The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible nationals of certain countries, including Honduras, who are already in the United States. This temporary status is granted to individuals who cannot safely return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. If you are a Honduran national in the U.S. seeking to apply or re-register for TPS, it’s crucial to understand the correct filing procedures. This guide will clarify where and how to file your application to ensure a smooth process.
For those eligible for TPS under the Honduras designation, the re-registration period is currently open from November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025. It is strongly advised to re-register as soon as possible within this timeframe to maintain your TPS benefits without interruption.
Online Filing for TPS Honduras
USCIS encourages online filing for both initial TPS applications and re-registrations for Honduras. This method is often faster and more convenient.
To file online, you will need to use Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. This form is the primary application for TPS. You can access and submit this form electronically through the USCIS online portal:
Alt text: Screenshot of the USCIS MyAccount login page, highlighting the option to file forms online, relevant to applying for Temporary Protected Status for Honduras.
When filing your Form I-821, you can also simultaneously request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Both forms can be completed and submitted online through the same USCIS portal. This allows you to apply for TPS and work authorization in a single online process.
Paper Filing for TPS Honduras
While online filing is preferred, USCIS also allows paper-based applications in certain situations. You may choose to file a paper application for your initial TPS application, re-registration, or if you are applying for a replacement EAD for TPS previously granted.
If you are filing a paper application, you must send your TPS package to the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on your state of residence. It is critical to send your application to the correct location to avoid processing delays.
Mailing Addresses for Paper Applications:
USCIS has designated specific lockbox facilities for TPS applications from Honduras, divided by geographic location within the United States. Refer to the table below to determine the correct mailing address for your application based on the state where you currently live:
| If you live in: | Then, mail your application to: |
|---|---|
| – Alabama – Alaska – American Samoa – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Guam – Hawaii – Idaho – Kentucky – Louisiana – Mississippi – Montana – Nevada – New Mexico – North Carolina – Northern Mariana Islands – Oklahoma – Oregon – Puerto Rico – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Virgin Islands – Virginia – Washington – West Virginia – Wyoming | USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCISAttn: TPS HondurasP.O. Box 21800Phoenix, AZ 85036–1800 FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries: USCISAttn: TPS Honduras (Box 21800)2108 E. Elliot Rd.Tempe, AZ 85284–1806 |
| – Connecticut – Delaware – District of Columbia – Florida – Georgia – Illinois – Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Missouri – Nebraska – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New York – North Dakota – Ohio – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Vermont – Wisconsin | USCIS Elgin Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCISAttn: TPS HondurasP.O. Box 4091Carol Stream, IL 60197–4091 FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries: USCISAttn: TPS Honduras (Box 4091)2500 Westfield DriveElgin, IL 60124–7836 |
Alt text: Image of a table outlining the correct USCIS Lockbox addresses for mailing Temporary Protected Status applications for Honduras, categorized by state of residence within the United States.
Important Notes on Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension:
USCIS is automatically extending the validity of certain EADs for TPS Honduras beneficiaries. This automatic extension applies to EADs with a category of “A-12” or “C-19” and specific expiration dates listed in the table below. If your EAD expiration date falls within one of these dates, your EAD is now automatically valid until March 9, 2025.
| EAD expiration date | Now valid until |
|---|---|
| Jan. 5, 2018 | March 9, 2025 |
| July. 5, 2018 | March 9, 2025 |
| Jan. 5, 2020 | March 9, 2025 |
| Jan. 4, 2021 | March 9, 2025 |
| Oct. 4, 2021 | March 9, 2025 |
| Dec. 31, 2022 | March 9, 2025 |
| June 30, 2024 | March 9, 2025 |
If you have an EAD with one of the expiration dates above and a category of A12 or C19, you can present your EAD along with the official NOTICE OF CONTINUED EVIDENCE OF WORK AUTHORIZATION to employers and benefit-granting agencies as proof of continued employment authorization through March 9, 2025.
Re-registration for Beneficiaries Under the 1999 Honduras TPS Designation (Ramos Litigation):
If you were granted TPS under the 1999 Honduras designation related to the Ramos litigation, your TPS EAD with category A12 or C19 is also automatically extended until March 9, 2025. However, to maintain your TPS and related benefits, you must re-register for TPS under the current extension. This requires filing Form I-821 so that USCIS can determine your continued eligibility.
Explore Other Immigration Options:
TPS is a temporary form of relief. USCIS encourages individuals to explore other potential immigration options that may provide a more permanent status in the United States. You can explore these options on the USCIS website’s Explore My Options page and the Green Card Eligibility Categories page.
Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams:
Be cautious of unauthorized individuals who may offer immigration services and claim they can assist you with your TPS application. Only attorneys or accredited representatives recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) are authorized to provide legal advice on immigration matters. Seek assistance from reputable legal service providers to avoid scams. You can find a list of recognized organizations on the USCIS website under the finding legal advice web page.
Key Takeaways for Filing TPS for Honduras:
- Re-register for TPS as soon as possible between November 6, 2023, and July 5, 2025.
- File Form I-821 to re-register for TPS.
- Consider filing online for faster processing.
- If filing by mail, use the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on your state of residence.
- Be aware of automatic EAD extensions and re-registration requirements for certain beneficiaries.
- Seek legitimate legal advice and avoid immigration scams.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure you correctly file your application for TPS Honduras and maintain your protected status in the United States.
