Help With Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Applications in California

By Claim My CA Property – Immigration Documentation Assistance & Asset Investigators
https://claimmycaproperty.com

Introduction

California is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States. For individuals from countries suffering from armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is often a vital immigration relief option. TPS allows eligible individuals to live and work legally in the U.S. without fear of removal during a designated period of protection.

At Claim My CA Property, we help immigrants and their families navigate the complex TPS application process, ensure their supporting documentation is properly filed, and even help them retrieve any unclaimed government benefits, payroll checks, or financial assets they may be entitled to under California law.

This blog post explains everything you need to know about TPS eligibility, how to apply in California, and how we can help.

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration benefit granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It provides temporary legal status and work authorization to nationals of certain countries where conditions prevent safe return.

TPS Provides:

Protection from deportation
Authorization to work legally in the U.S.
Travel authorization (with advance parole)
Eligibility to apply for a driver’s license or SSN

TPS is not a pathway to permanent residency, but many TPS holders later apply for green cards through other immigration avenues.

Who Is Eligible for TPS?

To qualify for TPS, you must:

Be a national of a country designated for TPS (or a stateless person who last resided in that country)
File during the open registration or re-registration period
Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the date specified by DHS
Have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date DHS defines for each country
Not have certain criminal convictions or be otherwise inadmissible

TPS-Designated Countries (as of 2025)

Countries currently designated for TPS include:

El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
Nicaragua
Venezuela
Ukraine
Syria
Sudan
South Sudan
Cameroon
Yemen
Myanmar (Burma)
Somalia
Nepal
Afghanistan
Ethiopia

(See the latest list at the USCIS website.)

How to Apply for TPS in California

1. File Form I-821

You must complete Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. This form must be submitted either online or by mail during the official registration or re-registration period.

2. Include Form I-765 (Optional)

If you want to work legally, also submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if approved.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

You’ll need to submit:

Proof of identity and nationality (passport, national ID)
Proof of date of entry into the U.S.
Evidence of continuous residence (bills, leases, school records, etc.)
Criminal record documents (if any)
Filing fees or a request for a fee waiver (Form I-912)

4. Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will notify you of a biometric appointment (fingerprinting and photo). You must attend this in person, usually at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) in California.

5. Wait for USCIS Decision

TPS applications take several months to process. If approved, you’ll receive an official notice and a work permit (if requested).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing too late or outside the registration window
Providing incomplete or incorrect documentation
Missing your biometric appointment
Not requesting a fee waiver if you qualify
Failing to re-register when required

TPS Re-Registration Requirements

If you already have TPS and your country’s designation is extended, you must re-register to maintain your status. Failure to do so may result in losing your work permit or protection from removal.

Can TPS Lead to a Green Card?

While TPS is temporary, many recipients find other legal pathways to remain permanently in the U.S., such as:

Family-based green card (via marriage to a U.S. citizen)
Adjustment of Status under special court decisions like Ramirez v. Brown
Employment-based sponsorship
Asylum or U Visa pathways

Every case is different. An experienced legal team or accredited immigration representative can evaluate your options.

How Claim My CA Property Can Help

We provide non-attorney immigration documentation assistance and help with TPS-related financial matters for residents across California.

1. Application Support

We help complete and organize Forms I-821, I-765, and I-912, and ensure your supporting documentation meets USCIS standards.

2. Translation and Notarization

All foreign-language documents must be translated and certified. We offer certified translation and notarization services for TPS applications.

3. Fee Waiver Help

Many TPS applicants qualify for a fee waiver but don’t know how to apply correctly. We handle this form and attach the necessary financial documentation.

4. Help for Deceased or Deported Family Members

If you are the surviving relative of a deceased TPS holder or someone who was deported while funds or property were pending in California, we help you claim:

Unpaid wages
Unclaimed tax refunds
Payroll checks
Dormant bank accounts
State-held assets

5. Claiming Government and Unclaimed Property Funds

Many TPS holders and their families are unaware that they may have unclaimed funds or benefits in California’s possession. We assist in filing with the State Controller’s Office to recover lost property.

Why California TPS Applicants Need Extra Support

TPS applicants living in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Fresno, and other cities often encounter barriers such as:

Language differences
Lack of legal knowledge
Misinformation
Exploitative notarios (unauthorized legal consultants)

Claim My CA Property is based in California and understands the specific needs of immigrants seeking legal protection and financial assistance in this state.

Can You Apply for TPS If You’re Undocumented?

Yes. TPS is often granted to individuals who entered without inspection or who overstayed visas. However, applying for TPS does not automatically legalize your immigration status or make you eligible for other benefits unless you meet additional criteria.

What Happens If You’re Denied TPS?

A denial can lead to:

Termination of work authorization
Risk of removal (depending on your history and status)
Ineligibility for re-registration or future benefits

If you are denied, contact an immigration attorney or legal aid service immediately. Claim My CA Property can still assist you with recovering lost funds, benefits, and documents tied to your identity or family.

Final Tips for Success

Keep a full copy of every form and document you send
Monitor your USCIS case online: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) on time
Keep your contact information updated with USCIS
Never ignore a denial or biometric appointment notice

Conclusion

Applying for TPS in California can be a lifeline—but it can also be a confusing and high-stakes process. Don’t go through it alone. Let Claim My CA Property help you with your forms, document translation, fee waivers, and even uncover unclaimed money or benefits tied to your name or family history.

Our mission is to support immigrants and their families by helping them gain legal protection, access work authorization, and recover any lost property or wages due to them under California law.

Visit us at: https://claimmycaproperty.com
📞 Call for a free consultation today.

25 Helpful Backlinks

USCIS – TPS Overview
Form I-821 – TPS Application
Form I-765 – Employment Authorization
Form I-912 – Fee Waiver Request
TPS Designated Country List
USCIS TPS Filing Instructions
California State Controller – Unclaimed Property Search
Legal Aid at Work – Immigrant Rights
CA Department of Social Services – Immigration Services
Catholic Charities of California – Immigration Help
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
CA Courts Self Help – Immigration Info
State Bar of California – Finding Legal Help
USCIS Case Status Tracker
American Immigration Council
United We Dream – TPS Help
SEIU TPS Resources
Justice Action Center
National TPS Alliance
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
CA Department of Public Health – Vital Records
U.S. State Department – Country Conditions Reports
National Immigration Forum
CA Immigrant Guide
Claim My CA Property – Immigration Help