How to File Form I-821
Temporary Protective Status is issued to individuals in the U.S. who are unable to return home because of an unsafe situation in their home country such as war. TPS is usually given for a period of six months, which can be extended up to 18 months. During this period, individuals do not need to leave the U.S. and may be allowed to work. Form I-821 is the application for TPS.
Steps to File Form I-821
1. The applicant completes Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Even if the applicant does not want to work in the U.S., they are still required to file Form I-765.
2. The applicant attaches the filing fee with the application.
The fee will depend of whether they are applying for the first time or re-applying:
- If applying for the first time, the fees would be:
- $50.00 for the I-821.
- $80.00 for biometric services, if required. The USCIS may at its discretion exempt payment of fees, or if the applicant is aged under 14, they need not pay the biometric fees.
- $340.00 for the I-765.
- If applying for the first time, the fees would be:
- If re-applying:
- $80.00 for biometric services (fee exemption is same as in the above case).
- $340.00 for the I-765.
3. The applicant awaits confirmation from USCIS.
If the applicant has attached a completed Form G-1145, Notification of Acceptance of Application/Petition, with the application, they will receive an email or text message, when their application has been accepted. Applicants will also be issued a receipt number, which can be used to track their application.
4. The applicant attends an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
They will be notified of the appointment date, time and location by mail. They must bring to the appointment:
- Evidence of nationality and photo identification (such as a passport)
- Application receipt notice
- ASC appointment notice
- Current EAD (if the applicant already has one)
5. USCIS requests additional evidence from the applicant.
The applicant may receive a request for evidence in the mail. The applicant should submit requested evidence immediately.
6. If approved, the USCIS will send an approval notice and EAD to the applicant by mail.
