About Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador
Update as of September 16th, 2023: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending from 60 days to 18 months the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The 18-month re-registration period under the designation of El Salvador now runs through March 9, 2025. Haiti now runs through Aug. 3, 2024; Honduras now runs through July 5, 2025; Nepal now runs through June 24, 2025; Nicaragua now runs through July 5, 2025; and Sudan now runs through April 19, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to re-register to extend my TPS status?
On June 13, the U.S. government (1) canceled the Trump-era termination of TPS for El Salvador and (2) announced a new 18-month TPS extension for El Salvador. This means that current TPS recipients from El Salvador will be able to keep their TPS status until at least March 9, 2025, but they must first submit an application (re-register) to the government to keep their status.
When must I re-register for TPS?
From July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025.
What happens if I fail to re-register during the 18 month registration period?
Failure to re-register properly within the 18 month re-registration period may result in the withdrawal of your TPS. Therefore, it is very important that you re-register properly as soon as possible during the 18 month re-registration period.
Can I renew my work permit at the same time that I re-register? Should I renew my work permit at the same time that I re-register?
Yes! Every employee should provide their employer with documentation showing they have legal authorization to work in the United States. TPS beneficiaries are authorized to work in the United States and are eligible for a work permit which proves their employment authorization.
What if I already have a work permit that is valid until June 30, 2024 according to previous government guidance?
If you have an existing work permit that has been auto-extended through June 30, 2024 by the government, you may continue to use that EAD through that date. However, you must still re-register for TPS during the 18 month registration period.
How long will my new work permit be valid if I renew it at the same time I re-register?
The government will issue new work permits with a March 9, 2025 expiration date to eligible Salvadoran TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for work permits.
How do you re-register for TPS and renew your work permit?
To re-register for TPS based on the designation of El Salvador, you must submit Form I–821, Application for Temporary Protected Status during the 18-month reregistration period, which starts on July 12, 2023 and ends on March 9, 2025.
If you want to obtain a new work permit valid through March 9, 2025, you must also submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Do I have to renew my work permit at the same time that I re-register for TPS?
You may, but are not required to, submit Form I–765, Application for Employment Authorization, with your Form I–821 re-registration application. If you do not want a new EAD now, you can request one later by filing your I–765 and paying the fee at that time.
What supporting documents do I need to file with my TPS re-registration?
At least one of the following documents: your Salvadoran passport, your Salvadoran birth certificate accompanied by government-issued identification, OR any national identity document from El Salvador bearing your photo and/or fingerprint.
What additional supporting documents do I need to file to renew my work permit?
The front and back of your last work permit and two (2) passport style photographs.
What is the fee for re-registration?
If you are only filing to re-register for TPS, you must pay a biometrics service fee of $85 to the government. You must include a check or money order for exactly $85 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What is the fee for renewing my work permit?
If you are filing to re-register for TPS AND renew your work permit, you must pay a fee of $495 to the government ($410 filing fee + $85 biometrics service fee). You must include a check or money order for exactly $495 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Since the last time I re-registered for TPS, I left the United States without permission from the U.S. government. What should I do?
You should consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible to confirm that you are still eligible for TPS before re-registering. DO NOT re-register without consulting an immigration attorney first because you may be deportable from the United States. If you are deportable and try to re-register, you could be placed in deportation proceedings.
Since the last time I re-registered for TPS, I was arrested or received a criminal conviction. What should I do?
You should consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible to confirm that you are still eligible for TPS before re-registering. DO NOT re-register without consulting an immigration attorney first because you may be deportable from the United States. If you are deportable and try to re-register, you could be placed in deportation proceedings.
Since the last time I re-registered for TPS, my asylum application was denied. What should I do?
You should consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible to confirm that you are still eligible for TPS before re-registering. DO NOT re-register without consulting an immigration attorney first because you may be deportable from the United States. If you are deportable and try to re-register, you could be placed in deportation proceedings.
I would like an immigration attorney to help me re-register or confirm that I am eligible to re-register and not in danger of being placed in deportation proceedings. Can CASA help me?
For support, call the legal hotline (1-866-765-2272).
If you are from El Salvador but you did not enter the U.S. in time to obtain TPS under the initial designation, what should you do?
Re-registration is limited to Salvadorans who (1) entered the U.S. before February 13, 2001, (2) have previously registered or re-registered for TPS under El Salvador’s designation, (3) whose previous applications were granted, and (4) whose TPS has not been withdrawn. However, CASA and other organizations are continuing to fight and pressure the government to re-designate TPS for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, and designate Guatemala so that everyone currently in the U.S. from those countries can live and work in peace and security, without fear of deportation. Find out more information about CASA’s efforts and how you can become involved.
