# Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Ethiopia

If you are applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Ethiopia’s designation, effective Dec. 12, 2022, you must register during the 18-month registration period that runs from Dec. 12, 2022, through June 12, 2024. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the 18-month registration period.

If you are applying for TPS Ethiopia, you may file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online. When filing an initial TPS application, 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

You may request a waiver of the fees for Form I-821, Form I-765, or both by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. However, if you request a fee waiver, you must file a paper application.

If you are filing a paper initial TPS application or re-registering for TPS, or if you are filing for a replacement EAD for TPS you were already granted, 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 June 12, 2024. We will issue employment authorization documentation, as appropriate, during the registration period. See 8 CFR 244.5(b).

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 webpage. You can find the filing fees for TPS related forms on our Fee Schedule 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 1 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 obtain such forms; however, all USCIS forms are free for download from the USCIS website at uscis.gov/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 is available on the USCIS website on the Find Legal Services webpage.

We do not 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 Grounds 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.

**Non-USCIS Links**
                    - Department of Justice, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section

04/01/2024

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