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For TPS holders in Anaheim and across Orange County, staying current with your Temporary Protected Status extension is essential to maintaining your work authorization, protection from deportation, and access to benefits. SoCal Immigration Services guides TPS beneficiaries through every step of the renewal process in 2026.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration benefit granted by the U.S. government to nationals of countries experiencing extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible:

• Armed conflict (civil war, ongoing military operations)
• Environmental disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding)
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions (epidemics, state collapse)

TPS does not lead directly to permanent residency, but it provides critical protections. TPS holders can live and work legally in the United States, are protected from deportation, and can apply for travel authorization. As of 2026, approximately 863,000 individuals hold TPS in the United States, making it one of the most widely used humanitarian protections.

Current TPS-Designated Countries in 2026

The following countries have active TPS designations as of early 2026. Designation dates and expiration periods vary by country:

•Syria — Designated since 2012 due to ongoing civil conflict; one of the longest-running TPS designations
•Yemen — Designated since 2015 due to armed conflict and humanitarian crisis
•Somalia — Designated since 2012 due to armed conflict and instability
•Sudan — Designated since 2022 due to armed conflict following the 2021 military coup and 2023 civil war
•South Sudan — Designated since 2011 due to ongoing armed conflict
•Haiti — Redesignated multiple times; current designation covers the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis
•Venezuela — Designated since 2021; multiple extensions and redesignations through 2026
•Afghanistan — Designated since 2022 following the Taliban takeover
•Ukraine — Designated since 2022 due to the Russian invasion
•Myanmar (Burma) — Designated since 2021 following the military coup
•Ethiopia — Designated due to ongoing armed conflict in multiple regions
•Lebanon — Designated in 2024 due to escalating conflict and humanitarian emergency

The TPS Extension Process for 2026

When the Department of Homeland Security extends TPS for a designated country, beneficiaries must take specific steps to maintain their status:

1
Monitor Federal Register Notices
DHS publishes TPS extension announcements in the Federal Register. These notices specify the re-registration period, which typically lasts 60 days. Missing this window can result in loss of TPS.
2
File Form I-821 for Re-Registration
Submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) during the designated re-registration period. This form confirms your continued eligibility and intent to maintain TPS.
3
Submit Form I-765 for EAD Renewal
File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization Document) simultaneously with your I-821 to renew your work permit. Include the correct TPS-related category code.
4
Pay Required Fees or Request Fee Waiver
Submit the I-821 re-registration fee and I-765 biometrics fee. If you cannot afford the fees, file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with supporting documentation of financial hardship.
5
Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. Attend on time with your appointment notice and valid identification.
6
Receive Updated EAD Card
After approval, USCIS issues a new Employment Authorization Document. Until your new card arrives, automatic extensions published in the Federal Register keep your current EAD valid.

EAD Renewal Under TPS: Employment Authorization

Your Employment Authorization Document is the most important practical benefit of TPS. Here is what every TPS holder in Anaheim needs to know about EAD renewals:

• Automatic extensions: When DHS extends TPS, it typically auto-extends existing EADs for 180 days (sometimes longer) so you can continue working while your renewal is processed
• You must still file Form I-765 during the re-registration period even if your EAD is auto-extended
• Carry both your expired EAD card and the Federal Register notice showing the automatic extension — employers must accept this combination as valid work authorization
• Processing times for new EAD cards currently average 3-5 months after filing
• If your employer questions your work authorization, refer them to the USCIS I-9 Central guidance on TPS auto-extensions

Over 92% of TPS holders rely on their EAD as their sole work authorization document. Letting it lapse means losing your job and income.

Travel Authorization for TPS Holders

TPS holders can travel internationally, but you must obtain advance permission to avoid losing your status:

• File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) to request Advance Parole before any international travel
• Travel without Advance Parole results in automatic abandonment of your TPS — you will not be readmitted
• Processing times for I-131 currently range from 3-8 months, so plan well in advance
• Advance Parole allows you to depart and return to the U.S. for humanitarian, employment, or educational purposes
• Each trip abroad requires valid Advance Parole — a previously used document may not be reused
• Re-entry with Advance Parole may create a new 'admission' that is significant for future green card eligibility

For TPS holders from Syria, Yemen, and other countries with active travel advisories, returning to your home country carries additional risks. We advise clients to carefully evaluate whether international travel is necessary.

TPS to Green Card Pathways

While TPS itself does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, several pathways exist for TPS holders to obtain a green card:

•Family-based petition: If a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child files an I-130 petition on your behalf, you may be eligible to adjust status. Re-entry with Advance Parole can establish the lawful 'admission' required for adjustment.
•Employment-based sponsorship: If your employer sponsors you for a green card through labor certification (PERM) and an I-140 petition, you can adjust status once your priority date is current.
•Asylum: TPS holders who also have a pending or approved asylum claim have an independent path to permanent residency after one year of asylee status.
•Special Immigrant Visa (SIV): Iraqi and Afghan TPS holders who worked with the U.S. government may qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa.
•U Visa or VAWA: TPS holders who are victims of qualifying crimes or domestic violence can pursue these independent immigration protections that lead to green cards.
•Registry: In rare cases, TPS holders who have been continuously present in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972, can apply for registry under INA Section 249.

Late TPS Registration and What to Do If You Missed the Deadline

Missing the TPS re-registration window is a serious problem, but options may still exist:

• USCIS allows late registration if you can demonstrate 'good cause' for missing the deadline
• Valid reasons include serious illness, hospitalization, postal service failure, attorney error, or lack of notice
• File Form I-821 as soon as possible with a detailed written explanation of why you missed the deadline
• Include supporting evidence: medical records, postal tracking showing non-delivery, or attorney correspondence
• Late filings are evaluated on a case-by-case basis — there is no guaranteed approval
• If USCIS denies your late registration, you lose TPS and any associated benefits immediately

Every year, thousands of TPS holders lose their status simply because they missed the re-registration window. We send reminders to all our clients and monitor Federal Register announcements continuously so this does not happen to you.

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services for TPS in Anaheim

TPS holders in Anaheim trust our team because we provide comprehensive support through every aspect of Temporary Protected Status:

•Complete TPS re-registration filing — Form I-821, I-765, and all supporting documents prepared and submitted on time
•EAD renewal tracking to ensure you never experience a gap in work authorization
•Advance Parole applications for TPS holders who need to travel internationally
•Green card pathway evaluation — we analyze every possible route from TPS to permanent residency
•Fee waiver preparation (Form I-912) for TPS holders experiencing financial hardship
•Late registration assistance with compelling good-cause arguments
•Arabic-speaking staff who understand the specific concerns of Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, and Lebanese TPS holders
•Ongoing case monitoring with proactive deadline reminders so you never miss a re-registration period

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What happens if I miss the TPS re-registration period?

A: Missing the re-registration period can result in loss of your TPS and work authorization. However, USCIS accepts late registrations if you demonstrate good cause for the delay, such as serious illness, postal failure, or not receiving the notice. File as soon as possible with a detailed explanation and supporting evidence. Contact us at (714) 421-8872 immediately if you missed your deadline.

Q:Can I get a green card while on TPS?

A: TPS does not directly lead to a green card, but you can pursue permanent residency through family-based petitions, employer sponsorship, asylum, or other qualifying categories. Re-entry with Advance Parole can establish the lawful admission required for adjustment of status. We evaluate every client's eligibility for green card pathways during TPS consultations.

Q:Is my EAD still valid after my TPS country's designation expires?

A: When DHS extends TPS for your country, it publishes an automatic EAD extension in the Federal Register. This extension keeps your current EAD valid — typically for 180 days — while your renewal is processed. You should carry both your EAD card and a copy of the Federal Register notice as proof of continued work authorization.

Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?

A: Yes, but you must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131) before departing. Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole abandons your TPS, and you will not be readmitted. Processing takes 3-8 months, so apply well ahead of any planned travel. Each trip requires a valid, unused Advance Parole document.

Q:Do I have to pay fees every time TPS is extended?

A: Yes, re-registration requires payment of filing and biometrics fees with each extension period. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver using Form I-912 with documentation of your income and expenses. Our team helps TPS holders prepare fee waiver requests regularly.

Q:What TPS benefits am I entitled to besides work authorization?

A: Beyond your EAD, TPS provides protection from deportation (removal), eligibility for a Social Security number, ability to obtain a driver's license in California, and the right to apply for Advance Parole for international travel. Some TPS holders may also qualify for state and local benefits depending on their circumstances.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Anaheim and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 10, 2026Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Need Help With Your TPS Extension in Anaheim?

Do not risk losing your Temporary Protected Status. Our team ensures your re-registration is filed on time, your EAD stays current, and you understand every benefit available to you.

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TPS Extension Benefits in Anaheim: Temporary Protected Status Renewal Guide for 2026