Fill out I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) online
Form I-821 is used to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a humanitarian immigration benefit that allows nationals of designated countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to remain and work legally in the United States for a limited period.
How to fill out I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
Verify your country designation and registration period
Check the USCIS website or the Federal Register to confirm that your country of nationality is currently designated for TPS and that you are within the initial registration period or qualify for late registration.
Enter personal and immigration information
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, country of nationality, A-Number (if any), current immigration status, date of last entry into the U.S., and all addresses since the date specified in your country TPS designation.
Document continuous residence and physical presence
Gather evidence showing you have continuously resided in the United States since the date specified for your country, such as lease agreements, utility bills, employment records, school records, and medical records.
File with I-765 and supporting documents
Submit the completed Form I-821 with Form I-765 (for employment authorization), the filing fee, two passport-style photos, a copy of your passport or other identity document, evidence of nationality, and proof of continuous residence and physical presence.
About I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
Who needs this form
Nationals of countries designated for TPS by the Secretary of Homeland Security who are physically present in the United States and have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date specified in the Federal Register notice for their country. Applicants must register during the designated registration period or qualify for late registration.
Where to submit
File with USCIS by mail to the address specified in the Federal Register notice for your designated country, or file online at uscis.gov if available. Include Form I-765 if requesting employment authorization.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the designated registration period for your country (late registration requires meeting specific exceptions)
- Not filing Form I-765 concurrently to obtain employment authorization along with TPS
- Failing to provide evidence of continuous physical presence and continuous residence since the qualifying date
- Not re-registering during the re-registration period when TPS is extended for your designated country
Frequently asked questions
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Does TPS lead to a green card?
TPS itself does not directly lead to lawful permanent resident status (a green card). However, TPS holders may be eligible to apply for a green card through other immigration pathways, such as a family-based or employment-based petition. Having TPS does not prevent you from applying for other immigration benefits.
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