How Can Ukrainian Nationals Get TPS Status?
Ukrainian nationals who are in the United States on a valid visa, such as an H-1B or O-1 visa, and Ukrainian nationals with lawful permanent resident status, do not have to apply for TPS status, the protections will automatically apply. Ukrainian nationals who fled to the U.S., were visiting, are here on a tourist visa, or otherwise lack the criteria for automatic eligibility may apply for TPS.
What Does TPS Do?
Temporary Protective Status is granted based on nation, as opposed to based on individual applications, such as refugee status, which is awarded on a case-by-case basis. In order to be eligible for TPS, an individual must be from a country designated by the government for this kind of protection. Only 13 countries, including Ukraine, are currently eligible for this status. A country’s eligibility is determined by the government. A country is determined to be eligible if it is unsafe for nationals to remain in the country due to war, national disaster, or some other life-threatening crisis. TPS is initially granted for 18 months, but is extended until the government determines that it is no longer life-threatening for nationals to return to their home country. TPS is a temporary status that lasts until the immediate threat dissipates. It is not intended to be a path to citizenship and it does not allow for a change in status, although a TPS recipient could gain citizenship if they were to marry while in the country. TPS removes the threat of Ukrainians being deported back to their home country and gives them the right to legally live and work in the United States. Many Ukrainian students who are in the United States on student visas are relieved to hear that they are now eligible for TPS status, as student visas strictly limit the amount that they can work. TPS status will give Ukrainians who are here studying the ability to remain in the country after their student visas expire, and to work anywhere in the country. Many students have expressed gratitude as the increased flexibility for working will allow them to send money back home to their families who are trying to escape Ukraine.
Contact the Immigration Attorneys at HAWM Law
If you are a Ukrainian national currently living in Orlando, or the greater Florida area, and want to make sure that you can get Temporary Protective Status, the experienced immigration attorneys at HAWM Law are ready to help ensure that you receive all legal protections available to you. Contact HAWM Law today to schedule your own, personalized consultation.
