USA Immigration News

U.S. Extends Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for eligible nationals of El Salvador, according to an announcement from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

TPS is a temporary immigration status that entitles nationals of designated countries to remain in the U.S as it has been deemed dangerous to return to their country because of an environmental disaster, war or other temporary severe condition.

Accordingly, TPS for Salvadorans living in the U.S will be extended to 18 months - beginning on March 10, 2012 and ending on September 9, 2013.

The registration period for current Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries seeking to extend their TPS status will be open until March 12, 2012 and USCIS is encouraging beneficiaries to register as soon as possible within the 60 days of the registration period.

With the 18-month extension, TPS re-registrants are also permitted to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). New EADs with an expiration date of September 9, 2013 will be granted for eligible Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries who re-register on time.

Currently, TPS beneficiaries who want to re-register must submit two application forms, including Application for Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821 and Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765, regardless of whether they are applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or not.

The Form I-821 application fee will not be required for re-registrants, but re-registrants must submit a biometric services fee, or a fee waiver request, if they are 14 years of age or older. The Form I-765 application fee or a waiver request fee will be charged for re-registrants applying for an EAD.

TPS applicants seeking a waivee of any or all fees can fill a Request for Fee Waiver, Form I-912, or submit a personal letter to USCIS. TPS applications will be disposed if the required filing fees or properly documented fee waiver requests are not submttted.

Nationals of El Salvador can view additional information about TPS, including guidance on the application process and eligibility on the USCIS website.

If you are interested in Visas to the USA, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the United States of America.