The Department of Homeland Security has designated Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months, effective November 21, 2014 through May 31, 2016. This designation was made because the US has found that these countries are experiencing extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent their nationals from returning to their countries in safety. By designating nationals from these countries as eligible for TPS, people from these countries who are in the US as of November 21, 2014 may remain in the US temporarily and may apply for Employment Authorization Documents and for travel authorization.

TPS was granted to people from these countries because of the Ebola epidemic and the continued high rate of transmission in these three countries. Thus, those granted TPS will not be able to travel to these three countries because of the Ebola epidemic.

Applicants for TPS under these designations must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the US and have continuously resided in the US since November 20, 2014.  To register for TPS, applicants must submit the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) with the form fee ($50); and Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) with the form fee if between ages 14 and 65 ($380). Applicants also must submit a biometrics fee ($85).  If you are unable to pay the required fees, you may apply for a waiver of the fees by submitting a Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912). You will need to establish that you are a national of one of these countries and must submit two passport-style photographs.