TPS HAITI [English]
The United States government is offering Haitians in the U.S. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
What is TPS?
TPS gives people from Haiti who are in the U.S., temporary protection from deportation, legal status, and an Employment Authorization Card (work permit). TPS is temporary; that means it is good only for 1 or 2 years. After that time, the U.S. government can extend TPS or choose to end it.
Do I qualify for haitian TPS?
You may qualify for Haitian TPS if:
You are a citizen of Haiti
You have been in the U.S. since July 29, 2021 or earlier
* Certain crimes can make you ineligible for TPS *
I want to apply for TPS for the first time:
To apply for TPS, you will need:
A Haitian passport, birth certificate, or national ID;
A visa, even if expired, passport stamp, or any other immigration paperwork;
Documents showing you have been the U.S. since July 29, 2021 such as medical records, leases, work, or school records;
Records for any arrests, charges, and criminal court cases you may have in the U.S. at any time.
I already have TPS and want to renew:
People from Haiti who currently have TPS should newly apply under this announcement. To newly apply for TPS, you will need:
The same documents needed for someone applying for TPS for the first time;
A copy of your most recent TPS application;
Records for any arrests, charges, and criminal court cases you may have in the U.S. at any time.
If you live in Maine and want to apply for or renew Haitian TPS, please collect the documents listed here. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call ILAP intake at 207-780-1593 OR go to https://ilapmaine.org/get-legal-help.
FIRST-TIME APPLICATIONS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To apply for TPS for the first time you must:
Apply between August 3, 2021 and February 3, 2023;
Be a citizen or national of Haiti;
Have lived in the U.S. without leaving since July 29, 2021 or earlier;
Have no convictions for a felony and no convictions for 2 or more misdemeanor offenses (there may be some exceptions for driving violations); *
Have NOT resettled in another country beside Haiti, before coming to the U.S.*
* Speak to an experienced immigration lawyer before applying if this may be true for you
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY?
You will need to gather, complete, and send to Immigration:
Form I-821; (If you are renewing TPS there are special instructions for checking a few boxes on this form);
Form I-765 (if you also want a work authorization card);
A Haitian passport, birth certificate or national I.D. (copy only; DON’T send originals);
Immigration paperwork, even if expired (visa, passport stamps, work card etc.) showing the date you entered the U.S.; (copy only)
Documents showing you have lived in the U.S. since July 29, 2021 (or earlier) such as medical records, pay stubs, rent receipts, utility bills, school records; (copy only)
Certified records of any arrest, criminal charge, or conviction anywhere in the U.S.; (copy only)
Check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” for:
$545 if you are 14-65 years old and want TPS and a work authorization card;
$135 if you are 66 or older and want TPS and a work authorization card;
$135 if you are over 14 and want TPS but do NOT want a work authorization card;
$50 if you are younger than 14 and want TPS with or without a work authorization card;
Form I-912 with evidence of your income and expenses IF you are asking for the fee(s) listed above to be excused;
Form G-1145 clipped to first page of I-821 IF you want email or text notification that your form was received.
Please note: The TPS application process can take weeks or months. You should use a stable mailing address and be sure you will get all notices from Immigration, including for your work card fingerprint and picture appointment, right away.