What TPS replacement means and who needs it

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) replacement refers to getting a new or updated TPS-related document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when your current one is lost, damaged, stolen, or expired. The document you hold is usually an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card or an I-94 arrival/departure record, both of which prove your legal status to work and live in the United States under TPS.

You need a replacement if your card no longer works for employment verification, if your status has been extended and your old card shows an outdated expiration date, or if USCIS has issued you a new TPS designation that requires updated documentation. The replacement process is separate from renewing your TPS status itself — it is specifically about getting the physical or official proof of the status you already hold.

TPS is granted to nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or epidemic disease. As of now, countries with active TPS designations include El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Syria, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, though this list changes as conditions change. If you hold TPS from any of these countries, you may need a replacement document at some point during your status period.

Key Takeaways

  • Replacement documents are requested through USCIS Form I-765 (process for Employment Authorization) with a specific box checked for replacement, not through a separate form.
  • You must submit your request while your TPS status is still valid; you cannot request a replacement after your status has expired or been terminated.
  • The replacement process typically takes 60 to 90 days from the date USCIS receives your complete process, though processing times vary by location.
  • You will need to provide proof of your current TPS status, a copy of your lost or damaged card (if available), and payment of the filing fee, which is currently $130 for most TPS holders.
  • If your card was stolen, you should report the theft to local police and include a copy of the police report with your replacement request.

How to request a replacement through USCIS

The replacement process begins with USCIS Form I-765, process for Employment Authorization. You do not use a different form for replacement — instead, you complete the standard I-765 and mark the box labeled "Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged EAD" in Part 2 of the form. This tells USCIS that you are not explore for new TPS status or renewing it, but replacing an existing document.

You will mail your completed I-765 along with supporting documents to the USCIS service center that handles TPS cases for your country of origin. The address depends on which country granted you TPS; USCIS publishes these addresses on its website under the TPS country-specific pages. Do not mail your process to a local USCIS office — it must go to the correct service center or it will be rejected and returned.

Include with your I-765 a copy of your current TPS approval notice (the I-797 notice that USCIS sent you), a photocopy of your lost or damaged EAD card (front and back, if you still have it), and the filing fee. If your card was stolen, also include a copy of the police report or a statement describing the theft. Pay the fee by check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" — do not send cash.

What documents you need to gather

Before you submit your replacement request, collect the following items. First, locate your TPS approval notice, which is the I-797 form that USCIS sent you when your TPS status was granted or last extended. This notice shows your approval date, your status expiration date, and your A-number (USCIS case number). If you cannot find the original, you can request a copy from USCIS by calling 1-800-375-5283 or visiting your local USCIS office with a photo ID.

Second, gather any remaining evidence of your lost or damaged card. If you still have the card but it is damaged, bring it with you or include a photocopy. If the card is lost or stolen, write down the card number if you remember it, and include a brief statement describing what happened and when. If theft is involved, obtain a police report from the police department where you reported it — this document strengthens your request and protects you from liability if someone misuses the card.

Third, prepare the filing fee. As of now, the I-765 filing fee for TPS holders is $130, though this amount can change. Check the USCIS website or call 1-800-375-5283 to confirm the current fee before you mail your process. Some TPS holders may be exempt from the fee if they meet income thresholds; the I-765 form includes a section where you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay.

Where to send your process and what to expect

Mail your completed I-765, supporting documents, and fee to the USCIS service center designated for your country's TPS cases. USCIS maintains a list of service centers and their mailing addresses on the TPS pages for each country. For example, TPS cases for El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua are typically handled by the USCIS Texas Service Center, while Syrian TPS cases go to a different center. Sending your process to the wrong address will delay processing or result in rejection.

Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof that USCIS received your process. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797-C) within two to three weeks of receiving your process; this receipt shows your case number and tells you where to check the status of your request online.

Processing times for replacement documents typically range from 60 to 90 days, though some cases take longer depending on the service center's workload and whether USCIS needs to request additional information from you. You can check the status of your case on the USCIS website using your receipt number, or by calling 1-800-375-5283. If you need your replacement card urgently for employment, you can request an interim EAD (a temporary work permit) while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.

Requesting an interim EAD while you wait

If your current TPS card has expired or been lost and you need to work when ready, you can request an interim Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. This is a temporary paper document that proves you are authorized to work while your replacement card is being processed. You request the interim EAD by writing a letter to the USCIS service center handling your case, explaining that your card is lost or expired and you need to work.

Include your case number, your A-number, a copy of your TPS approval notice, and a brief explanation of why you need the interim document. Mail this letter to the same service center address where you sent your I-765 replacement request. USCIS typically issues an interim EAD within one to two weeks if your TPS status is still valid. The interim document is valid for a limited time — usually until your replacement card arrives or until your TPS status expires, whichever comes first.

Your employer can verify your work authorization using the interim EAD just as they would with a physical card. However, some employers prefer the physical card for their records, so confirm with your employer that they will accept the interim document before you request it.

What happens if your TPS status expires before you get your replacement

If your TPS status expires while your replacement request is pending, your replacement process becomes invalid and USCIS will deny it. For this reason, you should submit your replacement request well before your status expiration date — ideally at least three months in advance. Check your TPS approval notice for your status expiration date and plan accordingly.

If your status has already expired and you need a replacement, you must first renew your TPS status by filing Form I-131 (process for Travel Document) or Form I-765 marked for TPS renewal, depending on your country's current TPS designation and USCIS procedures. Once your renewal is approved and your status is extended, you can then request a replacement document. Contact USCIS or a local immigration legal services provider to understand the renewal process for your specific country.

Some countries' TPS designations are temporary and may not be renewed. If your country's TPS is set to terminate, USCIS will notify you in advance. In that case, you may not be able to renew your status or request a replacement, and you should explore other immigration options with an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a replacement if my TPS status is about to expire?

You can request a replacement only while your TPS status is active and valid. If your status is expiring soon, submit your replacement request when ready. If your status expires before USCIS processes your replacement, the request will be denied. If your status has already expired, you must renew your TPS status first before requesting a replacement.

What if I never received my original TPS card?

Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit your local USCIS office to report that you never received your card. USCIS can reissue the original card or issue a replacement. Bring your TPS approval notice and a photo ID. You may need to file a replacement request using Form I-765 if the original card cannot be located in USCIS records.

Do I have to pay the filing fee if I cannot afford it?

Yes, you can request a fee waiver by completing Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction) and submitting it with your I-765. Include documents showing your income and household size. USCIS will review your request and notify you whether the fee is waived, reduced, or must be paid in full.

How long is a replacement card valid?

Your replacement card is valid for the same period as your TPS status. The expiration date on the replacement card will match the expiration date of your current TPS approval. When your TPS status is renewed, you will receive a new card with an updated expiration date.

What if USCIS denies my replacement request?

If USCIS denies your replacement request, they will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include submitting the request after your TPS status expired, incomplete documentation, or incorrect filing fee. You can request reconsideration by filing a motion within 30 days of the denial, or you can consult an immigration attorney about your options.