TPS AFGHANISTAN [English]

The U.S. government is offering Afghan people who are currently in the U.S. Temporary Protected Status (TPS). 

What is TPS?

TPS gives people temporary protection from deportation, legal status, and a work permit (Employment Authorization Card). TPS is temporary; the current designation of Afghanistan TPS is only for 18 months and ends on November 20, 2023. After that time, the U.S. government can extend TPS or choose to end it.

Do I qualify for Afghanistan TPS?

You may qualify for Afghanistan TPS if:

  • You are a citizen of Afghanistan

  • You have been in the U.S. since March 15, 2022 or earlier

* Certain crimes can make you ineligible for TPS *

Should I apply for TPS if I am an Operation Allies Welcome Afghan Evacuee/Parolee resettled in the United States?

If you are an Operation Allies Welcome Afghan Evacuee/Parolee resettled in the United States with two years of parole, ILAP does not recommend you apply for TPS while your parole is in place. Instead, you should work with an attorney or accredited representative to apply for permanent immigration options (such as asylum). If, after working with an attorney or accredited representative on permanent options, they recommend you apply for TPS, make sure to do so at least six to nine months before your parole ends AND before the TPS deadline on November 20, 2023. Make sure to save documents that show your presence in the United States since March 15, 2022, should you need to apply for TPS.

I am an Afghan national who is NOT an Operation Allies Welcome Afghan Evacuee/Parolee and I want to apply for TPS:

To apply for TPS, you will need:

  • An Afghanistan passport, birth certificate, or national ID;

  • A visa, even if expired, passport stamp, NTA, or any other immigration paperwork;

  • Documents showing you have been the U.S. since March 15, 2022, such as medical records, leases, pay stubs, or school records;

  • Records for any arrests, charges, and criminal court cases you may have in the U.S. at any time.

If you live in Maine, are not an Afghan Evacuee/Parolee, and want to apply for Afghanistan TPS, please collect the documents listed above, then visit www.ilapmaine.org/get-legal-help for information on how to schedule an intake appointment.

Last update: May 26, 2022.

ILAP MaineEnglish, TPS