I-821, Application for temporary protected status

As of November 29th, all TPS applicants may file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online. This means that when you file online, you are submitting a TPS file with I-821 and I-765 forms together.
Before, the option to file Form I-821 online was only available to initial TPS applicants from certain countries.
First-time TPS applicants and TPS beneficiaries that are re-registering can apply online.
To request an Employment Authorization Document, applicants must submit a completed Form I-765 with their Form I-821, or may submit Form I-765 separately.
USCIS now offers the online filing option for all Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants to continue making the process of applying for immigration benefits more effective.

— File Forms I-821 & I-765 online (what applicants should know)

USCIS now allows eligible Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants to file Form I-821 and Form I-765 online. This option provides faster submission, immediate electronic receipts, and fewer mailing errors. Therefore, applicants who are eligible for online filing should consider this path and follow USCIS instructions carefully to avoid common mistakes.

Who is eligible to file online

• Confirm the TPS designation for your country and that the registration period is open.
• Verify USCIS accepts online filings for your TPS designation and filing window.
• Prepare digital copies of identity documents, entry proof, continuous residence evidence, and any immigration notices.

Step-by-step (quick)

1. Create or sign in to your USCIS online account and secure your login credentials.
2. Start Form I-821 in the online portal and upload required evidence (IDs, entry proof, continuous residence).
3. Add Form I-765 in the same session if you want an EAD — select the TPS category when prompted.
4. Pay applicable fees online or request a fee waiver if eligible; follow USCIS instructions for fee-waiver documentation.
5. Submit, save the electronic receipt (I-797C), and monitor your online account for RFEs and case updates.

Evidence to prepare

• Identity: passport biographic page, national ID, birth certificate (certified translation if not in English).
• Entry & residence: I-94 (if any), airline tickets, rent/utility bills, employment records, school/medical records, affidavits.
• Criminal history: court dispositions and certified documents — disclose arrests/convictions and consult counsel when needed.
• Biometrics: be prepared to attend a USCIS biometric appointment if scheduled.

Common pitfalls

• Uploading unreadable scans — scan at 300 dpi and verify file legibility.
• Missing certified translations for non-English documents.
• Paying the wrong fee or failing to include fee-waiver evidence.
• Failing to preserve the online receipt and case number.

What happens after filing

• USCIS issues an electronic receipt and case number; biometrics may be scheduled.
• If Form I-765 is approved, USCIS mails an EAD card to the address on file — confirm your mailing address.
• Use the online account to monitor your case and respond promptly to RFEs.

How we help

We review TPS eligibility, assemble online filing packages, prepare affidavits and translations, draft fee-waiver packets, and advise on admissibility risks.