Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island Conducts Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Registration for Nationals of Venezuela

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island has announced that it will be processing Venezuelan TPS registration applications until September 4, 2021.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, beginning March 9, 2021. Eligible nationals of Venezuela (and those without nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who are in the United States may file for TPS during the registration period from March 9, 2021 to September 5, 2021.

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 to legal permanent residency. When the 18-month period ends, the DHS Secretary can decide to renew the status or to let it expire.

Who is Eligible: Applicants must have continuous residence in the U.S. since March 8, 2021, as well as continuous physical presence in the U.S. as of March 9, 2021.

How to File: Applicants will need to file a TPS application. Individuals who wish to apply for employment authorization will need to submit an additional form. They must provide evidence of identity and nationality, date of entry into the U.S., and continuous residence in the U.S. since March 9, 2021. The fee for USCIS is $545.

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

Individuals who are interested in having Dorcas International assist them with TPS applications should contact Dorcas International’s Citizenship & Immigration Services Program at (401) 784-8607. Dorcas International will charge a fee of $150 to prepare and file applications.