TPS Applications Frozen in Time: No Fed Updates Here
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is keeping the current form for applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) exactly the same and wants your feedback for the next 60 days. This affects people seeking TPS, letting them continue using the same application without any new fees or changes. Comments are open until November 13, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you have thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
TPS applicants face time and cost burden
If you apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) using Form I-821, USCIS estimates many applicants will spend hours and incur costs to file. The notice estimates 453,600 paper filers at 2.227 hours each, 113,400 electronic filers at 1.92 hours each, 567,000 biometrics submissions at 1.17 hours each, a total annual burden of 1,891,285 hours, and a total annual cost burden of $56,958,836.
Electronic filing reduces reported hours
If you file Form I-821 electronically, USCIS estimates the average filing time is 1.92 hours, which is lower than the 2.227 hours estimated for paper filing. This change is reflected in the agency's reported burden estimates for I-821 respondents.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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