On May 17, 2011, the U.S. government re-designated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows you to stay and work lawfully in the United States until January 22, 2013. This period may be extended by the U.S. government in the future.
You are eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status if you:
- Are a citizen/national of Haiti, or have no nationality but last resided in Haiti AND
- Have resided in the United States since January 12, 2011, or earlier
If eligible, you must apply for TPS and submit the appropriate forms and documentation by November 15, 2011. The total filing fees are $515, but you may request a fee waiver request with appropriate supporting evidence that you are unable to pay the fee.
If you already have TPS, you must re-register and renew your work permit by August 22, 2011. The total filing fees are $465, but you may request a fee waiver. By law, your current work permit is automatically extended and will be valid until January 22, 2012, despite showing an expiration date of July 22, 2011.
Please seek legal advice before filing your application for TPS, particularly if you have been arrested or convicted for a criminal offense. You may not be eligible for Temporary Protected Status if you have certain criminal convictions.
FOR FREE LEGAL HELP, YOU MAY CALL LSNJ-LAW™,
LEGAL SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY’S HOTLINE
Legal Services of New Jersey is a statewide non-profit that provides free legal advice and, in certain cases, representation to low-income New Jersey residents. To find out if you qualify for our services, please contact our statewide, toll-free hotline at 1-888-576-5529, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please state that you are calling about Haitian TPS. Interpreters are available for Creole, French, and other languages.
Beware of notaries public! They are not qualified to give you immigration advice or prepare your TPS application. If your TPS application is not completed correctly, you may not be able to get benefits that you are entitled to under the law. You may also be placed in removal proceedings, and you may be deported from the United States. Remember, you have the right to ask to see an attorney license or accreditation certificate!
|
Information On Temporary Protected Status For Haitians flyers
This information last reviewed 10/28/11. |
