How to Apply for Temporary Protected Status

Table Of Contents

How Does Temporary Protected Status Work?

How Temporary Protected Status works involves a designation by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary of Homeland Security designates a country for Temporary Protected Status due to specific conditions. These conditions include ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Eligible individuals from that country obtain Temporary Protected Status. Temporary Protected Status provides protection from removal from the United States. Temporary Protected Status also grants an employment authorisation document.
The application process for Temporary Protected Status requires specific documentation. Applicants submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Applicants also submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation. A biometrics appointment is a mandatory step in the process. The biometrics appointment collects fingerprints and a photograph. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews the application materials.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Protected Status?

The eligibility requirements for Temporary Protected Status include continuous physical presence in the United States. An applicant has continuous physical presence since the effective date of the country's designation. An applicant also maintains continuous residence in the United States since a specified date. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services establishes these dates for each designated country. An applicant meets all statutory requirements for Temporary Protected Status.
Applicants do not qualify for Temporary Protected Status if they have committed certain crimes. Felony convictions disqualify an applicant. Two or more misdemeanour convictions also disqualify an applicant. Applicants must also not be subject to certain bars to asylum eligibility. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews an applicant's criminal history thoroughly.

What Documents Do I Need for Temporary Protected Status?

What documents do I need for Temporary Protected Status? You need proof of identity. You need proof of nationality. A passport from your designated country provides proof of identity. A passport from your designated country provides proof of nationality. A birth certificate from your designated country provides proof of identity. A birth certificate from your designated country provides proof of nationality. National identity documents with a photograph are acceptable. You need proof of continuous physical presence.
Applicants provide proof of continuous physical presence in the United States. Utility bills prove continuous physical presence. Rent receipts prove continuous physical presence. School records prove continuous physical presence. Employment records prove continuous physical presence. Medical records prove continuous physical presence. Applicants provide proof of continuous residence in the United States. Bank statements prove continuous residence. Affidavits from others prove continuous residence.

How Do I Submit My Temporary Protected Status Application?

You submit your Temporary Protected Status application by mailing the required forms to the correct United States Citizenship and Immigration Services address. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website provides specific mailing addresses. The mailing address depends on the type of application and your current residence. Applicants include all supporting documents with the application forms.
The application forms include Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Applicants also include Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation. Proper payment of all required fees accompanies the application. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. Applicants sign all forms correctly. An unsigned form leads to rejection of the application.

What Happens After I Submit My Temporary Protected Status Application?

What happens after you submit your Temporary Protected Status application is you receive a receipt notice from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The receipt notice confirms the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services received your application. The receipt notice provides a case number. You can use the case number to track your application's progress online.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services sends a biometrics appointment notice. The biometrics appointment notice schedules a date and time for your appointment. You attend the biometrics appointment. At the biometrics appointment, your fingerprints and photograph are taken. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducts background checks using this information.

What Is the Next Step in My Temporary Protected Status Journey?

The next step in your Temporary Protected Status journey involves waiting for a decision from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews your application and all supporting documents. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services considers the results of your background checks. A decision notice is then mailed to you.
The decision notice informs you whether your Temporary Protected Status application is approved or denied. If approved, you receive an Employment Authorisation Document. The Employment Authorisation Document allows you to work legally in the United States. If denied, the decision notice explains the reasons for the denial. You may have options to appeal the decision.

FAQS

How long does Temporary Protected Status last?

Temporary Protected Status lasts for a specific period. The Secretary of Homeland Security sets this period. The Secretary of Homeland Security designates a country for a set period. The designation period is typically 6, 12, or 18 months. The Secretary of Homeland Security extends Temporary Protected Status.

Can I travel outside the United States with Temporary Protected Status?

You can travel outside the United States with Temporary Protected Status, but you need advance parole. Advance parole is a travel document. You apply for advance parole separately. Travel without advance parole can lead to issues upon re-entry.

What happens if my country's Temporary Protected Status designation ends?

Your country's Temporary Protected Status designation ends. Your Temporary Protected Status protection ends. You lose your work authorisation. You return to your previous immigration status. You seek other immigration relief.

Can my family members apply for Temporary Protected Status with me?

Family members cannot apply for Temporary Protected Status with an applicant. Each family member files an individual application. Each family member meets all individual requirements. Family members do not automatically receive Temporary Protected Status.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for Temporary Protected Status?

You do not legally need a lawyer to apply for Temporary Protected Status. An immigration lawyer provides valuable assistance. An immigration lawyer completes your application accurately. An immigration lawyer addresses complex issues.

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