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May 5, 2000
**Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans, Nicaraguans*TPS Extension Will Last 12 Months*

The extension of TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua, announced today by the Immigration andNaturalization Service (INS) will last 12 months, until July 5, 2001. **This extensiondoes not allow Nicaraguans or Hondurans who entered the United States after December 30,1998 to file for TPS.**
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designatedcountries. TPS beneficiaries are granted a stay of removal and work authorization for thedesignated TPS period and for any extensions of the designation**. TPS is not a basis forobtaining permanent resident status.- Who is eligible?   The extension covers an estimated 100,000 Hondurans and 6,000 Nicaraguans who havealready applied for TPS.  
What is the procedure to apply for the TPS extension?
Hondurans and Nicaraguans currently registered under TPS who desire an extension mustre-register by filing both the TPS application (Form I-821) and an application foremployment authorization (Form I-765) with an INS Service Center. For re-registration,there is no fee for Form I-821. However, a $100 fee must accompany Form I-765 if anapplicant requests employment authorization. If the applicant doesnot require employment authorization or already has employment authorization, Form I-765is still required but no fee is necessary.These forms are availablefrom the toll-free INS Forms line, 1-800-870-3676, and from the INS Web site, ***www.ins.usdoj.gov***.
An applicant may request a waiver of TPS-related application fees by submitting properdocumentation of inability to pay.
Applicants should re-register for TPS at the INS Service Centers, not at their localINS district office.

Will Hondurans or Nicaraguans who arrive in the United States after December 30,1998, be eligible for the extension of TPS?
No. TPS is an emergency relief measure intended to assist those nationals of a givencountry who are already in the United. **This extension does not allow Nicaraguans orHondurans who entered the United States after December 30, 1998 to file for TPS.**
Can Hondurans or Nicaraguans who were in the United States as of December 30,1998, but did not apply for TPS during the initial registration, be eligible for theextension of TPS?
Yes, late initial registration is available to applicants who meet the followingrequirements: - Are nationals of Nicaragua or Honduras; 
- Have been in the United States since January 5, 1999; 
- Have resided in the United States since December 30, 1998; and 
- Are admissible as an immigrant, except as otherwise provided.

Additionally, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that, during the initialregistration period, he or she: - Was in a valid nonimmigrant status, or had been granted voluntary departure, or any    relief from removal; 
- Had an application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary    departure, or any relief from removal pending or subject to further review or appeal; or 
- Was the spouse or child of an alien currently eligible to be a TPS registrant.

An applicant for late initial registration must register no later than 60 days from theexpiration or termination of the qualifying condition.
**Will Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals protected by TPS be permitted to travelto their home countries during the TPS period?
Applicants for re-registration must obtain advance parole prior to travel to preventlosing their TPS approval.
– INS –
Last Modified 02/20/2003******