Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals ofNicaraguafor an additional 18 months, beginning January 6, 2012, and ending July 5, 2013.

This 18-month extension also allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible Nicaraguan TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register will receive a new EAD with an expiration date of July 5, 2013. USCIS recognizes that all re-registrants may not receive their new EADs until after their current EADs expire. Therefore, USCIS is extending the current TPS Nicaragua EAD bearing a January 5, 2012, expiration date for an additional six months, through July 5, 2012.

To re-register, current TPS beneficiaries must submit an Application for Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821. TPS re-registrants must also submit an Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765, regardless of whether they are applying for an EAD. Re-registrants do not need to pay the Form I-821 application fee, but they must submit the biometric services fee, or a fee waiver request, if they are age 14 or older. TPS re-registrants applying for an EAD must submit the Form I-765 application fee, or a fee waiver request.

TPS applicants may request that USCIS waive any or all fees by filing a Request for Fee Waiver, Form I-912, or by submitting a personal letter. Failure to submit the required filing fees or a properly documented fee waiver request will result in the rejection of the TPS application.