Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian immigration program that allows individuals from certain designated countries to live and work legally in the United States for a limited period. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates countries for TPS when conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary humanitarian crises make it unsafe for their citizens to return. In Minneapolis, many TPS recipients come from Central American countries, Haiti, and other regions impacted by instability. To qualify, applicants must be a national of a TPS-designated country, file during the open registration or re-registration period, and meet continuous physical presence and residence requirements. Applicants also must not have certain criminal convictions or be deemed ineligible for national security or immigration violations. TPS is not a path to permanent residency on its own, but it does protect individuals from deportation and allows them to apply for work authorization. At Goss Law, we help clients in the Twin Cities determine eligibility, prepare applications, and re-register on time to maintain status. Because deadlines and country designations change frequently, working with a Minneapolis TPS lawyer ensures you stay compliant and protected.

Applying for TPS requires filing Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most applicants also file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to obtain a work permit while their TPS is valid. In Minneapolis, TPS applicants must submit proof of identity, nationality, and residence, such as passports, birth certificates, and evidence of continuous residence in the U.S. (for example, utility bills, school records, or lease agreements). Filing fees are required unless you qualify for a fee waiver. USCIS may also schedule a biometrics appointment at the local application support center in the Twin Cities. Missing deadlines is one of the most common reasons for denial, so timely filing is critical. At Goss Law, we assist applicants in preparing accurate applications, gathering strong supporting evidence, and tracking deadlines for re-registration periods. We also provide guidance if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE). A Minneapolis TPS attorney helps ensure your application is not rejected for technical errors and that you remain in compliance with federal immigration rules throughout your time in the U.S.

Yes. One of the main benefits of Temporary Protected Status is the ability to legally work in the United States while your status is valid. Applicants file Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit, at the same time they apply for TPS or during re-registration. Once approved, the EAD allows TPS holders in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities to obtain lawful employment, apply for a Social Security number, and in many cases secure a Minnesota driver’s license. Work authorization is typically valid for the same period as TPS designation, and it can be renewed each time the government extends TPS for your country. However, employment authorization is not automatic—you must apply and keep your documents current. At Goss Law, we help clients track renewal dates and submit work authorization requests on time so they don’t face gaps in their ability to work. Having a Minneapolis TPS lawyer ensures that you not only maintain legal status but also remain eligible for continued employment throughout your time under TPS protection.

Temporary Protected Status itself does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or U.S. citizenship. TPS is considered a temporary humanitarian protection that allows individuals to remain in the United States legally and avoid deportation while their home country remains unsafe. However, TPS recipients in Minneapolis may still pursue other immigration options that can eventually lead to a Green Card. For example, a TPS holder who marries a U.S. citizen or qualifies for an employment-based petition may be eligible to adjust status if they meet all legal requirements. Some TPS recipients have also been able to pursue asylum, family-based petitions, or other humanitarian relief as pathways toward permanent residency. The rules are complex and frequently shifting due to changes in immigration law and court rulings. At Goss Law, we provide honest assessments for TPS clients in the Twin Cities, explaining whether a long-term option is available and what steps are realistic. While TPS itself is not permanent, it often provides the stability needed to explore more secure immigration solutions. A Minneapolis immigration attorney can help evaluate whether a transition to a Green Card is possible.

It is possible to file for TPS without an attorney, but working with a Minneapolis TPS lawyer helps avoid mistakes that can jeopardize your status. TPS applications require detailed documentation of identity, nationality, and continuous residence in the U.S. Missing evidence, incorrect filing fees, or missed deadlines are common reasons for denial. Because TPS is renewed in limited registration windows and subject to changing country designations, it is important to stay updated and compliant. At Goss Law, we help clients in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities file initial applications, re-register on time, and request work authorization. We also assist those who have been denied TPS by reviewing the decision and determining whether an appeal or motion to reopen is possible. While TPS does not guarantee permanent residency, it does provide critical protection against deportation and the ability to live and work lawfully. Having a lawyer ensures your application is handled correctly the first time and that you remain eligible for renewal. For individuals relying on TPS as their primary form of protection, legal guidance offers peace of mind and long-term security.