TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR VENEZUELANS

On March 9, 2021, USCIS designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. USCIS also shared information about Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Venezuelans, which President Trump announced on January 18, 2021. Watch our overviews of TPS for Venezuelans below. For more frequently asked questions about TPS, read below. You can also read the information in Spanish here. For an in-depth Spanish presentation on TPS, watch our partner VIA’s video.

TPS OVERVIEW IN ENGLISH

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TPS OVERVIEW IN SPANISH

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ADVANCED GUIDELINES FOR WRITING YOUR ASYLUM STORY This comprehensive guide to writing your asylum story is made up of three parts. It is designed to accompany our more introductory guide. We recommend reading our introductory guide before diving into this one. Part A. What to Write in Your St...

What is TPS?

TPS is a legal immigration status that protects beneficiaries from deportation.

The TPS designation for Venezuelans is effective March 9, 2021 through September 9, 2022. Individuals must apply for TPS between March 9, 2021 and September 5, 2022. During the designation period, TPS beneficiaries can remain in the United States, cannot be deported, and can get work permits. USCIS may extend the designation period for TPS when it expires in September 2022.

IF I HAVE SUBMITTED AN ASYLUM APPLICATION, CAN I ALSO APPLY FOR TPS?

Yes. However, RIF advises that you connect with an attorney to talk about how applying for TPS might impact your asylum case. If you are applying for TPS without an attorney, you can ask an attorney for a one-time consultation to ask your questions about TPS. A one-time consultation should cost between $150-300.

wHEN DOES tps FOR vENEZUELANS BEGIN?

The TPS designation for Venezuelans is effective March 9, 2021 through September 9, 2022. Individuals must apply for TPS between March 9, 2021 and September 5, 2022. During the designation period, TPS beneficiaries can remain in the United States, cannot be deported, and can get work permits. USCIS may extend the designation period for TPS when it expires in September 2022.

hOW DO YOU APPLY FOR TPS?

  • Submit a TPS application (Form I-812)

  • Pay the filing fee (see table below) or submit a fee waiver request (Form I-912). 

  • You may also submit a work permit application (Form I-765) at the same time that you submit your TPS application. If you do not want to apply for a work permit at the same time that you apply for TPS, you can apply later provided that you still have TPS or a pending TPS application. 

  • Biometrics appointments may be required for all applicants 14 years of age or older. Those applicants must also pay the biometric services fee.

What are the fees to apply for tps?

  • Applicants under 14 years of age: $50 TPS application fee

  • Applicants 14-65 years old: $50 TPS application fee + $85 biometrics fee + $410 work permit application fee = a total of $545

  • Applicants 66 years of age or older: $50 TPS application fee + $85 biometrics fee = a total of $135. There is no work permit application fee.

wHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE WITH YOUR TPS APPLICATION?

Evidence to prove your identity and nationality

  • Evidence to prove your date of entry into the United States

  • Evidence to prove your continuous residence in the United States

  • Court records if you were ever arrested, charged, or convicted for a criminal offense. 

  • Details of what types of documents are sufficient for each category is available here. 

  • Do not submit original documents unless you are specifically requested to. Otherwise, submit copies of the documents. 

  • If you submit a document in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

wHERE DO YOU SUBMIT YOUR TPS APPLICATION?

If applying through the U.S. Post Service and you reside in Florida, USCIS, Attn: TPS Venezuela, P.O. Box 20300, Phoenix, AZ 85036.

  • If applying through FedEx, UPS, or DHL, and you reside in Florida, USCIS, Attn: TPS Venezuela, 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

  • If applying through the U.S. Post Service and you reside in another other state, USCIS Attn: TPS Venezuela, P.O. Box 805282, Chicago, IL 60690.

  • If applying through FedEx, UPS, or DHL, and you reside in any other state, USCIS, Attn: TPS Venezuela (805282), 131 South Dearborn—3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603-5517.

If I’ve already applied for or have an ead based on another immigration status, should i apply for a new tps-based ead?

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What happens after

how is tps different from ded?

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can rif advise me on my tps case?

Unfortunately, RIF does not have the capacity to provide one-on-one legal consultations about TPS. However, you can use our pro bono and private attorneys database to connect with a trusted legal provider.

You can find more information about TPS, as well as the forms mentioned here, on USCIS’ website here.