Temporary Protected Status Extended for Honduras and Nicaragua

Mechelle Zarou
Mechelle Zarou

On October 17, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that he would be extending the Temporary Protected Status for eligible nationals from Honduras and Nicaragua for an additional 18 months, effective January 6, 2015 through July 5, 2016.

Current TPS Honduras and Nicaraguan beneficiaries seeking to extend their TPS must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from October 16, 2014 – December 15, 2014. USCIS encourages beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible.

The 18-month extension also allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible TPS Honduras and Nicaraguan beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of July 5, 2016.

As way of background, current TPS beneficiaries must submit a Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. (Re-registrants are not required pay the Form I-821 application fee, but must submit the biometric services fee if they are age 14 or older). All TPS re-registrants, who want to work, must also submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization along with the applicable fee.

Fee waivers are available for re-registrants submitting the Form I-765 application fee or biometrics fee based on an inability to pay. Re-registrants unable to pay the applicable fees should file a Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or by submit a written request accompanied by supporting documentation. USCIS will reject the TPS application of any applicant who fails to submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee-waiver request.

For more information, please contact Mechelle Zarou at 419.321.1460 or mzarou@slk-law.com.

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