Highlights
Thank you to all of our supporters who donated for earthquake relief and reconstruction. Read the most recent update here.
We launched the campaign to get TPS for Nepal started with a Thunderclap on June 24, 2016. Read a recent article, including stories of some of the Nepalis who have benefited from TPS.
–
Information about TPS
Due to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on April 25, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson designated Nepal for TPS for 18 months, effective June 24, 2015 through December 21, 2016. There have been a lot of questions. Therefore, we have compiled the frequently asked questions and answers from USCIS and the New York Immigration Coalition.
What is the form and fee for TPS?
The forms for TPS are the I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). The total fee is $515.
What do I need to show to qualify for TPS?
You will need to prove your identity and your nationality. You will also need to prove that you have been living in the United States since June 24, 2015.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply for Nepal TPS is December 21, 2015.
How soon after applying will I get my EAD card (work authorization)?
It will generally take 3 to 4 months.
Will I be able to travel when I get TPS?
You will be eligible to apply for advanced parole (travel document) after your TPS has been approved. Advanced parole is available for travel due to business, education, and humanitarian reason. Having TPS will not automatically allow you to travel abroad and re-enter. Please consult a reputable immigration attorney before you leave the country.
What kinds of documents will I need?
– You will need to submit the I-821, the I-765, 2 passport-sized photos, proof of identity and nationality, and proof that you lived in the U.S. on June 24, 2015, and a check or money order for $515 payable to “US Department of Homeland Security”.
– To prove your identity and nationality, you will need a passport, or a birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID, or documents with photos or fingerprints. If you can’t get these documents, you can use any other documents that prove you are from Nepal, but you will need to include an affidavit saying you are unable to get a passport, birth certificate, photo ID, or any document with your photo or fingerprints.
– To prove that you resided in the United States on June 24 2015, you will need employment records, rent receipts, utility bills, school records, hospital or medical records, passports, children’s U.S. birth certificate, bank books, or tax receipts. You can also include affidavits from churches, unions, or any organization that knows you and can say you live in the United States.
Will I need to submit translations of documents?
Yes, any document that is not in English will need to be translated. The translator will need to write out that he or she is competent in English and in the language of the original document. The translator will also need to write out that his or her translation is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge. Translations do NOT have to be notarized.
Will I still be able to apply after the December 21, 2015 deadline?
Generally, no. If you are the spouse or child of someone who got TPS and you met all the other requirements at the time of the registration period, you can still apply after the deadline. If you had a green card application pending (but the visa application was approved), then you have an additional 60 days from that application being decided to apply. But for most individuals, you MUST apply by December 21, 2015 or you will not be able to obtain TPS, even if it is renewed later on.
If I am currently in lawful status (e.g. F1, F2, J1, H1B, H4) and I apply for TPS, what will happen to my status?
If you currently have lawful status, you may still apply for TPS. Receiving TPS status will not remove any other immigration status you have. TPS will protect you if for some reason you lose your current lawful status.
Can I apply for TPS if I have an ongoing case in immigration court?
Yes. TPS will not affect your ability to apply for another immigration benefit. TPS will also not affect any other immigration status you currently have.
Can I apply for TPS if I entered the United States using a passport or visa that wasn’t mine or that was fraudulently obtained?
Possibly. You will need to file form I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility). You will need to show that if you are deported a parent, spouse, or fiancé who is a U.S. citizen or green-card holder will experience extreme hardship.
Can I apply for TPS if I am currently applying for asylum?
Yes. TPS supplements asylum; it does not remove asylum. But you cannot use the fact that you received TPS status to prove anything in your application for asylum. If you have an asylum case pending, TPS status will protect you from being deported if your asylum application is denied.
Can I apply for TPS if my asylum application was denied?
Yes. If your asylum application is denied, that does not affect whether you can apply for TPS.
Can I apply for TPS if I entered EWI (entered without inspection on the border, entered without visa)?
Yes.
What crimes will disqualify me from TPS?
If you have been convicted of one felony or two misdemeanors you will not qualify for TPS. You should ALWAYS talk to a lawyer or BIA Accredited Representative if you have had any interactions with the police or a judge, even if the case was dimissed, to be sure that it won’t cause a problem for immigration.
If I cannot pay for the TPS application, what are my options?
You can apply for a fee waiver by including Form I-912 with your application. You will need to prove that you meet one of the following categories:
1. You receive a means-tested benefit such as WIC, food stamps, etc.
2. You make less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (available at www.uscis.gov/i-864p);
3. You have a substantial financial obligation (example: high medical bills).
With TPS, will I be eligible for tuition financial aid?
With TPS, you will not be eligible for federal OR state financial aid, but may qualify for in-state tuition in New York. However, you may still be eligible for financial aid from other sources, like your school or private scholarships.
I already have an immigration attorney. Can I file for TPS myself? Can I work with another attorney?
Yes. You do not need an attorney to file for TPS. You can also change your attorney anytime.