Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Afghanistan

If you are applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Afghanistan’s designation, effective May 20, 2022, you must register during the 18-month registration period that runs from May 20, 2022, through Nov. 20, 2023. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the 18-month registration period.

If you are applying for TPS Afghanistan, you may file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online. When filing an initial TPS application or re-registering for TPS, you can also request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online with your Form I-821.

File Online

If you are filing a paper application for a replacement EAD for already granted TPS, send your TPS package to the appropriate address in the table below:

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 Nov. 20, 2023.

For more information on TPS eligibility requirements, what to file, and step-by-step instructions on submitting an initial TPS application package, go to the TPS page.

You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card), you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on the Green Card Eligibility Categories page. 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 circumstance 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).

Please be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such 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 and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS Find Legal Services webpage.

We don’t want 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 the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

Forms

• Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground 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.
• Information for Afghan Nationals

Non-USCIS Links

• Department of Justice, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section