Haitian Immigrants In The U.S. Get TPS Extension

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Weds. Aug. 26, 2015: Haitian immigrants in the U.S. who secured Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following the 2010 earthquake will now be able to benefit from an extension.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson this week extended Haiti’s designation for TPS) for an additional 18 months. The extended designation becomes effective on Jan. 23, 2016 and will run through July 22, 2017.

Current TPS Haitian beneficiaries seeking to extend their status must re-register during the 60-day period that opened yesterday, Aug. 25, 2015, and will run through Oct. 26, 2015.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible once the 60-day re-registration period begins.

The 18-month extension will allow TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Eligible TPS Haiti beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of July 22, 2017.

Haiti was initially designated for TPS on Jan. 21, 2010. Following consultations with other federal agencies, the Department of Homeland Security has determined that current conditions in Haiti support extending the designation period for current TPS beneficiaries.

To re-register, current TPS beneficiaries must submit:

Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (Re-registrants do not need to pay the Form I-821 application fee).

The biometric services fee (or a fee waiver request) if they are 14 years old or older.

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, regardless of whether they want an EAD.

The Form I-765 application fee, or a fee waiver request, but only if they want an EAD. If the re-registrant does not want an EAD, no application fee is required.

Applicants may request that USCIS waive the Form I-765 application fee and/or biometrics fee based on an inability to pay. To do so, applicants must file a Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or submit a written request. Fee waiver requests must be accompanied by supporting documentation. USCIS will reject the TPS application of any applicant who fails to submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee waiver request.

Applicants can download these forms from the USCIS website at uscis.gov/forms or by calling USCIS toll-free at 1-800-870-3676.

Additional information on TPS for Haiti – including guidance on eligibility, the application process, and where to file – is available online at uscis.gov/tps.

Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check My Case Status Online, or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).