**Can I Travel Outside The US With TPS? Key Travel Guidelines**

Can I Travel Outside The Us With Tps? Yes, with travel authorization. SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your journey is smooth and compliant with all regulations. Discover how to obtain necessary permissions and maintain your protected status while exploring new horizons. Navigating TPS travel can be straightforward with the right knowledge and planning, and this article provides detailed advice on immigration benefits and travel documents.

1. Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) offers temporary immigration benefits to eligible nationals of designated countries present in the United States.

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status provided to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the United States, due to conditions in their home country that prevent their safe return. These conditions may include ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary circumstances. TPS provides beneficiaries with several important protections and benefits. According to data from the Congressional Research Service, TPS has been a crucial lifeline for many immigrants facing precarious situations in their home countries, providing stability and the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.

What Benefits Does TPS Provide?

TPS offers several critical benefits to those who qualify:

• Protection from Removal: TPS recipients cannot be deported from the United States during the period their country is designated for TPS.

• Employment Authorization: TPS beneficiaries are eligible to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to legally work in the U.S.

• Travel Authorization: TPS holders may be granted travel authorization, permitting them to travel outside the U.S. and return.

• Not Detention Based on Immigration Status: Once granted TPS, an individual cannot be detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on their immigration status in the United States.

Note: TPS is a temporary benefit and does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or any other permanent immigration status. However, it does not prevent you from applying for other immigration benefits for which you may be eligible.

Which Countries Are Currently Designated for TPS?

The Secretary of Homeland Security designates countries for TPS based on specific temporary conditions. These conditions prevent nationals from returning safely or make it difficult for the country to handle their return. The designated conditions are as follows:

• Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
• An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

Here’s an overview of the countries currently designated for TPS:

These designations are subject to change, so it is important to stay informed about any updates from USCIS.

Am I Eligible For TPS?

To be eligible for TPS, you must meet specific requirements:

• Nationality: You must be a national of a country designated for TPS or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country.
• Filing Period: You must file during the open initial registration or re-registration period, or meet the requirements for late initial filing during any extension of your country’s TPS designation.
• Continuous Physical Presence (CPP): You must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation date of your country.
• Continuous Residence (CR): You must have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country.

Exceptions to Continuous Physical Presence and Residence: The law allows for exceptions to the continuous physical presence and continuous residence requirements for brief, casual, and innocent departures from the United States. You must inform USCIS of all absences from the United States since the CPP and CR dates when you apply or re-register for TPS. USCIS will determine whether the exception applies in your case.

You may NOT be eligible for TPS or to maintain your existing TPS if you:

• Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States.
• Are found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds in INA section 212(a), including non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds.
• Are subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylum.
• Fail to meet the continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States requirements.
• Fail to meet initial or late initial TPS registration requirements.
• If granted TPS, you fail to re-register for TPS, as required, without good cause.

2. Can I Travel Outside the US with TPS?

Yes, but you must obtain travel authorization before you leave the United States. Traveling without prior authorization can jeopardize your TPS status and your ability to return.

How Do I Obtain Travel Authorization?

To secure permission to travel outside the U.S. with TPS, you must complete these steps:

1. File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: This form is essential for requesting either TPS travel authorization or advance parole.

2. Submit the Form to USCIS: Send your completed Form I-131 along with the required fee to the address specified by USCIS. If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status), send your forms to the address listed for your country. If you are filing Form I-131 separately based on a pending or approved Form I-821, check the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 page.

3. Wait for Approval: Do not leave the U.S. until USCIS approves your application and issues you a travel document. This document is crucial for your reentry.

What Documents Will USCIS Issue?

Depending on whether your TPS application is pending or approved, USCIS will issue one of the following documents:

• Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States: If your TPS has already been granted, USCIS will issue this document to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States.

• Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document: If your TPS application is still being adjudicated, USCIS will issue this document to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States.

What Happens When I Return to the US?

Upon your return to the United States, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your travel document and determine your eligibility for reentry.

• If you have Form I-512T: If a CBP officer determines that you are eligible, they will admit you into TPS upon your return.

• If you have Form I-512L: you will be paroled into the United States. Note that if you were previously granted parole, this admission will render you ineligible for a new period of parole.

It’s essential to carry your travel document and TPS documentation with you at all times during your travel.

What Happens If I Travel Without Authorization?

Traveling outside the U.S. without obtaining advance permission can have severe consequences:

• Loss of TPS: You may lose your TPS status.
• Inability to Reenter: You may be denied reentry into the United States.
• Denial of Pending TPS Application: If your TPS application is still pending, it may be denied.

To avoid these risks, always secure travel authorization before you leave the U.S.

3. How to Apply for Travel Authorization

Applying for travel authorization involves submitting Form I-131 and providing supporting documentation to USCIS.

What is Form I-131 and How Do I Obtain It?

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is used to apply for travel authorization, including advance parole for TPS beneficiaries.

You can download Form I-131 for free from the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/i-131.

What Documents Do I Need to Include With Form I-131?

When submitting Form I-131, include the following:

• Completed Form I-131: Make sure to fill out all sections accurately and completely.
• Filing Fee: Include the correct filing fee, which can be found on the USCIS Fee Schedule.
• Copy of TPS Approval Notice or Pending Application Receipt: Provide evidence of your TPS status.
• Passport-Style Photos: Include two passport-style photos of yourself.
• Explanation of Travel Need: Provide a detailed explanation of why you need to travel outside the U.S., including the purpose, destination, and duration of your trip.
• Supporting Documents: Include any documents that support your need to travel, such as medical records, death certificates, or letters from family members.

Ensure that all documents are translated into English if they are in another language.

Where Do I File Form I-131?

The filing location for Form I-131 depends on whether you are filing it with Form I-821 or separately.

• Filing with Form I-821: Send your forms to the address listed for your country. Click on “Temporary Protected Status” on the menu above left to find a list of countries designated for TPS. Then click on the name of your country.
• Filing Separately: Check the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 page.

What Should I Do After Filing Form I-131?

After filing Form I-131, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS. This notice confirms that USCIS has received your application.

• Check Case Status Online: Use the receipt number on your notice to check the status of your case online at the USCIS website.
• Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required): USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
• Wait for Decision: Wait for USCIS to make a decision on your application. This can take several months.

Do not leave the U.S. until you receive your travel document.

4. Maintaining Your TPS Status

Maintaining your TPS status requires re-registering during each re-registration period and adhering to all eligibility requirements.

How Often Do I Need to Re-Register for TPS?

You must re-register for TPS during each re-registration period to maintain your benefits. USCIS announces these periods in the Federal Register.

How Do I Re-Register for TPS?

To re-register for TPS, follow these steps:

1. File Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status: Complete Form I-821 and submit it to USCIS during the re-registration period.
2. File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (If Desired): If you want to maintain your employment authorization, file Form I-765 with your re-registration application.
3. Include Required Documents: Provide copies of your TPS approval notice, EAD, and any other documents required by USCIS.
4. Pay the Fee or Request a Fee Waiver: Pay the re-registration fee or submit Form I-912, Application for Fee Waiver, if you cannot afford the fee.

What Happens if I File Late?

USCIS may accept a late re-registration application if you have good cause for filing after the end of the re-registration period. You must submit a letter that explains your reason for filing late with your re-registration application. If you file your TPS re-registration application late, processing may be delayed and can lead to gaps in your work authorization.

5. Special Considerations for Travel

Certain situations require additional attention when planning travel with TPS.

What If My TPS is Granted by an Immigration Judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals?

If an Immigration Judge (IJ) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) granted you TPS, you must provide USCIS with proof of the TPS grant (such as a final order from the IJ or final decision from the BIA) when you file for your first TPS benefit (such as an EAD, travel authorization, or with your first TPS re-registration application filed with USCIS). You should also submit a copy of the I-821 TPS application that the IJ or the BIA approved.

What If I Have a Pending TPS Application?

If you have a pending TPS application and wish to travel outside the United States, you must apply for travel authorization. If we approve your request for travel authorization, we will issue you a Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, to serve as evidence of DHS’s prior consent to your travel outside the United States.

If you leave the United States without first obtaining advance parole, we may deny your application for TPS, and you may not be able to reenter the United States.

What If I Need to Travel Urgently?

If you have an emergency need to travel abroad for humanitarian reasons, you may request expedited processing on your advance parole application (Form I-131) after you have appeared at an ASC for your biometrics appointment. Include evidence of your emergency, such as medical records or a death certificate, with your application.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common errors can help ensure a smooth application process and prevent delays or denials.

What Are Common Mistakes in TPS Applications?

• Incomplete Forms: Make sure to fill out all sections of the forms accurately and completely.
• Incorrect Fees: Pay the correct filing fee or submit a properly documented fee waiver request.
• Missing Documents: Include all required documents, such as copies of your passport, TPS approval notice, and evidence of continuous residence.
• Failure to Re-Register on Time: Re-register for TPS during each re-registration period to maintain your benefits.
• Traveling Without Authorization: Obtain travel authorization before leaving the U.S.

How Can I Avoid These Mistakes?

• Read Instructions Carefully: Read the instructions for each form carefully and follow them precisely.
• Gather All Required Documents: Make a checklist of all required documents and gather them before you start filling out the forms.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have questions or concerns.

7. Navigating Travel with SIXT.VN

SIXT.VN is dedicated to assisting you with your travel needs, providing seamless and reliable services.

How Can SIXT.VN Help with My Travel Plans?

SIXT.VN offers a range of services to support your travel needs:

• Airport Transfers: Reliable and convenient airport transfer services to ensure you reach your destination safely.
• Hotel Booking: Assistance in finding and booking accommodations that suit your preferences and budget.
• Tour Packages: Customized tour packages to explore the best destinations in Vietnam.

Why Choose SIXT.VN for Your Travel Needs?

• Convenience: Easy online booking and customer support.
• Reliability: Dependable services to ensure your travel plans run smoothly.
• Expertise: Experienced travel professionals who understand the unique needs of international travelers.

Let SIXT.VN be your trusted partner in making your travel dreams a reality. We provide seamless services, ensuring your journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358

Website: SIXT.VN

8. Additional Immigration Options

TPS is a temporary benefit, so it’s essential to explore other immigration options for long-term stability.

What Other Immigration Options Are Available?

If you are eligible, you might be able to apply for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for a lawful permanent status (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.

What About Asylum?

Being granted and maintaining TPS status until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, if the one-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).

9. Avoiding Immigration Scams

Protect yourself from unauthorized practitioners who may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms.

How Can I Avoid Immigration Scams?

• Seek Legal Advice from Authorized Professionals: Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. A list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS website on the finding legal advice web page.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of individuals who approach you with promises of immigration benefits in exchange for a fee.
• Report Suspected Scams: If you believe you have been targeted by an immigration scam, report it to the appropriate authorities.

What Resources Are Available to Help?

• USCIS Website: The USCIS website provides a wealth of information about immigration benefits and how to avoid scams.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to immigrants.
• Accredited Attorneys: Consult with an accredited attorney for personalized legal advice.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I travel outside the US with TPS?

Yes, you can travel outside the US with TPS, but you must obtain travel authorization from USCIS before you leave. This involves filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and receiving either Form I-512T (Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States) if your TPS is already granted, or Form I-512L (Advance Parole Document) if your TPS application is pending. Traveling without this authorization can jeopardize your TPS status and your ability to re-enter the United States.

2. How do I apply for travel authorization with TPS?

To apply for travel authorization with TPS, you need to complete and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to USCIS. Include the required filing fee, a copy of your TPS approval notice or receipt of your pending application, passport-style photos, and an explanation of your travel need. File the form at the location specified by USCIS, which depends on whether you are filing it with Form I-821 or separately.

3. What happens if I travel outside the US without TPS travel authorization?

If you travel outside the US without obtaining travel authorization while having TPS, you risk losing your TPS status and being denied re-entry into the United States. Additionally, if you have a pending TPS application, it may be denied if you leave without advance parole.

4. How often do I need to re-register for TPS?

To maintain your TPS status, you must re-register during each re-registration period announced by USCIS in the Federal Register. This typically involves filing Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you wish to maintain your employment authorization.

5. What are the eligibility requirements for TPS?

To be eligible for TPS, you must be a national of a country designated for TPS (or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country), file during the open registration or re-registration period, have been continuously physically present in the US since the effective date of your country’s designation, and have continuously resided in the US since the date specified for your country.

6. What documents do I need to apply for TPS?

When applying for TPS, you typically need to provide identity and nationality evidence (such as a passport or birth certificate), date of entry evidence (like an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record), and continuous residence evidence (such as employment records, rent receipts, or school records).

7. What should I do if my TPS application is denied?

If your TPS application is denied, you will receive a letter from USCIS explaining the reason for the denial. The letter will also indicate whether you have the right to appeal the decision to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days. You can also consult with an accredited legal representative to determine the best course of action.

8. Can I work in the US with TPS?

Yes, if you are granted TPS, you are eligible to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to legally work in the United States. To obtain an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with your TPS application or re-registration.

9. What is the difference between TPS and asylum?

TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries due to conditions in their home country that prevent their safe return. Asylum, on the other hand, is a form of protection granted to individuals who have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. TPS does not lead to permanent residency, while asylum can.

10. How can SIXT.VN help with my travel plans related to TPS?

SIXT.VN can assist with various aspects of your travel plans, including providing reliable airport transfer services to ensure you reach your destination safely, assisting with hotel booking to find accommodations that suit your preferences and budget, and offering customized tour packages to explore destinations in Vietnam.

Navigating travel with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) requires careful planning and adherence to USCIS guidelines. With the right information and resources, you can travel safely and maintain your protected status. SIXT.VN is here to assist you with your travel needs, providing reliable and convenient services to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Safe travels!