When to File for TPS
If you currently have TPS under Ethiopia’s designation and would like to keep your TPS, you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from April 15, 2024, through – June 14, 2024. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the 60-day re-registration period. If you have a pending TPS application, you do not need to refile for TPS.
If you are filing an initial application for TPS under Ethiopia’s re-designation that is effective June 13, 2024, you must register during the registration period that runs from April 15, 2024, through Dec. 12, 2025. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the registration period.
Go to the TPS page for information about registering.
Where to File
If you are applying for TPS Ethiopia, you may fileForm I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online. When filing an initial TPS application, you can also request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completedForm I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online with your Form I-821.
File Online
You may request a waiver of the fees for Form I-821, Form I-765, or both by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. However, if you request a fee waiver, you must file a paper application.
If you are filing a paper initial TPS application or re-registering for TPS, or if you are filing for a replacement EAD for TPS you were already granted, send your TPS package to the appropriate address in the table below.
| If youare using... | Mail to... |
|---|---|
| the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) | USCIS Attn: TPS Ethiopia P.O. Box 8635 Chicago, IL 60680-8635 |
| FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries | USCIS Attn: TPS Ethiopia (Box 8635) 131 S. Dearborn – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
If we approve your TPS registration application and you filed Form I-765 and paid the fee for an EAD (or if we approved your fee waiver request), we will issue you an EAD with an expiration date of Dec. 12, 2025.We will issue employment authorization documentation, as appropriate, during the registration period. See8 CFR 244.5(b).
For more information on TPS eligibility requirements, what to file, and step-by-step instructions on submitting aninitial TPS application package, go to theTPS webpage. You can find the filing fees for TPS related forms on our Fee Schedule page.
Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension
USCIS has automatically extended through June 12, 2025, the validity of (EADs) issued under the TPS designation for Ethiopia with an original expiration date of June 12, 2024. If your EAD is covered by this automatic extension, you may continue to use your existing EAD through June 12, 2025, as evidence that you are authorized to work.
To prove that you are authorized to continue working legally, you may show your employer your TPS-related EAD with a June 12, 2024, expiration date. You may also show them a copy of the Federal Register notice announcing the automatic extension. Government agencies may also accept these documents if they need to determine your immigration status.
Your employer may rely on the Federal Register notice as evidence of the continuing validity of your EAD. Visit the USCIS webpage Documentation Employers May Accept and Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries May Present as Evidence of Employment Eligibility for more information.
If we approve your TPS re-registration application and you apply for an EAD and pay the fee (or we approve your fee -waiver request), we will issue you an EAD with the expiration date of Dec. 12, 2025.
For more information on TPS eligibility requirements, what to file, and step-by-step instructions, go to the TPS page.
Other Immigration Options
You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on theExplore My Optionspage.
To apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card), you must be eligible under 1 of the categories listed on theGreen Card Eligibility Categoriespage. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.
Note on Seeking Asylum:Being granted and maintaining TPS until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circ*mstance for the purposes of the 1-year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within 1 year of arriving in the United States, if the 1-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).
Avoid Scams
Please be aware that someunauthorized practitionersmay try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to obtain such forms; however, all USCIS forms are free for download from the USCIS website at uscis.gov/forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to obtain legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance. A list of accredited representatives is available on the USCIS website on theFind Legal Serviceswebpage.
We donotwant you to become a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit theAvoid Scamspage for information and resources.
Related Links
Forms
- Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Tools
- Fee Waiver Guidance
Other USCIS Links
- Working in the U.S.
Non-USCIS Links
