Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

On March 8, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Venezuelans eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This new designation allows Venezuelan nationals (and individuals that last resided in Venezuela) currently living in the United States to file for TPS. During the 18-month period, TPS recipients can legally live and work in the United States. This TPS designation comes in response to Venezuela’s continuing deep economic and political crises that have created the largest refugee problem in Latin America.

TPS applicants must apply before September 5, 2021 and must show continuous residence in the U.S. since March 8, 2021 and continuous physical presence in the U.S. since March 9, 2021. Applicants are eligible to apply for both travel and work authorization.

Venezuelans in the United States are also granted Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). There are no requirements to apply. DED applies to individuals physically present in the U.S. on January 20, 2021, and means they are not subject to removal and are eligible to apply for work permits through July 7, 2022.