TPS for Ukraine: Status, Work Permits and What to Do Now

Immigration » TPS for Ukraine

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) lets eligible Ukrainians live and work in the United States while conditions in Ukraine remain unsafe. TPS is a temporary protection. It is not a green card, but TPS holders can still pursue other options. We help Ukrainian clients in all 50 states with TPS applications, work permits and long-term planning.

Where Ukraine TPS stands

Ukraine has been designated for TPS since 2022 and was extended in January 2025, with an end date of October 19, 2026.
As of this update, DHS has not published a new decision, and USCIS has said that an announcement will be made at the appropriate time and that people with TPS keep their protection in the meantime.
Some sources argue that the TPS statute automatically extends a designation for six months when no decision is published in time, which would run to April 19, 2027. DHS has not confirmed that date in writing, and many work permits and government systems still show October 19, 2026.
Because this is changing, keep all your documents and check back, or ask us for the current position.

Who may be eligible

Citizens of Ukraine, and people without nationality who last habitually lived in Ukraine.
Continuous residence and physical presence in the United States by the dates set in the designation notice.
No disqualifying criminal history or security bars.
Timely registration, or a good reason for late filing where the notice allows it.

The dates and registration windows come from the Federal Register notice and can differ for initial and re-registration filings. We check the current notice before you file.

What TPS gives you

Protection from removal while TPS is valid.
A work permit (employment authorization document).
Permission to request travel authorization, which should be approved before you leave the country.
A status that can sit alongside other applications, such as asylum or a family case.

Documents to keep

Your current work permit and approval notices.
Your I-94 and any receipt notices for pending filings.
Proof of Ukrainian nationality and of your entry and residence in the United States.
Any USCIS announcement or notice about the end date.

If you have a job or a DMV problem

Employers and motor vehicle offices sometimes rely on the date printed on a work permit or in an electronic system. If you are questioned, bring your documents and any USCIS statement, and contact us. We can help you prepare a short explanation of your position.

Long-term options

TPS is temporary, so we also look at asylum, a green card through family, employment-based options and, for some, Uniting for Ukraine parole and re-parole. A combination can give you more security than a single status.

Can I still apply for TPS for Ukraine?

It depends on the current notice and whether you meet the residence dates and filing rules. We check the notice and tell you if you can still register.

Can I travel on TPS?

Only with travel authorization approved in advance. Leaving without it can end your protection.

Can I have TPS and Uniting for Ukraine parole?

Yes, many Ukrainians have both, and each has its own work permit category and renewal rules.

How we work with clients nationwide

We represent clients in all 50 states because immigration law is federal. Every client receives access to our secure client portal, where you can message our firm 24/7, upload documents and follow your case from anywhere. The Law Office of Elena Vlady, PLLC is based in Austin, Texas. We also serve Russian and Ukrainian speakers.

Related TPS and parole guides

Talk to us about your TPS or parole situation

Request a consultation to review your situation. Legal plan members can mention their plan when booking.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. TPS and parole programs change quickly and are the subject of court cases, so the status described here may have changed since the date shown. We confirm current status with USCIS before advising you. Status summarized as of November 12, 2026.