The Department of Homeland Security provided information on March 16, 2022 on how to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the 18-month Afghanistan designation. The enrollment period begins on May 20, 2022 and ends on November 20, 2023. USCIS estimates that 72,500 individuals currently in the United States may be eligible for TPS designated under Afghanistan.
This designation is intended to protect Afghan nationals living in the United States from returning to unsafe conditions. TPS will also provide additional protection to trusted partners and vulnerable Afghans who have supported U.S. military, diplomatic, and humanitarian missions in Afghanistan over the past 20 years.
What are the eligibility criteria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
To be eligible for TPS, an individual must be able to demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March 16, 2022. Based on current estimates, USCIS has determined that 72,500 individuals currently in the United States may be eligible for TPS under the Afghanistan designation. This includes Afghan nationals who arrived in the U.S. as part of an evacuation effort and were paroled on a case-by-case basis to the U.S. Anyone arriving in the U.S. after March 15, 2022 is not eligible for TPS.
Registration began on May 20, 2022 and continues through November 20, 2022. During this initial registration period, Afghan nationals applying for TPS must complete Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and this form can be submitted online. Applicants may also request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-821. The following evidence must be submitted with the Form I-821:
- Date of entry (copy of passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Form)
- Proof of identity and nationality
- Proof of continuous residence
Visit the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) for a complete list of authorized evidence.
What is the process for registering for Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan?
Once USCIS receives the petition, the applicant will be contacted for biometric identification. They will then be required to report to the CSA with the appropriate evidence and notice of receipt/nomination. USCIS will then adjudicate the application and may request additional evidence. The application will be approved or denied. Denied applications may be appealed. To maintain TPS and its benefits, individuals must re-enroll during each re-enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
#Are Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States as part of an evacuation also eligible for TPS?
Under “Operation Welcome Allies,” most Afghan nationals who arrived as part of the evacuation were paroled into the U.S. for two years on humanitarian and compassionate grounds and granted work authorization, DHS said. These individuals may also be eligible for TPS.
#Is there a filing fee for this petition?
Yes, there is a filing fee for this petition. This fee depends on the age of the applicant and whether the applicant wants an EAD. However, fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Need for help ?
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