TPS Extension for Somalians

The United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (BCIS) announced a 12-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia until September 17, 2006.

Nationals of Somalia who have been granted TPS must re-register for the 12-month extension during the 60-day re-registration period. The deadline to re-register is September 27, 2005.

Under the extension, those who have already been granted TPS are elegible to live and work in the US foe an additional year and continue to maintain their status.

What should I do to re-register?
To re-register for the extension, a TPS applicant must submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) as well as two identification photographs (1 1/2" X 1 1/2") to the local BCIS district office. Both forms must be submitted for re-registration.

How much will it cost to re-register?
If the applicant seeks only to re-register for TPS and not an extension of employment authorization, there is no filing fee. But applicants seeking an extension of employment authorization must submit a $120 filing fee with form I-765. Failure to submit the required photographs and filing fees will result in the rejection of the application.

Will I have to be fingerprinted again?
No. However, children who have reached age of 14 and were not previously fingerprinted must do so and pay the $50 fingerprint fee with their application for extension. Applicants may request a fingerprint fee waiver.

For more information, please contact the BCIS National Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-374-5283. Forms are available from the toll-free hotline or from the BCIS website: http://www.uscis.gov/.