What is required for an alien to remain in the U.S. while waiting for TPS approval?

To remain in the U.S. while waiting for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) approval, an individual is required to file for an extension of stay. This is critical because TPS applicants must maintain their eligibility, and filing for an extension ensures that their status is preserved during the waiting period.

While individuals applying for TPS often have certain protections against removal, actively filing for an extension is a proactive measure that shows compliance with U.S. immigration laws and maintains the individual’s ability to remain in the country legally during the processing time.

Having a valid work permit, not leaving the U.S., or needing to apply for a new visa may not fit the specific requirement for TPS applicants. A valid work permit relates to employment eligibility, while not leaving the U.S. is more of a consequence than an active requirement, and applying for a new visa does not pertain directly to the TPS process. Therefore, the best choice is the action that directly pertains to maintaining legal status while waiting for TPS approval.