TPS for Haitians - Registration Period Extended!

The Department of Homeland Security announced an extension to the registration period for Haitian TPS applications. An additional registration period of 180 days have been given to provide eligible Haitians with additional time needed to prepare their applications, obtain documents needed, and learn about the process for fee waivers. Waivers of the application fees are available to those who can demonstrate an inability to pay.


Please advise your friends and family that the International Institute of Rhode Island will be processing Haitian TPS registration applications until January 11, 2011.
Due to the recent devastating earthquake, the Department of Homeland Security has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals of Haiti for eighteen (18) months. The TPS for nationals of Haiti will be valid until July 21, 2011. This extension covers approximately 100,000 to 200,000 nationals of Haiti located throughout the United States.

TPS is a temporary legal status given by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to citizens of a certain country in cases of emergency. Those who are granted TPS are able to live and work in the United States legally for the duration of the status, but TPS does not lead to adjustment of legal permanent status. As the end of the 18 months approaches, the DHS Secretary will decide to renew the status or let it expire.

Who is Eligible: Most nationals of Haiti who were physically present and residing in the United States on the date of the earthquake, January 12, 2010, and apply for TPS before the end of the registration period on January 18, 2011, are eligible. Haitians who arrived in the United States after January 12, 2010 are not eligible for TPS. For questions about qualifying, please contact the International Institute of Rhode Island at (401) 461-5940.

How to apply: To apply for TPS, Haitians will need to submit a TPS application (I-821), and, regardless of whether the individual intends to work, an Employment Authorization application (I-765). Applicants must provide evidence that they are of Haitian nationality and that they were physically present and residing in the United States on January 12, 2010. Applicants must also submit two (2) passport-size photos.

The application fee that most Haitians will have to pay to USCIS will total $470. Waivers of the application fees are available to those who can demonstrate an inability to pay.


Please be aware that some unauthorized “legal consultants” may try to take advantage of you by claiming that they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to secure legitimate, accurate and legal advice and assistance.


Do Not Be a Victim of Immigration Scams!
The following tips will help you to avoid becoming a victim of an immigration scam:

• DO NOT sign any blank papers or documents that you do not understand
• DO NOT sign any documents that contain false or inaccurate information
• DO NOT let anyone keep your original documents
• DO NOT pay more than a nominal fee to someone who is not an attorney or make payments on the internet.
• DO make photocopies of all documents prepared or submitted for you
• DO get a receipt any time you pay someone to assist you in completely or submitting forms
• DO verify that your attorney is licensed or your representative is accredited by the BIA


The International Institute of Rhode Island will help Haitians apply for TPS. The International Institute of Rhode Island is a non-profit agency providing services to the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. The Institute has a staff of federally accredited immigration caseworkers, trained and experienced in all areas of immigration procedures, including TPS applications.


Individuals interested in having the International Institute assist them with TPS applications should make an appointment by contacting IIRI at (401) 784-8650 or by coming to the International Institutes Feinstein Center for Citizenship Immigration Services office at 645 Elmwood Avenue in Providence.

The International Institute will charge a fee of $75 to prepare and file applications. Applicants should bring proper documentation, including passports, ID cards, birth certificates and other significant documents.


For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 784-8650.