USCIS Reminds Haitians to Register for Temporary Protected Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Haitian nationals that the registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is fast approaching. Haitian nationals, who have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 12, 2010 and who meet other TPS eligibility requirements, must file their applications for TPS no later than July 20, 2010. The TPS designation for Haiti will remain in effect through July 22, 2011.

Haitian nationals are advised to review their application packages carefully when applying for TPS. Details and procedures for applying for TPS are provided on the USCIS Web site  and in the Federal Register notice announcing TPS for Haiti.

As of April 9, USCIS had received approximately 44,500 TPS application packages; however, more than 10 percent were rejected. The most common reasons for rejection are:

• The application was not filed with appropriate fees or a fee waiver request.
• The application was missing biographical information.
• The applicant did not sign the appropriate forms (Forms I-821 and I-765).
• The application was filed using an incorrect form.

If an application package is rejected during the initial intake process, the applicant may re-submit the corrected application by July 20, 2010. TPS forms are available on the USCIS Web site or by calling toll-free (800) 870-3676. For additional information, applicants may also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

For guidance and information on USCIS’ response to the earthquake in Haiti, please visit www.uscis.gov/haitianearthquake. Applicants requesting a fee waiver must comply with the requirements described on this page.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.

Last updated:04/14/2010