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Official form guide
Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-821 is the Application for Temporary Protected Status, used by eligible nationals of designated countries or stateless persons to apply for TPS or re‑register. The form must include a handwritten signature; stamped or typed names are rejected.
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USCIS Form I-821 - Application for Temporary Protected Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-821 is the Application for Temporary Protected Status, used by eligible nationals of designated countries or stateless persons to apply for TPS or re‑register. The form must include a handwritten signature; stamped or typed names are rejected.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without a valid handwritten signature will cause rejection.
- 2Using a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Failing to sign the form when the applicant is under 14 years old.
- 4Omitting required copies of documents for an initial TPS application.
- 5Entering weight outside the 30‑699 pound range without using "000" as instructed.
Plain English
Form I-821 lets people from countries with Temporary Protected Status apply for protection or renew it. You fill out personal details, prove your nationality and residence, and sign the form before sending it to USCIS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 you are an eligible national of a designated TPS country or a stateless person seeking initial TPS registration or re‑registration.
- Do not use it when you are requesting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or any other benefit not related to TPS.
- Check Form I-821D instead when you want to request DACA.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
EAD cannot be requested on Form I-821; a separate filing is required
✓ Verify you have included Form I-765 if you need an EAD.
Requesting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is not processed on Form I-821; a different form is required
✓ Confirm you are using Form I-821D for DACA.
Paying the filing fee
Fee amounts are listed on the fee schedule, not on Form I-821 itself
✓ Ensure you reference the correct fee amount from the schedule.
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
U.S. Social Security Number (Item 9)
Provide SSN or write “N/A” · Applicant’s SSN card or personal knowledge
Date of Birth (Item 10)
Provide birth date in mm/dd/yyyy format · Birth certificate or passport
Country of Birth (Item 14)
Provide country name where born · Birth certificate or passport
Height (Item 3)
Enter feet and inches, e.g., 5 and 09 · Personal measurement
Proof of TPS eligibility
Copies of documents showing nationality of designated country, entry date, and U.S. residence · Country‑specific Federal Register notice and supporting documents
Before you submit
- 1Verify a handwritten ink signature is present on the original form.
- 2Complete all required personal information fields (Items 9‑14, 3‑5).
- 3Attach copies of documents proving TPS eligibility, entry date, and U.S. residence unless filing a re‑registration.
- 4Include the filing fee as indicated in Form G-1055.
- 5If you need an Employment Authorization Document, attach a separate Form I-765.
- 6Enter the OAN only if you have a receipt number beginning with IOE; otherwise leave it blank.
- 7Enter “N/A” for any field where the information does not apply, such as SSN if you do not have one.
- 8Enter height in feet and inches and weight in pounds; use “000” if weight is unknown.
- 9Sign and date the form in the designated signature area.
- 10Make a photocopy of the signed form and all supporting documents for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required personal information fields on Form I-821.
- 2Gather and attach copies of documents proving TPS eligibility, entry date, and U.S. residence (or note re‑registration exemption).
- 3Prepare the filing fee as indicated in Form G-1055 and include payment.
- 4If an Employment Authorization Document is needed, attach a separately completed Form I-765.
- 5Sign the form with a handwritten ink signature.
- 6Make a photocopy of the signed form and supporting documents for your records.
- 7Mail the original packet to the USCIS filing address.
Known limitations
- 1Does not cover Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications.
- 2Cannot be used to request an Employment Authorization Document; a separate Form I-765 is required.
- 3Original documents are not required unless USCIS specifically asks for them.
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 instructions are dated 01/20/25, the latest edition referenced in the draft dated 10/17/2023. No changes are noted in the source.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show 01/20/25 revision date.
- Fee — refer to Form G-1055 fee schedule for the required amount.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source.
- Signature — provide a handwritten ink signature on the original document; scanned copies must show that signature.
- Evidence list — confirm you have all documents listed in the “What Evidence Must You Submit” section.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the submitted packet for at least five years.
- 2Wait for a receipt notice from USCIS confirming they have received your application.
- 3If you filed a re‑registration, expect no immediate request for additional documentation.
- 4Monitor the USCIS case status online using the receipt number.
- 5If an error is discovered, follow USCIS instructions to correct it, which may involve filing a new Form I-821.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-821 is to apply for TPS or re‑register.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Do NOT use Form I-821 to request DACA; use Form I-821D.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Use Form I-821 when registering initially or re‑registering for TPS.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — To request an Employment Authorization Document, file Form I-765 with Form I-821.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Signature must be a handwritten ink signature; photocopies must be of the original.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Filing fee information is in Form G-1055 fee schedule.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — Item 9 requires U.S. Social Security Number; enter “N/A” if none.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — Item 10 requires date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Height must be entered in feet and inches; weight in pounds, use “000” if unknown.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — Re‑registration (Part 1, Item 1.b.) does not require submitting copies of documentation.
Common confusion points
Can I request a work permit on Form I-821?
Form I-821 does not include an EAD request; many think it does.
→ Verify you are filing a separate Form I-765 for an EAD.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Instructions say originals are not needed unless requested, but some applicants assume originals are required.
→ Check that you are only sending copies unless USCIS asks for originals.
What if I don’t have an OAN?
OAN exists only with an IOE receipt number; applicants may be confused about leaving it blank.
→ Confirm you leave the OAN field blank if you lack an IOE receipt.
Do I need to include my spouse’s TPS status?
Form includes a question about former spouse, leading to uncertainty.
→ Answer the spouse question accurately based on your knowledge.
How should I enter my weight if I’m unsure?
Weight field requires pounds; unknown values may be entered incorrectly.
→ Enter “000” if you cannot determine weight.
Is the height entered in centimeters acceptable?
Instructions specify feet and inches only.
→ Enter height in feet and inches as instructed.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-821
What is USCIS Form I-821 used for?
Form I-821 lets people from countries with Temporary Protected Status apply for protection or renew it. You fill out personal details, prove your nationality and residence, and sign the form before sending it to USCIS.
Who must file USCIS Form I-821?
Eligible nationals of a country designated for TPS, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in such a country, must file USCIS Form I-821.
What information does USCIS Form I-821 require?
Form I-821 collects the type of application (initial or re‑registration), TPS granting authority, Social Security number, birth date, sex, birthplace, height, weight, and requires supporting documents proving nationality, entry date, and U.S. residence.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-821?
Select Item 1.a. for an initial TPS application or Item 1.b. for re‑registration, then complete Item 2 if re‑registering. Fill personal data items 9‑14, height, and weight. Attach copies of documents proving nationality, entry, and residence unless re‑registering. Sign the form by hand; a photocopied, faxed, or scanned signature is acceptable. Submit the completed form to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form I-821 is filed incorrectly?
If the application lacks a valid handwritten signature, USCIS will reject the filing and may deny the request.
Can I request a work permit on Form I-821?
Form I-821 does not include an EAD request; many think it does. Verify you are filing a separate Form I-765 for an EAD.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Instructions say originals are not needed unless requested, but some applicants assume originals are required. Check that you are only sending copies unless USCIS asks for originals.
What if I don’t have an OAN?
OAN exists only with an IOE receipt number; applicants may be confused about leaving it blank. Confirm you leave the OAN field blank if you lack an IOE receipt.
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