My situation: 

1. Valid I-20 upto 2017 & valid VISA 

 2. Have on campus job 

 Reason why I had wanted to file for TPS
 
1. Though, I am not benefitted by current TPS duration, but I if I don't file now, I will not be allowed to file later too when it gets renewed. Only current TPS holder will be permitted to renew (except for countries where there is an ongoing armed conflict or serious humanitarian crisis). I do not need TPS as such now, but expecting it to be renewed (like any other country). 

2. If it gets renewed, I can re-apply (since I have applied) and that would be near my graduation time (2017). So I will be having an TPS EAD handy and can start working immediately after I graduate. I do not have to worry about when to start my OPT date, or when the OPT-EAD comes in hand etc. What if I get employment offer well before my OPT-EAD date starts? So I guess having a TPS EAD would relieve me from such aches in future. 

 Dilemmas that I had before for TPS:

1. F1 and TPS dual status: Once you apply for TPS and gets approved, TPS will override your F1 status. ie. you are no longer a F1 student. However, if TPS ends and you still have valid I-20 (ie. I-20 which Duration of validity is beyond Dec 21, 2016) you will be able to get back your F1 status provided that you have maintained it during TPS period. If your I-20 validity is shorter than Dec 21, 2016 that means even though you have taken full time courses, you will not return to F1. You may have to re-apply for F1 (within or outside country). In this case, your DSO cannot help to automatically extend your I-20 from his/her office when you approach near I-20 expiry date as you are in TPS, and F1 is in dormant state. (This case is discussed below in this post).

 2. EAD dilemma: Although I have valid I-20 upto 2017 and have an oncampus job and do not want to work outside, should I apply for EAD ($360 extra??) The answer is YES. Since your TPS is approved, though you take full time courses now you cannot claim F1 (until TPS ends). You are in TPS. Working oncampus or offcampus will require EAD. If your DSO finds that you are in TPS status without EAD, they will relieve you from work until you get an EAD. Thats a min. 3 month nail biting wait, and NO PAY during those months. :( You may not loose your oncampus appointment simply because you are in TPS and not in F1. TPS with EAD should not be the problem for continuing your current appointment.

 3. Traveling back to Nepal for a short trip: a definite NO-NO until there is a family emergency (death, sick etc..). TPS is granted because of earthquake and citizens cannot safely return or the country cannot provide the safe environment. So, if you want to travel for family vacation, the whole notion of granting TPS to Nepal remains VOID. You have to apply for advance parole (even though you still have a previous valid VISA in your passport), and provide solid reason of travel. A non-emergency or non-humanitarian one will be rejected- loss of $360. You may be allowed to travel countries other than Nepal ex. canada, mexico etc. If you apply advance parole for Canada, and travel to Nepal the immigration officer at POE will confirm your advance parole document. You may be denied entry as you did not mention that you were traveling to Nepal and now have come from a "SAFE" country. Better be back to Nepal, looks like situation has improved.. :'(... lol 

4. Marriage: If you are planning for marriage in Nepal during your TPS duration, you may not sponsor your spouse. If you had not changed to TPS, of course as F2 you could. So, there's a long wait to get him/her here until you change your TPS status to H1 or green card. If you plan to graduate during TPS status, inviting your parents for grad ceremony can also be a tough job. 

 1. Apply for TPS if you don't want to travel back to Nepal anytime soon, and have I-20 coverage beyond TPS duration. In case TPS does not extend, still being a full time student you get reverted to F1. 

 2. If your are in OPT period, just graduated etc., you should go for TPS. No further comments. 

3. If you are graduating in 2017 or beyond, no plans for Nepal visit or marriage etc., take your chances that TPS gets extended. It will be great for you during the next extension period. Well, you might have to gamble around $600 now. But I say, its worth it! 

4. If you are in TPS, got into good company you can apply for H1 or employer based green card petition. TPS will allow you to apply for non-immigrant visa, adjustment of status etc... For H1, you need to get selected too, like any other. No preference that you were in TPS. 

5. If you have valid visa, and want to travel out of country (for personal reasons) frequently, better drop the application or the plan.