How to Apply for TPS in the United States as a Latin American Migrant

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. humanitarian program that protects eligible nationals from deportation and allows them to work legally. It was created under the Immigration Act of 1990 and is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

For migrants from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico living in Texas, TPS may represent an opportunity to live with stability and security. This guide provides reliable, up-to-date information about requirements, documents, and application steps. Don’t face this process alone, receive specialized guidance with expert lawyers to ensure your application is done right.

Requirements to apply for TPS

To qualify for TPS, you must meet several requirements regarding nationality, residence, and admissibility. These rules help DHS determine who is eligible and maintain the integrity of the program.

Below we explain the key conditions that migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, and other designated countries must fulfill when applying for TPS.

- Nationality and eligibility

You must be a national of a country designated for TPS, or a stateless person who last resided in such a country. Nationals of Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and others currently qualify. Migrants from Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, or Mexico may not have TPS designation but could be eligible for other protections such as asylum.

- Dates of residence and continuous presence

Applicants must prove continuous residence and physical presence since the dates established by DHS for their country. For Venezuelans, this means residence since March 8, 2021, and physical presence since March 9, 2021.

- Criminal record and restrictions

Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S. Security-related inadmissibility, such as terrorism or drug trafficking, will disqualify you. For migrants from countries like Guatemala or the Dominican Republic, minor infractions may be forgiven, but serious crimes will lead to denial.

Documents required for TPS application

Proper documentation is essential to demonstrate eligibility. USCIS may deny incomplete applications, so every detail matters.

Below are the main categories of documents you must submit.

- Proof of identity and nationality

Accepted documents include a passport, national ID card, birth certificate, or consular ID. Migrants from Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, or Mexico often rely on valid passports, while Guatemalans and Ecuadorians may also submit national registry documents.

- Evidence of residence in the United States

You must show continuous residence through rental agreements, utility bills, medical records, employment contracts, or school transcripts. For example, Peruvians or Argentinians can use pay stubs and tax returns to prove they have lived in Texas since the required dates.

- Official USCIS forms

• Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
• Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (optional but recommended)
• Form I-912: Request for Fee Waiver, if unable to pay

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for TPS requires accuracy and attention to deadlines. A mistake in any stage may result in rejection.

Here are the three main steps of the process.

1. Complete and submit Form I-821

Form I-821 must be filled out and submitted either online or by mail to USCIS. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and include all required evidence. Migrants from Equatorial Guinea or Ecuador should also attach certified translations of non-English documents.

2. Pay Fees and request a waiver

The filing fee for Form I-821 is around $50, and Form I-765 is about $410, plus $85 for biometrics. Those with financial hardship, including many families from Guatemala or Venezuela, may request a waiver using Form I-912.

3. Fingerprints and biometrics

After USCIS accepts your application, you will receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment. This includes fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. Missing this step will result in delays or denial.

TPS renewal and extension

TPS is temporary and must be renewed when DHS extends a country’s designation. Failure to re-register can cause you to lose status.

Here is what you need to know about keeping your TPS active.

- Deadlines to renew TPS status

When DHS extends TPS for your country, you must re-register within the announced period. For instance, Venezuelan TPS has been extended until September 10, 2025. Missing deadlines can place migrants from any country—including El Salvador or Haiti—at risk of deportation.

- Additional documentation for renewal

Renewals require submitting Form I-821 again and, if desired, Form I-765 for continued work authorization. Migrants from Peru, Mexico, or Argentina living in Texas must also provide updated evidence of residence, such as recent leases or tax returns.

Rights and benefits under TPS

TPS provides several protections and benefits that help migrants live with dignity and stability in the U.S.

Here are the main rights TPS holders enjoy.

- Work authorization (EAD)

With TPS approval, you can receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This allows you to work legally, apply for professional licenses, and access opportunities often unavailable to undocumented migrants.

- Protection from deportation

TPS protects you from deportation while the designation is in effect. Some migrants may also apply for advance parole (Form I-512T) to travel abroad. However, TPS does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Common mistakes when applying for TPS

Many applications are rejected due to avoidable errors. Understanding these risks can save you time, money, and stress.

Here are two of the most frequent mistakes migrants make.

- Missing key documents

Applications missing identity papers, residence evidence, or completed forms are commonly denied. For Venezuelans or Guatemalans, forgetting to attach certified translations of documents is also a frequent issue.

- Filing late or outside the window

Submitting your application after the deadline can disqualify you. Re-registration windows are strictly enforced, so migrants from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, or Ecuador must be attentive to USCIS announcements.

Migrating is not just about moving, it’s about seeking stability and dignity for you and your family. If you are from** Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, or Mexico**, TPS could be a path to protection in Texas. Don’t risk your future, receive specialized guidance with expert lawyers to secure your status with confidence.