Initial Registration Deadline for Syria TPS is July 6, 2015

Initial Registration Deadline for Syria TPS is July 6, 2015

Recently, the USCIS announced that Monday, July 6, 2015, is the deadline to register for TPS for eligible nationals of Syria (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria) who do not currently hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The re-designation of Syria for TPS runs from January 5, 2015, through September 30, 2016. According to USCIS, to be eligible for TPS, you must demonstrate that you meet all eligibility criteria, including that you have been “continuously residing” in the United States since January 5, 2015, and “continuously physically present in” the United States since April 1, 2015. You must also undergo thorough security checks.  Individuals with certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS. USCIS states that, to register, you must submit the following:

• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status;

• Form I-821 application fee (or a fee-waiver request);

• The biometrics services fee (or a fee-waiver request) if you are 14 years old or older;

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, regardless of whether you want an EAD; and

• The Form I-765 application fee (or a fee-waiver request), but only if you want an EAD. If you do not want an EAD, no application fee is required. There is no Form I-765 fee for initial applicants under the age of 14 or over 65; these applicants may receive their initial EAD cards for free.

USCIS notes that if you cannot pay the fee, you may request that DHS waives the Form I-821 application fee, Form I-765 application fee and biometrics services fee. However, you must file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or submit a written request. You must also send in supporting documentation with your fee-waiver request. The DHS will reject your TPS application if you do not submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee-waiver request. Additional information about the designation of Syria for TPS—including guidance on eligibility, the application process and where to file—is available at www.uscis.gov/tps, the Syria TPS page, and in the

Federal Register

notice. Attorneys at I.S. Law Firm have helped many foreign nationals apply for Temporary Protected Status and obtain employment authorization based on their TPS applications. To learn more about our services and for consultation, please contact us at +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: law@islawfirm.com.