TPS Approved for Nepal! Registration open NOW

The U.S. has announced its decision to designate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months based on the conditions resulting from the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and the subsequent aftershocks. As a result, eligible nationals of Nepal residing in the United States may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The TPS designation for Nepal is effective today, June 24, 2015, and will be in effect through December 24, 2016. The designation means that, during the designated period, eligible nationals of Nepal (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) will not be removed from the United States and may receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is very important that you register for TPS between June 24, 2015 and December 21, 2015.

In order to qualify for TPS, you must demonstrate that you satisfy several eligibility criteria, including that you have been both “continuously physically present” and “continuously residing” in the United States since June 24, 2015. You will have to undergo a security check, and certain criminal convictions, or who pose a threat to national security, are not eligible for TPS.

If you think you may qualify for TPS, please contact Smith Knudson and one of it attorneys can go over the process with you and help you determine whether or not you may qualify. We can often get the application fees waived on such applications for our clients.

To start, please gather the following:

• Your passport, birth certificate, national identity document showing you are a national of Nepal (or that you have no nationality and that you last lived in Nepal).
• Documents showing you have been living in the U.S. Since June 24, 2015, such as:
  • Pay stubs
  • Rent Receipts
  • School Records
  • Medical Records
  • Bank Records
  • Anything else that proves you have been in the U.S. Since June 24, 2015, or before
• If you have ever been ticketed, charged, or convicted of a crime (except simple traffic offenses) you will need to obtain a certified copy of the disposition for each case. Smith Knudson can help you identify any past convictions you may have.
• If you think you will qualify for a fee waiver, please provide any taxes you have recently filed or pay stubs from your current employment.
• Filing fees of $515.