What Is TPS — And Why Does It End?
As 2025 approaches, thousands of people from certain countries currently living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) face an uncertain future and could benefit. TPS for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nepal, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela (both 2021 and 2023 designations) is scheduled to end between June and September 2025. If you or a loved one is dealing with any sort of immigration issues, a good Alexandria, VA employer immigration compliance lawyer
can answer questions about your particular situation.
If you hold TPS, it is crucial to understand that TPS is not a permanent immigration status — and when it ends, you could lose your ability to live and work legally in the United States unless you qualify for another status. They are however akin to non-immigrant status. This article explains what TPS is, what happens when it ends, and what options you may have to remain lawfully in the U.S., including family and employment-based visas, student visas, B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas, asylum, and the often-overlooked E‑2 investor visa, which can be an excellent option for those with even modest savings.
TPS is a temporary humanitarian protection granted to nationals of certain countries experiencing war, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions that make it unsafe to return. While you hold TPS, you can live and work in the U.S., but it is not a pathway to a green card or citizenship on its own.
When TPS ends — either because the U.S. government terminates the designation or because it expires — recipients revert to whatever immigration status they held before TPS. If you had no lawful status before TPS, you may become undocumented unless you secure a different legal status before your TPS ends.
That is why it is critical to explore your options now, while you still have lawful presence and work authorization.
Countries Losing TPS In 2025
Currently, TPS is scheduled to end in 2025 for nationals of the following countries:
- Nepal — June 24, 2025
- Afghanistan — July 14, 2025
- Cameroon — August 4, 2025
- Haiti — September 2, 2025
- Honduras — September 8, 2025
- Nicaragua — September 8, 2025
- Venezuela — April 3 & September 10, 2025 (depending on designation year)
What Are Your Options?
Even though TPS is temporary and does not directly lead to a green card, many people are eligible for other immigration benefits. Here are some of the most common options to explore:
Family-Based Immigration
If you have close family ties in the U.S., you may qualify for permanent residence through a family member.
- If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)
- If you have a U.S. citizen child over 21
- If you have a U.S. citizen or LPR parent
Employment-Based Immigration
TPS holders may also qualify through employment. This includes both:
- Permanent employment-based options, such as EB‑1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational executives), EB‑2 (advanced degree professionals or those with exceptional ability), EB‑3 (skilled workers, professionals, and some unskilled workers), and EB‑2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows you to self-petition.
- Temporary, non-immigrant employment options, such as an H‑1B visa for specialty workers or other work visas.
Student Visas (F‑1)
If you wish to pursue full-time education in the U.S., you can apply for a change of status to an F‑1 student visa, which allows you to remain lawfully while studying. This requires acceptance into a U.S. school and proof of sufficient financial support.
B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visas
Some TPS holders have successfully changed status to a B‑1 (business visitor) or B‑2 (tourist) visa when other immediate options weren’t available. While these are short-term and not permanent solutions, they can serve as bridges to other statuses, giving you more time to find a more permanent option while remaining in lawful status.
Asylum
For many nationals of TPS countries, asylum may be a viable — and sometimes critical — option. Asylum is available to people who fear persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Given the worsening conditions in many TPS-designated countries, asylum claims are particularly relevant:
- Venezuela: Political upheaval, economic collapse, and violent repression of dissent make it dangerous for many to return.
- Haiti: Political chaos, gang violence, and a collapse of civil order.
- Honduras: Violence fueled by gangs displaced from El Salvador’s crackdown.
- Nicaragua: A dictatorship cracking down on opponents, journalists, and civil society.
- Cameroon and Afghanistan also remain highly dangerous.
It’s important to note that asylum should normally be filed within one year of arrival in the U.S. However, if there have been changed circumstances — such as deteriorating conditions in your home country — this can excuse a late filing.
The E‑2 Investor Visa: An Overlooked Path
One of the most powerful — yet underused — options for many TPS holders is the E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa. The E‑2 allows nationals of treaty countries (including Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela, among others) to remain in the U.S. if they invest in and operate a business here.
Why The E‑2 Visa?
- It does not require a huge fortune — investments as low as $75,000–$150,000 may be sufficient.
- The business must be real, operating, and capable of supporting more than just you and your family.
- You can start your own company or purchase an existing one — many people buy small restaurants, cleaning companies, service businesses, or franchises.
- Spouses of E‑2 holders can also work legally, and the visa is renewable as long as the business continues to operate.
Why You Should Act Now
Waiting until TPS ends could leave you with fewer options and more challenges. Starting the process early — whether it’s a family petition, employment sponsorship, student or visitor visa, asylum, or preparing for an E‑2 investment — ensures you stay ahead of deadlines and maintain lawful presence.
Final Thoughts
TPS is a lifeline for many, but it was never meant to be permanent. With TPS ending for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nepal, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela, now is the time to act. Whether through family ties, employment (permanent or temporary), education, visitor visas as a bridge, asylum due to worsening conditions, or investment — especially the E‑2 — there are paths forward for those who plan ahead. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take charge of your future today.
Contact the Law Offices of Ricky Malik, PC.
