The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published legal notice in the Federal Register which provides instructions on the re-registration process for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Venezuela.
It is estimated that around 111,700 Venezuelans are currently protected by the TPS program who may be eligible to re-enroll in the program.
Venezuelans already registered with TPS will be able to legally stay in the US for another 18 months from September 10, 2022 to March 10, 2024.
How to re-register to TPS from Venezuela
The re-registration period starts on September 8, 2022 and ends on November 7, 2022. If you do not register within the re-registration period, you may lose TPS.
To re-register, Venezuelans must file Forms I-821 and I-765 and send the appropriate fees to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
I recommend that you submit your documents electronically (e-filing). This will give you an immediate receipt and prevent you from losing your application in the mail. This option is not available for late initial registrations or individuals who wish to request a fee waiver.
The re-registration fee for TPS from Venezuela is $85 for fingerprints (children under 14 are exempt) and $410 for a work permit if you need one.
Automatic Work Permit Renewal for TPS Venezuela
Work permits under the Venezuelan TPS, which expire on September 9, 2022, have been automatically extended until September 9, 2023.
If you need to renew your work permit, apply for an extension immediately so that USCIS will grant you a new work permit by September 9, 2023, when your current permit automatically renews.
print copy of Venezuelan TPS renewal official notice if your employer has to confirm that your work permit has been renewed automatically.
USCIS Fee Exemption for Qualified Persons
If you do not have enough money to apply because you are unemployed, earning below the poverty line, or receiving public benefits such as Medi-Cal, Medicaid, or food stamps, you can apply for a fee waiver using Form I. -912.
Warn people with a criminal record
Individuals found guilty of two misdemeanors or one felony are not eligible for TPS. Examples of misdemeanors are drunk driving and acts of domestic violence, among others.
Check with an immigration attorney before applying to re-register if you have been arrested or convicted of any crime, including driving without a license.
Initial registration for TPS from Venezuela
Venezuelans who have never registered with TPS but arrived in the US before March 9, 2021 must apply for initial TPS registration with USCIS.
They must submit their initial TPS registration by September 10, 2022 if they are eligible. This includes Venezuelans who are eligible for the Delayed Involuntary Departure (DED) program, which ended on July 20, 2022.
Consult with an immigration lawyer
TPS does not lead to permanent residence in the US and will end in the future.
When TPS ends, you will return to the immigration status you had before, such as undocumented status. If you have no other legal option to stay in the United States, you will be subject to deportation from the country.
Consult with a United States-licensed immigration attorney for proper advice, including your legal permanent residence options.
For more information and immigration advice visit my website Immigration Today®.
Send your questions to [email protected]. Include details about your situation to better answer their questions.
this column originally published on the Immigration Today® website and reproduced with permission.
Dr. Nelson A. Castillo – immigration attorney and author Green card: how to get permanent residence in the USA. He was past president of the National Hispanic Bar Association and the Westlake District Council of South Los Angeles. For information on how to consult Dr. Castillo, Click here.
This column is intended to provide general information. The outcome of the information provided by Dr. Nelson A. Castillo cannot be guaranteed or predicted. The information should not be taken as legal advice for any person, case or situation. This column can be considered an advertisement for the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys in various states, including California and New York. Consult with an immigration attorney for personalized legal advice before starting any immigration process.
Source: La Opinion
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.