The Department of Homeland Security has announced that Venezuela has been designed for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from March 9, 2021 through September 9, 2022. TPS is granted to certain groups of people in the wake of natural disasters, wars, outbreaks of disease, and other catastrophes that would make it difficult for them to return safely to their home countries. Government officials periodically review the program to decide whether to extend it, and most groups have received regular extensions in the past. To learn more about TPS, please click here.
To be eligible to apply for TPS, the following requirements must be met:
- Venezuelan nationals must demonstrate continuous residence in the US since March 9, 2021
- Must also be physically present in the US since March 9, 2021
Applicants must file a Form I-821 application within the 180-day registration period from March 9, 2021 through September 5, 2021. Applicants may also apply for EADs and for travel authorization during this time.
According to DHS, the designation is due to the severe political and economic crisis in Venezuela that temporarily prevents nationals from returning safely, including a complex humanitarian crisis that includes widespread hunger and malnutrition, an increasing presence of non-state armed groups, and a deteriorating infrastructure.
