U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced on November 29, 2021, that first-time Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants and re-registering beneficiaries may file Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) online.
The following countries are currently designated for TPS:
El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Nicaragua
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Venezuela
Yemen
In order to file I-821 online, eligible TPS applicants need to create or log in to their account on the agency’s myUSCIS page. Creating an account is free and provides users with a variety of features, such as a secure inbox to communicate with USCIS agents.
When it comes to requesting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), TPS applicants can either submit completed Form I-765 and Form I-821 at the same time or submit Form I-765 separately later. The best option is to submit both forms at once to help you receive work authorization more quickly.
USCIS says offering all TPS applicants the ability to file their forms online makes the application process more efficient, secure, and convenient. Previously, only first-time TPS applicants from certain countries were allowed to file Form I-821 online.
For TPS applicants who file paper versions of their forms in the mail, having a myUSCIS account enables them to track the status of their applications throughout the adjudication process. Once you file your forms in the mail, USCIS will mail you an Account Access Notice, which details how to link your cases to your online account.
If you are interested in applying or re-registering for TPS status in Illinois, Texas, or Arizona, call Gambacorta Law at (847) 443-9303 or complete our online contact form today to schedule an initial consultation. Our legal team can guide you through the application process!