TPS Lawyer in North Carolina
Over 85 years of combined attorney experience helping TPS holders maintain status and explore permanent options. Bilingual attorneys in Charlotte, Raleigh & Smithfield. Call 1-844-967-3536.
Understanding Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian immigration benefit granted to nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible. TPS provides protection from deportation and work authorization for designated periods, typically 6 to 18 months at a time, with extensions possible. At Vasquez Law Firm, we represent TPS holders throughout North Carolina, helping them maintain their status, obtain work permits, and plan for long-term immigration solutions.
North Carolina has a large population of current and former TPS holders, particularly from El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti and Venezuela. Many have lived in the United States for decades, building families, businesses and deep community ties — and for several of those countries the designation has now been terminated, which is exactly when good advice matters most. Our Charlotte and Raleigh attorneys file re-registrations on time for those still eligible, and for those whose designation has ended we look at what other relief may be available rather than treating the case as closed.
TPS Eligibility Requirements
Nationality or Habitual Residence
Must be a national of a TPS-designated country, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in a designated country
Continuous Physical Presence
Must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the designated date for your country
Continuous Residence
Must have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date specified in the Federal Register notice
No Disqualifying Criminal History
Must not have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States
Timely Registration
Must file during the initial registration or re-registration period, or show good cause for late filing
TPS-Designated Countries
The Secretary of Homeland Security designates countries for TPS based on conditions that prevent safe return. Designations are added, extended and terminated frequently, so the list below is dated. Always confirm your own country's current status with USCIS or with our office before relying on it.
As of 11 September 2026:
Currently designated
- • El Salvador
- • Ukraine
- • Sudan
- • Lebanon
Designation terminated
- • Honduras — 8 Sep 2025 (contested in court)
- • Venezuela — 7 Nov 2025
- • Yemen — 20 Jul 2026
- • Haiti — 27 Jul 2026
- • Syria — 27 Jul 2026
If your country is on the terminated list, do not assume you have lost everything. Termination dates, work-permit validity and court challenges do not all move together — Honduras is still being litigated, and some employment authorization documents stay valid past a termination date. Other relief may also be open to you. Talk to us before you stop working or make plans to leave: 1-844-967-3536.
Important: Designations are subject to change. Countries can be added, extended, or terminated at any time. Each country has specific registration dates and deadlines. Contact our office for the most up-to-date information about your country's TPS designation.
TPS Application and Re-Registration Process
1. Monitor Federal Register Notices
USCIS publishes registration periods and deadlines in the Federal Register. We track these for all designated countries
2. File Required Forms
Submit Form I-821 (TPS application) and Form I-765 (employment authorization) during the registration window
3. Pay Filing Fees
Fees include the I-821 fee and I-765 fee. Fee waivers may be available based on financial hardship
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment
Complete fingerprinting and background check at a USCIS Application Support Center in Charlotte or Raleigh
5. Receive EAD and TPS Approval
Upon approval, receive your Employment Authorization Document and TPS approval notice valid for the designation period
TPS to Green Card: Exploring Permanent Options
While TPS is temporary by design, many long-term TPS holders seek more permanent immigration solutions. Depending on your circumstances, several options may be available:
Family-Based Immigration
If you have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member who can petition for you, this may provide a path to a green card. Recent court rulings have held that TPS constitutes a lawful admission for adjustment of status purposes in many circuits.
Employment-Based Immigration
An employer can sponsor you for a green card through the PERM labor certification process. Combined with TPS being treated as lawful admission in some jurisdictions, this can lead to adjustment of status within the U.S.
Advance Parole and Lawful Entry
Traveling on advance parole and re-entering the U.S. can create a lawful admission that enables adjustment of status for TPS holders who originally entered without inspection. This strategy requires careful legal planning.
Keep Your TPS Current
Missing a re-registration deadline can cost you your TPS status and work authorization. Our firm monitors Federal Register notices and contacts clients proactively when re-registration periods open. Let us help you stay protected.
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TPS in North Carolina: Key Information for Protected Status Holders
Thousands of North Carolina residents depend on TPS for their ability to work and remain safely in the United States. Understanding the re-registration process, work authorization rules, and long-term options is essential for maintaining protection.
Re-Registration Deadlines Matter
Each time TPS is extended for a country, USCIS sets a specific re-registration period, typically 60 days. Filing outside this window without demonstrating good cause can result in denial. Our firm tracks all TPS deadlines for every designated country and proactively contacts clients when their re-registration period opens. We prepare and file the I-821 and I-765 forms promptly to ensure no gaps in work authorization or protected status.
TPS and Criminal Convictions
TPS can be denied or revoked based on criminal history. One felony conviction or two misdemeanor convictions committed in the United States will disqualify you. Even charges that were reduced or dismissed through plea bargains may still count depending on how they are classified. If you have any criminal history, consult an immigration attorney before filing your TPS re-registration to assess how your record may affect your eligibility and whether any post-conviction relief is available.
TPS Holders with U.S. Citizen Children
Many TPS holders have U.S. citizen children born in the United States. When these children turn 21, they can file an I-130 petition for their TPS-holder parent. If the parent entered the U.S. with inspection (or has since obtained advance parole creating a lawful entry), they may be eligible to adjust status to permanent residence without leaving the country. This is a powerful long-term strategy that requires advance planning and careful legal analysis.
Work Authorization During TPS
TPS grants work authorization through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When TPS is extended, USCIS typically auto-extends existing EADs for a set period while renewals are processed. Employers can verify continued work authorization through the I-797C receipt notice and the Federal Register automatic extension notice. We provide our clients with documentation to show employers confirming their continued authorization to work while renewal applications are pending.
Frequently Asked Questions About TPS
Which countries currently have TPS designation?
TPS designations change often, so any list needs a date attached. As of 11 September 2026, the countries with active TPS designations are El Salvador, Ukraine, Sudan and Lebanon. Several designations have been terminated: Honduras (8 September 2025, currently contested in court), Venezuela (7 November 2025), Yemen (20 July 2026), and Haiti and Syria (both 27 July 2026). A termination does not always mean your work permit stopped on that date, and it does not mean no other relief is available, so speak to an immigration attorney before acting. Confirm the current list at uscis.gov or call our office.
Can I get a green card while on TPS?
TPS itself does not provide a path to a green card. However, TPS holders may be eligible for permanent residency through other channels such as family-based petitions, employer sponsorship, or other visa categories. Recent court decisions have clarified that TPS holders who entered the U.S. with inspection may be eligible for adjustment of status. Consult an attorney to explore your specific options.
What happens if TPS is terminated for my country?
If TPS is terminated, recipients typically receive a transition period (usually 6 to 18 months) to arrange their departure or seek alternative immigration status. During this transition, work authorization continues. However, court injunctions have delayed several TPS terminations. An attorney can help you explore other forms of immigration relief before termination takes effect.
Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?
TPS holders can apply for advance parole (travel authorization) using Form I-131. You must receive approval before traveling. Traveling without approved advance parole may result in loss of TPS status. Additionally, re-entry with advance parole may create a lawful admission that could benefit future green card applications.
How do I renew my TPS and work permit?
When the Secretary of Homeland Security extends or redesignates TPS for your country, USCIS publishes a Federal Register notice with re-registration instructions and deadlines. You must file Form I-821 (TPS application) and Form I-765 (work permit) during the designated re-registration period. Missing the deadline can result in loss of TPS status.
Can my family members get TPS too?
Each family member must independently qualify for TPS. Being related to a TPS holder does not automatically confer TPS on family members. Each person must be a national of a designated country, have been continuously present in the U.S. since the designated date, file their own application, and meet all eligibility requirements including criminal background checks.
Need help with your TPS application or want to explore permanent residency options? Contact Vasquez Law Firm at 1-844-967-3536. Se habla espanol.