To apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), applicants must submit Form I-821 along with evidence of identity and nationality, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. Supporting documents should prove continuous residence and physical presence in the United States since the designated TPS dates, like utility bills or employment records. Providing an accurate, complete application package with these essential documents increases the chances of successful TPS approval.
What Documents are Needed for TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prima Facie Eligibility Documentation | Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must submit Prima Facie Eligibility Documentation, including proof of nationality or identity such as a birth certificate or passport, and evidence of continuous residence in the designated country since the TPS start date. Additional documents often required are Form I-821, proof of entry into the United States before the cutoff date, and arrest or court records if applicable, ensuring a thorough demonstration of eligibility. |
| 2 | Continuous Physical Presence Evidence | Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must provide continuous physical presence evidence, such as rental receipts, utility bills, employment records, school transcripts, or medical records covering the required period. These documents demonstrate the applicant's uninterrupted residence in the designated TPS country and are crucial to support the application eligibility. |
| 3 | Country Designation Proof | Proof of country designation for TPS application requires official government-issued documents such as passports, national ID cards, birth certificates, or any country-specific paperwork confirming nationality or continuous residence. Applicants must submit these alongside Form I-821 and other supporting evidence to establish eligibility under the designated TPS country criteria. |
| 4 | Form I-821 Supporting Attachments | Form I-821, the primary application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), requires supporting attachments including proof of identity, nationality, and continuous residence in the designated country. Applicants must provide copies of passports, birth certificates, and evidence such as rental agreements or employment records to demonstrate eligibility under TPS guidelines. |
| 5 | Biometric Service Appointment Notice | The Biometric Service Appointment Notice is a critical document for a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application, detailing the date, time, and location for fingerprinting and photograph capture required to verify the applicant's identity. Applicants must bring this notice along with valid photo identification to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) biometric requirements, essential for processing and approval under TPS guidelines. |
| 6 | Form I-765 Automatic Work Authorization Trigger | Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to obtain automatic work authorization triggered by TPS eligibility. Essential documents include proof of identity, evidence of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., and any previous immigration or TPS-related paperwork. |
| 7 | Entry Without Inspection (EWI) Records | Applicants filing for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after Entry Without Inspection (EWI) must provide credible evidence of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, such as affidavits, medical records, school records, or employment documentation. Since official entry records are unavailable for EWI cases, USCIS accepts alternative proof including bills, rent receipts, and sworn statements to establish eligibility and continuous residence requirements. |
| 8 | Immigration Status Expiration Evidence | Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must provide evidence of their current immigration status, including documents such as an unexpired visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or any official USCIS notices confirming their lawful presence. Proof of status expiration, like a dated visa stamp or expiration date on Form I-94, is essential to establish eligibility for TPS before filing the application. |
| 9 | Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) Crossover Documentation | Applicants seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) must submit evidence of their DED designation, including official DED grant notices and proof of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States since the DED effective date. Supporting documents may consist of employment records, rent receipts, and identification cards to demonstrate eligibility and uninterrupted residency. |
| 10 | Digital Evidence Authentication (e.g., E-document metadata) | Applicants seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must submit primary identification documents such as passports or birth certificates, alongside proof of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States. Digital evidence authentication, including e-document metadata, plays a critical role in verifying the authenticity and integrity of electronic submissions, ensuring that digital proofs meet USCIS standards for TPS application processing. |
Overview of TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Documentation
| Overview of TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, birth certificate, national ID card, or any government-issued photo identification establishing your identity. |
| Proof of Nationality | Passport, birth certificate, or other official documents proving nationality of the designated TPS country. |
| Proof of Continuous Residence | Leases, utility bills, employment records, school records, medical records, or affidavits showing physical presence in the U.S. since the TPS designation date. |
| Entry and Immigration Documents | Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), visa stamps, or any records of lawful entry into the U.S. |
| Application Forms | Form I-821 for TPS application and Form I-765 for work authorization, if applicable. |
| Photographs | Recent passport-style photos as per USCIS guidelines. |
| Filing Fee | Payment for the application fee or fee waiver request if eligible. |
Proof of Identity for TPS Application
Proof of identity is a crucial requirement for submitting a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application. Providing valid identity documents helps verify the applicant's identity and supports eligibility verification.
- Valid Passport - A current or expired passport from the applicant's country of origin serves as primary proof of identity.
- Birth Certificate - An official birth certificate accompanied by photo identification can establish identity when a passport is unavailable.
- National Identification Card - A government-issued national ID card with a photograph can be submitted as evidence of identity for TPS.
Evidence of Nationality and Citizenship
Evidence of nationality and citizenship is crucial for a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application. Applicants must provide valid documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or national identity card that clearly establish their country of origin. These documents help verify the applicant's eligibility and support the legitimacy of their TPS petition.
Demonstrating Date of Entry into the United States
To apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you must provide documents that demonstrate your continuous residence in the United States since the designated date. Proving your date of entry is crucial for TPS eligibility verification.
Acceptable documents to establish your date of entry include your passport with entry stamps, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, or boarding passes. Alternatively, you can submit affidavits from employers, landlords, or community members who witnessed your arrival. Consistently maintaining records like school enrollment or medical records also supports your application.
Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence
What documents are needed to prove continuous physical presence for a TPS application? Applicants must provide evidence showing they have been physically present in the United States since the designated date for their country. Acceptable documents include rental agreements, utility bills, employment records, medical records, and school transcripts.
Required Passport and Travel Documents
Applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) requires submitting specific identification documents to verify your identity and nationality. A valid passport is essential as it serves as the primary form of evidence for your country of origin.
Your passport must be current and unexpired when applying for TPS. In addition to the passport, travel documents such as a Form I-94 or any prior visas can support your application by confirming lawful entry into the United States.
Supporting Documents for TPS Initial Registration
Applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) requires specific supporting documents to verify your eligibility. These include proof of identity, nationality, and continuous residence in the designated country since the effective date of TPS designation.
Common documents accepted for TPS initial registration are a valid passport, national identity card, and birth certificate. Additional evidence such as employment records, leases, or utility bills may be necessary to confirm continuous physical presence and residence.
Additional Evidence for TPS Re-registration
Applicants seeking TPS re-registration must submit specific documents to demonstrate their eligibility and continuous residence in the United States. Providing additional evidence ensures the application meets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements for TPS renewal.
- Proof of Identity - Submit a valid passport, national identity card, or birth certificate to confirm personal identification.
- Proof of TPS Registration - Include a copy of the previous TPS approval notice or employment authorization card (EAD) as evidence of prior TPS status.
- Evidence of Continuous Residence - Provide documents such as employment records, rental agreements, school transcripts, or medical records to prove continuous physical presence in the U.S.
Failure to submit adequate additional evidence can result in TPS re-registration denial or delays in the application process.
Photographic Requirements for TPS Application
Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must submit a clear, recent passport-style photograph with their application. The photo should be 2x2 inches in size, taken against a plain white or off-white background. It must capture the full face, front view, with a neutral expression and both eyes open, meeting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) specifications.
What Documents are Needed for TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Application? Infographic
