an experienced immigration professional to assess your potential eligibility for TPS.
