Immigration Update Pertaining to Ukraine and Its Designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
On April 19, 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through October 19, 2023.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.
What does this announcement mean?
The designation of TPS for Ukraine allows Ukrainian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Ukraine) who have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022 and have had continuous physical presence in the United States since April 19, 2022 to file an initial application for TPS, as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Individuals granted TPS are not removable from the United States, can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit, Social Security Number, and may be granted travel authorization.
When can I apply for TPS?
The registration period for eligible individuals begins on April 19, 2022 and will remain in effect through October 19, 2023.
How do I apply?
We recommend consulting a lawyer to determine if you are eligible to apply for TPS and to learn more about what documents you need to include in your application.
If you have questions, please call Catholic Migration Services at (718) 236-3000, extension 2015, extension 2018, or you can e-mail us at immigrationassistance@catholicmigration.org with your name, phone number and the languages you speak.
For additional information, you can also contact Action NYC at (800) 354-0365 – Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – to connect with City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help.
Click here to download this update as a PDF: Immigration Update Pertaining to Ukraine and Its Designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Click here to download the Services to Ukrainian Nationals Flyer in English and Ukrainian