Filing Tips to Request Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

Reminder: Join our national engagement today from 2-3 p.m. Eastern on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for TPS on Sept. 20, 2023. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing the following filing tips to beneficiaries of the Venezuela 2021 TPS designation, who need to re-register to extend their TPS for an additional 18 months. These filing tips can also be used by eligible applicants applying for the first time for TPS under the Venezuela 2023 redesignation for 18 months. Detailed information about this TPS extension and redesignation can be found in the Federal Register notice. 

Important Dates 

If you are re-registering for TPS under the Venezuela 2021 designation, the open registration period is from Jan. 10, 2024, through Mar. 10, 2024.

If you are applying for initial TPS under the Venezuela 2023 redesignation, registration is open now through April 2, 2025. 

File Online or by Mail 
There are two ways to submit your Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status: online or by mail. 

If you are filing Form I-821 and you are not requesting to waive any fees (for Form I-821 or for biometrics), you may file either online or by mail. 

If you are filing Form I-821 and you are requesting a fee waiver, either for the application fee or for the biometrics fee, you must submit a paper Form I-821 with the Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, by mail; you cannot submit the Form I-821 online, if you are requesting a fee waiver. 

Mailing Your Paper Form: If you are mailing a paper Form I-821 to re-register for TPS or apply for initial TPS, you must send your application package to the correct USCIS office. Sending your application to the wrong USCIS office could result in delays. 

The Benefits of Filing Online: If you are re-registering for TPS or applying for initial TPS, there are some benefits to submitting your application through the USCIS online account at my.USCIS.gov. When you apply online, you can prevent common mistakes such as a missing signature, missing pages, or an incomplete application. These issues cause us to reject some paper forms. If you create a USCIS online account, you can: 

• Check the status of your case; 
• Access notices sent by USCIS; 
• Communicate with USCIS; 
• Respond to Requests for Evidence; and 
• Update your address with USCIS when you move. 

Follow These Steps to File Online 

Step 1: Create a free USCIS online account. 

• We have resources in Spanish to help guide you through the steps to set up your online account. 
• If you already have a USCIS online account, you will need to know the email address and password you used to set up your account.

Step 2: Gather required documents. 

You will need to provide evidence of your identity and nationality. Examples include: 

• Passport; 
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship from your country of origin; 
• Birth certificate accompanied by photo identification; or 
• National identity document from your country of origin with your photograph or fingerprint.

Step 3: Apply for employment authorization. 
TPS Venezuela 2023 

• If you are applying for TPS for the first time under the Venezuela 2023 redesignation, you may request employment authorization by submitting Form I-765 online with your Form I-821, or separately later. 

TPS Venezuela 2021 

• If you currently have a Venezuela TPS-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the Category (a)(12) or (c)(19) and a Card Expires date of March 10, 2024, or September 9, 2022, we have automatically extended your EAD through March 10, 2025. However, you must re-register timely for TPS to maintain your TPS and employment authorization. If you would like to receive an EAD valid through Sept. 10, 2025, file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with your Form I-821 re-registration application during the 60-day re-registration period from Jan. 10, 2024, through March 10, 2024. 
• If your Form I-821 and Form I-765 are still pending as of Oct. 3, 2023, you do not need to file another TPS or EAD application. If we approve your application, we will grant you TPS and issue you a new EAD through Sept. 10, 2025. 

Step 4: If you have moved, update your address with USCIS. 

• If we have an old address on file for you, you may miss important documents and notices. Update your address promptly with USCIS each time you move. 
• There are two ways to update your address with USCIS: 
• Through your USCIS online account; or 
• By submitting a change of address online. 

Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams 
If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources. 

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.