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Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
DHS Form I-821 is the Application for Temporary Protected Status, used by eligible nationals or persons without nationality who last resided in designated countries. The form expires on 02/28/2027.
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USCIS Form I-821 - Application for Temporary Protected Status
DHS Form I-821 is the Application for Temporary Protected Status, used by eligible nationals or persons without nationality who last resided in designated countries. The form expires on 02/28/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use Form I-821 to request DACA; use Form I-821D instead.
- 2Filing without selecting Item Number 1.a. or 1.b. in Part 1.
- 3Selecting Item 1.b. (re-registration) but failing to complete Item Number 2.
- 4Providing a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature.
- 5Failing to provide a valid signature, leading USCIS to reject the application.
Plain English
This form allows an individual to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) if they are from a country designated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is also used when someone who already has TPS needs to re-register their status. Filing this form grants protection that can allow individuals to remain in the U.S. legally.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Form I-821 is used when registering initially or re-registering for TPS. The form itself expires on 02/28/2027.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when registering initially or re-registering for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Do not use Form I-821 when requesting Consideration Of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- Check Form I-821D instead when requesting DACA.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Must file this form with your I-821 to request EAD.
✓ Confirm you include Item I-765.
Need a paper copy of Form I-94
Obtain it by filing this form if the CBP website does not provide access.
✓ Check the required fee for Form I-102 on G-1055.
Filing Fee details needed
All information regarding filing fees is located in this schedule.
✓ Verify the current fee amount listed on G-1055.
Deadline or filing window
Form I-821 is filed when applying for TPS initially or re-registering. The form itself expires on 02/28/2027. If you wait to file a related Form I-765, you may not receive your EAD until several weeks after filing.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
All evidence and supporting documents
All listed in the 'What Evidence Must You Submit' section of these Instructions. · Instruction Booklet/Form PDF
Country-specific procedures notice
The most recently published Federal Register notice announcing TPS registration or re-registration. · External (Federal Register)
Criminal History Documentation
Conviction and disposition documentation, even if records are sealed/expunged. · Form I-821 Item 6 & Instructions p.11
Authorization Expiration Date
The date your authorized period of stay expired or will expire (mm/dd/yyyy). · Arrival Departure Record or Crewman’s Landing Permit
EAD Request Support
Completed Form I-765. · Submitted with the application package.
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all information legibly in black ink on Form I-821.
- 2If needed, use Part 11 of Form I-821 for extra space or attach a separate sheet.
- 3Type or print your name and A-Number (if applicable) at the top of every page.
- 4Ensure the application is properly signed by you or your signing authority.
- 5Confirm that any signature provided is an original handwritten ink signature (even if photocopied/scanned).
- 6Verify you have included all required evidence listed in the Instructions.
- 7If requesting EAD, confirm Form I-765 is submitted with this application.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-821 by typing or printing legibly in black ink and providing your name/A-Number at the top of each sheet.
- 2Gather all required supporting evidence, including conviction documentation and any necessary Forms (like I-765).
- 3Sign the application properly; if under 14, have a parent or legal guardian sign on your behalf.
- 4Mail or submit Form I-821 along with its evidence package to USCIS, keeping a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-821 does not apply to requests for Consideration Of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); Form I-821D must be used for DACA.
- 2If a person is re-registering for TPS and already received a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility, they do not need another waiver for the same action, incident, or circumstance.
- 3Each person seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must apply on a separate Form I-821 because there is no derivative TPS status.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name as in your passport.
Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.
Country where you hold citizenship.
Basis
2 items
Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.
Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).
Evidence
1 items
List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.
Signatures
1 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-821 is dated 01/20/25, and the draft revision date noted on Page 1 is 10/17/2023. The instructions do not specify a page for 'latest information,' but they direct users to refer to the most recently published country-specific Federal Register notice.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for all filing fees.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source (but instructions direct to www.uscis.gov/contactcenter).
- Signature — ensure it is a proper handwritten signature, as stamps or typewritten names are not accepted.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-821 for personal records.
- 2If filing online, locate your Online Account Number (OAN) in your account profile. If mailing, find it at the top of the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS.
- 3Ensure that if you are re-registering and selected Item 1.b., you also completed Item 2 (TPS Granting Authority).
- 4If applying initially, select Item 1.a. on Form I-821 to indicate a first-time application.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-821 is to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) if you are an eligible national or a person without nationality who last resided in a designated country.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Each person seeking TPS must file Form I-821 on a separate basis, as there is no derivative TPS status.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Item 1.a. should be selected for an initial application or if you previously applied but do not currently have TPS.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If filing and selecting Item 1.b., the applicant must also complete Item 2 (TPS Granting Authority).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — The form expires on 02/28/2027, according to the draft dated 10/17/2023.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — If you do not have a receipt number beginning with IOE, you do not have an Online Account Number (OAN).
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site (The specific deadline for filing is not provided in these excerpts).
Common confusion points
What is the difference between an A-Number and an OAN?
The A-Number identifies immigration records (used for family members); the OAN is your USCIS Online Account Number (if you have one from a receipt starting with IOE).
→ Check Item 9 (for yourself) or Items 3. & 10. (for dependents) on Form I-821.
When should I select Item 1.a. vs. Item 1.b.?
Select 1.a. for your first time applying OR if you previously applied but do not currently have TPS; select 1.b. only if you currently have TPS and are re-registering.
→ Review the instructions on Form I-821, Part 1.
Do my family members need to file separately?
Yes; each person seeking TPS must apply for him or herself on a separate Form I-821 because there is no derivative status.
→ Refer to Instructions p.2 regarding individual application requirements.
What if I don't have an A-Number?
If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, type or print “N/A” in Item 9; if you don't have an A-Number for yourself, leave the field blank (if applicable).
→ Instructions p.5 confirms providing "N/A" when no SSN is available.
When do I need to provide a former spouse’s A-Number?
When it is available to you; this number identifies your former spouse's immigration records and is listed in Item 7 on Form I-821.
→ Instructions p.7 specifies providing the former spouse's A-Number.
What if my spouse/child has an A-Number, but we are applying for TPS?
Provide that number in the appropriate field (Item 3. or Item 10.) on Form I-821 to identify their immigration records.
→ Instructions p.8 confirms providing the child's A-Number when available.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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⚠ If something goes wrong
- Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
Questions about USCIS Form I-821
What is USCIS Form I-821 used for?
This form allows an individual to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) if they are from a country designated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is also used when someone who already has TPS needs to re-register their status. Filing this form grants protection that can allow individuals to remain in the U.S. legally.
Who must file USCIS Form I-821?
An eligible national of certain countries designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country must file Form I-821.
What information does USCIS Form I-821 require?
The form collects personal details, including your U.S. Social Security Number (if any), date of birth, and sex. Part 1 identifies the type of application (initial or re-registration), while other parts capture vital demographic information like height and weight.
When is USCIS Form I-821 due?
Form I-821 is used when registering initially or re-registering for TPS. The form itself expires on 02/28/2027.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-821?
The source does not specify a required service center address, but if you lack internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center to request that they mail the form to you.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-821?
First, determine if the filing is an initial application (select Item 1.a.) or re-registration (select Item 1.b.). If re-registering, complete Item Number 2 for TPS Granting Authority. Then, fill out demographic details like your date of birth and height/weight before signing properly.
What happens if USCIS Form I-821 is filed incorrectly?
If your application is not signed or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the application. If USCIS accepts the request and finds a deficient signature, it may deny the request.
What is the difference between an A-Number and an OAN?
The A-Number identifies immigration records (used for family members); the OAN is your USCIS Online Account Number (if you have one from a receipt starting with IOE). Check Item 9 (for yourself) or Items 3. & 10. (for dependents) on Form I-821.
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