The deadline to register for Nepal TPS (“Temporary Protected Status”) is approaching fast – the deadline is December 21, 2015. TPS is what it sounds like – a status which allows people to remain in the United States temporarily. “Temporary” can mean a long time in some situations. For example, TPS for nationals of El Salvador has existed since 2001. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.
On June 24, 2015, DHS announced the Designation of Nepal for TPS and that eligible Nepalese nationals (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) residing in the United States could apply for TPS. With TPS status, individuals may remain lawfully in the United States and receive work authorization during the allowed TPS time period.
The reason that Nepal was designated as a country for TPS was because of an 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. Approximately 25 to 33 percent of Nepal’s population (over 8 million people) in 39 of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected by the earthquake. The earthquake and its aftershocks caused over 8,700 fatalities and more than 20,000 injuries, displaced millions of people, and resulted in destruction or significant damage to over 750,000 homes. The UN estimated that 2.8 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance.
Eligibility and Timing
In order to timely register, applicants must file an application during the initial registration period – from June 24, 2015 to December 21, 2015. People eligible to register are those who have been both “continuously physically present” and “continuously residing” in the U.S. since June 24, 2015. Applicants must also undergo security checks. Individuals with certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS.
Documents needed to Register
In order to register, applicants must complete the following forms and pay the following fees:
- I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Filing fee of $50.00
- Biometric fee of $85.00
For more information about TPS in general and where to mail the forms, check out the USCIS TPS information page.
USCIS has designated a period of stay for those granted TPS from Nepal of up until December 24, 2016.
