Initial Registration
For initial Temporary Protected Status (TPS) registration, it is important to complete your application accurately and provide all required information. To ensure timely processing of your application, follow these tips:
General
A. Read and follow all form instructions for fees, filing location, and eligibility requirements.
B. Hand-written entries on applications must be neat and legible.
C. Be sure to keep your information within the box or space provided.
D. Use black or blue ink only. Red ink will not be detected by the machine scanners and may cause the processing of your application to be delayed or your form to be rejected.
E. The I-821 Form and Instructions are available free of charge. The form and instructions can be found online at uscis.gov, and are also available free of charge at USCIS offices.
F. Do not use highlighters on your application. This may cause the processing of your application to be delayed or your form to be rejected.
G. You should only use forms downloaded from the USCIS.gov website or that have been obtained from a USCIS office. (Many immigrant assistance organizations will also have these forms that they have obtained from USCIS). The use of these ADOBE fillable forms will help facilitate the processing of your application. You may also type your answers.
H. If you download forms from a website other than USCIS.gov, ensure that applications do not have the grayed out data fields. This is a problem with some portable document format (PDF) forms. Information entered into grayed out data fields will not be detected by the machine scanners and may cause your form to be rejected.
I. Do not alter the appearance or layout of the application. Any type of alternation may cause your application to be rejected.
J. Initial TPS registration requires that you file two forms: The I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status; and the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Failure to file an I-765 with your I-821 will cause your application to be rejected.
K. Be sure that your Last, First and Middle names match exactly on all forms (I-821 and I-765). Misspelled names or using different names may cause your application to be rejected.
L. Use the current version of the application, dated October 17, 2007. The application version must be visible on the bottom of the form.
M. Sign all forms that you submit within the signature block provided. Failure to sign your forms will result in your application being rejected.
N. Mail
Form I-821
A. In Part 1 of the I-821, check only Box A. Failure to check Box A may cause the processing of your application to be delayed or your form to be rejected.
B. In Part 2 of the I-821, enter your correct date of birth. Leaving this line blank may result in your application being rejected.
C. In Part 2 of the I-821, enter your country of birth, country of residence and country of citizenship.
In Part 4 of the I-821, complete the line, “I am a national of…”
Form I-765
A. On Line 16 of the I-765, enter Eligibility Code “A12.” Leaving this line blank or entering a different code may result in your application being rejected.
B. If you do not require the Employment Authorization Document, do not check any box in “I am applying for.” Leave it blank.