If you’re from Venezuela and you’re currently in the U.S., you may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS allows you to stay and work in the U.S. until conditions improve in your country. If you’re eligible, you should apply for this immigration benefit.
If you want to learn whether you are eligible for Temporary Protected Status and you aren't from Venezuela, read our other article to learn more about general TPS information.
Eligibility Categories
Current Temporary Protected Status Status or Pending TPS Approval
For Venezuelans who are already on Temporary Protected Status or who have applied for Temporary Protected Status already and are still waiting for approval, you should apply to extend your TPS in January. You are able to submit your application between January 10 and March 10 of 2024, but we highly recommend you apply in January.
No Current Temporary Protected Status Status or Application
If you are from Venezuela, you should register for Temporary Protected Status if you fit in the following criteria:
- You currently live in the U.S.
- You are not currently on TPS
- You have lived in the U.S. since July 31, 2023
- You have not left the U.S. since October 3, 2023
Why Should You Apply Now?
Remember, TPS is a temporary immigrant status. It’s a fantastic way to get a short-term work permit and avoid the dangerous circumstances in your country, but it’s not a long-term option to immigrate to the United States.
If conditions in your home country improve or if the U.S. gets a new president that wants to change immigration policies, Temporary Protected Status for your country may end. Your long-term options may include getting a Green Card through a family member or a spouse, getting a visa or a Green Card through an employer, or applying for asylum. Talk to an immigration attorney about your best options.
Other TPS Eligible Countries
The dates for Temporary Protected Status eligibility and TPS filing vary depending on what country you’re from. As of December 2023, current Temporary Protected Status countries include:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cameroon
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
This list changes frequently, so you should check the USCIS website here to stay updated on the current list of countries that are eligible for Temporary Protected Status.
Attorney Tim Jones
Immigration attorney Tim Jones regularly files Temporary Protected Status cases. We’ve represented clients from most TPS countries, with an emphasis on Ukraine, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Central America. Regardless of which country you’re from, we’re happy to discuss your TPS case. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help.
