Form I-821
How to Complete Form I-821: A Step-by-Step Guide
Form I-821, also known as the Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), is an important form for individuals who are seeking temporary protection from deportation due to extraordinary circumstances in their home countries. Completing this form correctly is essential for those who wish to remain in the United States. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for completing Form I-821.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Before beginning the application process, it is important to gather all necessary documents. This includes a valid passport, birth certificate, and any other documents that prove identity and nationality. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of continuous residence in the United States since the designated date.
Step 2: Complete Form I-821
The form must be completed in English and all questions must be answered accurately and completely. It is important to note that any false information provided on the form can result in denial of the application.
Step 3: Submit Form I-821
Once the form is completed, it must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form can be submitted online or by mail. Applicants must also pay the filing fee, which is currently $50.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the form, applicants will receive a notice from USCIS to attend a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, applicants will have their fingerprints taken and a photograph taken.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
Once the application is submitted and the biometrics appointment is completed, applicants must wait for a decision from USCIS. This process can take several months.
By following these steps, applicants can successfully complete Form I-821 and apply for Temporary Protected Status. It is important to note that this process can take several months, so applicants should plan accordingly.
Understanding the Eligibility Requirements for Form I-821
The Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), is a form used by individuals who are seeking temporary protected status in the United States. In order to be eligible for TPS, applicants must meet certain requirements.
First, applicants must be a national of a country that has been designated for TPS by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Currently, there are 13 countries that have been designated for TPS, including El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Second, applicants must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent designation of their country for TPS. The effective date is the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security announces the designation of a country for TPS.
Third, applicants must have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for their country. This date is the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security announces the designation of a country for TPS.
Fourth, applicants must not have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States.
Finally, applicants must not be subject to any of the bars to TPS eligibility. These bars include being inadmissible to the United States under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, being deportable under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and being ineligible for asylum.
In order to apply for TPS, applicants must submit Form I-821, along with supporting documentation, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will review the application and supporting documentation to determine whether the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for TPS.
Exploring the Benefits of Applying for Form I-821
The Form I-821, also known as the Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), is an important document for individuals who are seeking protection from deportation due to extraordinary circumstances in their home countries. This form is used to apply for temporary protected status, which is a form of humanitarian relief that allows individuals to remain in the United States for a limited period of time.
The benefits of applying for Form I-821 are numerous. First and foremost, it provides individuals with temporary protection from deportation. This means that individuals who are granted TPS will be able to remain in the United States for a period of time, usually 18 months, without fear of being deported. Additionally, individuals who are granted TPS are eligible to apply for work authorization, allowing them to legally work in the United States. This can be a great benefit for individuals who are seeking to support themselves and their families.
In addition to providing protection from deportation and work authorization, TPS also provides individuals with access to certain benefits. For example, individuals who are granted TPS are eligible to receive certain public benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Additionally, individuals who are granted TPS are eligible to apply for a Social Security number, which can be beneficial for individuals who are seeking to open a bank account or apply for a loan.
Finally, applying for Form I-821 can provide individuals with peace of mind. Knowing that they are protected from deportation and have access to certain benefits can be a great source of comfort for individuals who are seeking to remain in the United States.
Overall, applying for Form I-821 can provide individuals with numerous benefits, including protection from deportation, work authorization, access to certain public benefits, and peace of mind. For these reasons, it is important for individuals who are seeking protection from deportation to consider applying for TPS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form I-821
1. Not providing all the required documents: When filing Form I-821, it is important to provide all the required documents. This includes a valid passport, proof of identity, and any other documents that may be required. Failure to provide all the necessary documents can result in a delay in processing or even a denial of the application.
2. Not providing accurate information: It is important to provide accurate information when filing Form I-821. Providing false or misleading information can result in a denial of the application or even criminal charges.
3. Not filing the form on time: It is important to file Form I-821 on time. Filing late can result in a delay in processing or even a denial of the application.
4. Not paying the filing fee: Form I-821 requires a filing fee. Failure to pay the fee can result in a delay in processing or even a denial of the application.
5. Not signing the form: Form I-821 must be signed by the applicant. Failure to sign the form can result in a delay in processing or even a denial of the application.
What to Expect After Submitting Form I-821: A Timeline Overview
After submitting Form I-821, applicants should expect to receive a receipt notice from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within a few weeks. This notice will provide the applicant with a receipt number, which can be used to track the status of the application.
Within three to five months, the applicant should receive a decision from USCIS. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. This card will allow the applicant to work in the United States for a specified period of time.
If the application is denied, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. The applicant may then choose to appeal the decision or submit a new application.
It is important to note that the timeline for processing Form I-821 can vary depending on the individual case. USCIS may take longer to process applications if additional information is needed or if the application is incomplete.
Applicants should also be aware that they may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer will ask questions about the applicant’s eligibility for the program.
Finally, applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their identity and eligibility for the program. This may include documents such as birth certificates, passports, and other forms of identification.
By following these steps and understanding the timeline for processing Form I-821, applicants can ensure that their application is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Q&A
What is Form I-821?
Form I-821 is an application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It is used by individuals who are seeking protection from deportation and work authorization.
Who is eligible to apply for DACA?
Individuals who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, came to the United States before their 16th birthday, have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, and were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS, are potentially eligible for DACA.
What documents are required to submit with Form I-821?
Applicants must submit evidence of identity, evidence of immigration status, evidence of presence in the United States on June 15, 2012, and any other supporting documents that may be required.
How long does it take to process Form I-821?
The processing time for Form I-821 varies depending on the individual case. Generally, it takes USCIS up to 90 days to process the application.
What happens after Form I-821 is approved?
If the application is approved, the individual will receive a two-year period of deferred action and employment authorization. The individual may also be eligible for certain benefits, such as a driver’s license and Social Security number.