USCIS

Form I-821

Humanitarian & Relief

Application for Temporary Protected Status

If you believe you are an eligible national of a designated country or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country, use this form to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

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Plain English

This form is used to request humanitarian protection in the United States. It's for individuals who need safety from persecution, disaster, or certain crimes, including asylum seekers, refugees, trafficking victims, and those needing temporary protected status.

Quick Facts

Who: Individuals seeking humanitarian protection in the United States, including asylum seekers, refugees, trafficking victims, and those with Temporary Protected Status.
What: Application for Temporary Protected Status — used to apply for humanitarian protection, including asylum, refugee status, TPS, T visas, and U visas.
When: Asylum applications within 1 year of arrival; other forms as specified in USCIS instructions.
Where: Filed with USCIS by mail or online, with supporting evidence of eligibility.
Why: U.S. and international law provide protection for individuals fleeing persecution, disasters, or certain crimes.
How: Complete personal information, describe the basis for protection, provide supporting evidence, and attend biometrics and interview as scheduled.

Common Risks & Mistakes

  • •Missing the 1-year asylum filing deadline — exceptions are limited
  • •Insufficient evidence to establish eligibility — thorough documentation is critical
  • •Failing to attend biometrics appointments — leads to application abandonment
  • •Not including complete translations of foreign-language documents
  • •Missing the deadline to respond to USCIS requests for additional evidence

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Field-by-Field Guide

Applicant Info
Full Legal NameREQUIREDtext

Your current legal name as in your passport.

Date and Place of BirthREQUIREDtext

Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.

Country of NationalityREQUIREDtext

Country where you hold citizenship.

Basis
Basis for ProtectionREQUIREDtext

Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.

Date of Last Arrival in U.S.REQUIREDdate

Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).

Evidence
Supporting EvidenceREQUIREDtext

List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.

Signatures
Applicant SignatureREQUIREDsignature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.