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Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone Temporary Protected Status Stretched for Six Months

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An additional six months of extension for the designations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).This extension has been done by Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security. Though there have been major progresses in the conditions in all three countries since their designations for TPS in November 2014, the enduring effects of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak and continued recovery challenges support this six-month extension

The extended designation is effective May 22, 2016, through Nov. 21, 2016. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourage beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible. TPS extension allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible TPS beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of Nov. 21, 2016.

Submission Process for Re-registering for TPS:
To re-register, current beneficiaries should submit the following forms:

  • Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (re-registrants do not need to pay the Form I-821 application fee)
  • 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) only if they want an EAD. No application fee is required if the re-registrant does not want an EAD.
  • The biometric services fee (or a fee-waiver request) if they are age 14 or older.

Submission Process for Individuals who still have a pending initial TPS Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone application:

New Form I-821 is not needed for the individuals who still have a pending initial TPS Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone application. However, if they currently have a TPS-related EAD and want a new EAD, they should submit:

  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • The Form I-765 application fee, regardless of their age and
  • A copy of the receipt notice for the initial Form I-821 that is still pending

One who fails to submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee-waiver requests USCIS will reject that applicant’s TPS application. Applicants may request that USCIS waive any fees based on an inability to pay by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or by submitting a written request. Fee-waiver requests must be accompanied by supporting documentation. All USCIS forms are provided for free. Forms are available at USCIS website uscis.gov/forms or applicants can request forms by mail or call toll-free 1-800-870-3676.