Immigrants & Immigration
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People filing for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the first time, or to renew their status, must file using the Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status I-821. They can also request employment authorization (EAD or work permit) at the same time, or later after their TPS has been approved. They can request a permit by filing Form 1-765, Request for Employment Authorization. If a person is inadmissible, and does not fall under the TPS exceptions, they will need to file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. Each person in a family must file a separate application.
Along with your application, you must also submit evidence proving:
- Your identity and nationality,
- The date you entered the US, and
- Residence in the US.
If you have ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime in the US, you must also provide a certified disposition with your application.
Your evidence of identity and nationality should contain your photograph. For example, passports and certain national identification cards will have your legal name, your photograph, and show you are a citizen of a TPS country.
In some cases, people will not have a passport or national identity card. They can submit a copy of their birth certificate, and another form of government-issued photo identification.
Your passport and Form I-94 are examples of items to submit that show when you entered the US. Utility bills, school records, employment records, or anything with your name and address will help with establishing your residency in the US.
All documents that are not in English must be translated into English. The translation must have a statement that says the translator is competent in both English and the non-English language used, and the translation is true and correct to the best of their ability, knowledge, and belief. The translation does not need to be notarized.
This form can be submitted online or by paper filing. Note that the cost to file online is cheaper than filing by mail. Visit the USCIS website for the most updated fee information.
Paper filing
Download a copy of the Form I-821 from the USCIS website. It is important to download the form directly from the USCIS website. This ensures you are using the correct form edition. The application will be rejected if an old form is submitted.
You may download and print a blank form, and handwrite your answers. Your handwriting must be clear and legible. You can also download the form, and fill it out using a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat Reader. Then you can print out the filled in form. You must sign and date the form. Include copies of the documents you prepared in Step 1.
Online filing
To file online, you must create a USCIS online account. Then, go to the Form I-821 page on the USCIS website, and click the “File Online” button. You will be prompted to sign into your myUSCIS account. From there, you can begin filling out the Form. You will need to upload photos or scans of your green card or your government-issued photo identification, if your green card is not available.
Note: You cannot request a fee waiver if you file online. You must complete your application by paper.
If you are inadmissible, and you don’t fall under one of the TPS exceptions, you need to file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility with your TPS application.
Learn more about waivers for inadmissibility.
If you want a work permit, you will need to file a Form 1-765, Request for Employment Authorization. You can file for a work permit later after you're granted TPS as well. Some people might want to file later after approval to spread out the costs of filing.
Learn about filing a work permit application.
Visit the USCIS website for the most updated fee information. As of December 1, 2025, the filing fee for the Form I-821 is $500, plus an additional $30 for the biometrics fee. The total to file is $530. Only the $30 biometrics fee is eligible for a fee waiver.
If a person is inadmissible and needs a waiver, the fee to file form Form I-601 is $1,050. This fee is waivable for TPS applicants.
The work permit fees are different when filing online and by paper. The cost to file by paper is $1070. This is a combination of a $550 fee and a $520 fee. Only the $520 fee is eligible for a fee waiver.
When filing for a work permit online, the total cost is $1,020. This is a combination of a $550 fee and a $470 fee. These fees are not waivable.
Paper filing
If you are filing by paper, you must mail a completed Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction with your application. A credit card, debit card, or prepaid card can be used to pay for your fee. The card must be issued by a US-based bank. Cards issued by a foreign bank will not be accepted. If you want to pay using an ACH bank transfer, you must submit a completed Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. Always print the latest forms directly from the USCIS website.
Important: Be sure to place Form G-1450 or G-1650 on top of your application when you file it. If it is not the first page in the application, USCIS might reject your application because it looks like you didn’t pay.
In limited circumstances, a person can request that they pay by check or money order. A person must meet specific exemptions and file a Form 1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment along with their paper fee payment.
If you are filing by paper, you may also request a fee waiver. Only the following fees are waivable:
- $30 biometrics fee for the Form I-821
- $520 fee for the work permit (the remaining $550 must be paid), and
- $1,050 fee for the Form I-601
A completed Form I-912 must be included in your Form I-821 application. It must be placed on top of your application along with the supporting documents. You can file one fee waiver to request multiple fees to be waived.
If the fee waiver is denied, the application will be sent back to you with a request for you to submit a fee.
Learn more about filing immigration documents for free.
Online filing
If you are filing online, you can make your payment directly in your myUSCIS account. You must make a payment by credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer (ACH).
Paper filing
Mail your completed application and supporting evidence
to USCIS. Include the Form I-821, Form I-601 (if applicable), Form I-912 (if applicable), and other forms of payment.
Where you mail the application packet depends on what country you are applying for TPS under, and where you live. To find out where to file, go to the USCIS TPS page. Select the country you are applying under from the menu on the left side of the webpage, or under “Countries Currently Designated for TPS”. Then, on the country specific page, click on “Where to File.”
Find your state of residence on the two column table. The mailing address will appear in the box to the right of your state name. Note there are two different addresses for filing. Use one for if you are mailing using the US Postal Service USPS. If you are using a private mailing service (such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL), mail your application to the second address.
It is strongly recommended you purchase a mailing service with tracking so you can ensure your application was delivered.
Online filing
Submit your completed application with your payment in your myUSCIS account. Ensure a copy of your evidence listed in Step 1 has been uploaded to the application.
Next Steps
You will receive a receipt notice when USCIS receives your application. If you applied for a fee waiver, you will first receive a decision on that request. If they approve your request for a waiver, the approval serves as your receipt notice.
A few weeks later, USCIS will send you a notice to attend a biometrics appointment. There, your fingerprints and photos will be taken for the purpose of conducting a background check. Sometimes, people get notices from USCIS saying they will reuse their information. If that is the case, you don’t need to attend a biometrics appointment. USCIS may also request more documents or information to make a decision on your application.
You can check current processing times on the USCIS website. Or, check the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status page by inputting your receipt number. The receipt number is located at the top of any notice sent to you by USCIS.
If USCIS approves your application, you will be mailed a Form I-94 that is the physical proof of your TPS status. If you applied for a work permit and it was granted, you will receive the work permit in the mail separately. These documents are sent to the mailing address listed on your application. Make sure the address listed is correct. If you move, submit an address change to USCIS to ensure your documents arrive safely. If your card is not delivered, you may have to submit another application and pay again.
If USCIS denies your application, you will receive an explanation as to why they denied the application. If you receive a denial, it’s important to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. They can tell you what your options are.
