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I-821 Checklist: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Requirements

Immigration Attorney and TPS Resource

Streamline Form I-821 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications and re-registrations with our comprehensive checklist. For immigration attorneys, paralegals, and applicants from TPS-designated countries. Ensure complete Form I-821, evidence of nationality, identity, date of entry, continuous residence, and (when applicable) Form I-765 for employment authorization. Avoid RFEs and meet registration deadlines with organized documentation.

I-821 Checklist: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Requirements form template preview

Key Benefits

Cover initial TPS registration and re-registration
Ensure Form I-821 and supporting evidence are complete
Meet designated country and continuous residence requirements
Include I-765 for work authorization when needed
Avoid RFEs and missed re-registration periods
Professional immigration workflow

Common Use Cases

Immigration attorneys handling TPS casesParalegals preparing I-821 initial or re-registration packagesApplicants from TPS-designated countries self-filingNonprofits and legal aid assisting with TPSLaw firms managing TPS re-registration deadlinesCommunity organizations supporting designated-country nationals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of countries designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. It allows eligible individuals to remain in the United States and, with an approved I-765, to work legally during the designation period.
What is Form I-821 used for?
Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) is used to apply for TPS initially or to re-register during an extension of your country's TPS designation. You must meet eligibility criteria for the designated country and show continuous residence and physical presence as required.
What documents prove continuous residence for TPS?
Evidence can include lease agreements, utility bills, employment records, bank statements, school records, medical records, and affidavits. You must show continuous residence in the United States since the specified date for your country's designation and (for re-registration) continuous residence since your last TPS approval.
Can I apply for work authorization with TPS?
Yes. TPS applicants and re-registrants may file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) together with Form I-821 or after TPS is granted. Use eligibility category (a)(12) for TPS-based EAD. Our I-765 checklist can be used for the EAD portion.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
Required

Signed and dated. Use current edition from USCIS. Indicate initial application or re-registration. Select correct TPS designation (country).

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) if requesting EAD

Use eligibility category (a)(12) for TPS. Can be filed with I-821 or after TPS approval. See I-765 checklist for full EAD requirements.

Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application Acceptance)

Optional; allows email/SMS when case is accepted.

Eligibility Documents

Proof of nationality of TPS-designated country
Required

Passport, birth certificate with photo ID, or other evidence of citizenship/nationality of the designated country.

Evidence of date of entry into the United States
Required

I-94, passport stamp, or other CBP/immigration record showing date of entry. Must meet designation-specific date requirements.

Evidence of continuous residence in the United States
Required

Lease, bills, employment records, bank statements, school/medical records from the required period. Requirements vary by designation and initial vs. re-registration.

Evidence of physical presence in the United States on designation date
Required

Required for initial TPS. Documents showing you were in the U.S. on the specified date for your country's designation.

Copy of prior TPS approval notice (I-797) for re-registration

Required when re-registering during an extension. Proves prior TPS grant and supports continuous residence.

Identity Documents

Government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID)
Required

Copy of unexpired passport or other acceptable identity document.

Two identical passport-style photographs
Required

USCIS specs: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 30 days.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment or Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request)
Required

Check current fees for I-821 (and I-765 if filed). Fee waiver available if you cannot pay. Some re-registrations may have different fee rules.

Supporting Documents

Certified English translation for any document not in English

Translator certification required. Include original or certified copy of non-English document.

USCIS Process

Prepare for biometrics appointment if scheduled
Required

USCIS will send notice. Bring photo ID and appointment notice.