Application for Temporary Protected Status
Applies for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — temporary humanitarian relief for nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing conflict or disaster.
Filing fee
No fee
+ $85 biometrics
Typical processing
6–18 mo
As of 2026-06-12
Category
humanitarian
USCIS (designated filing location per TPS country designation)
Processing time
Typical range: 6–18 months
Estimate based on USCIS data reviewed 2026-06-12. USCIS processing times change monthly and vary by service center and case specifics. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the current range for your specific case type and service center.
Note: this processing-time range is an estimate and has not been verified against a specific recent USCIS cycle. Use the official USCIS tool for authoritative data.
Estimate your timeline for this form
Enter your case received date to calculate your estimated completion window and case inquiry date.
Filing fee
No USCIS filing fee
Source: uscis.gov/tps — fees vary by country designation and age; verify current requirements
Fees and form details last reviewed June 2026 against the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, effective April 1, 2024). Always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before filing.
Where to file
USCIS (designated filing location per TPS country designation)
Always confirm the current filing location and instructions at uscis.gov — official I-821 page .
Common questions
- What is Form I-821?
- Applies for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — temporary humanitarian relief for nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing conflict or disaster.
- How much does it cost to file Form I-821?
- There is no USCIS filing fee for Form I-821.
- How long does I-821 take?
- USCIS reports a typical processing range of 6–18 months for Form I-821 as of 2026-06-12. Processing times change monthly — always check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the current range.