USCIS Warns of Immigration Scams Targeting Haitian Applicants for Temporary Protected Status

USCIS warns Haitians applying for temporary protected status to be aware of immigration scams.  USCIS has a dedicated website providing guidance on its response to Haiti at www.uscis.gov/haitianearthquake. 

Representation
You do not need to have an attorney or a representative to apply for temporary protected status.  If you choose to have a representative when filing an application or petition with USCIS, you may be represented by an attorney or an accredited representative of a recognized organization.  Your representative must file a “Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative” form (Form G-28) with your TPS application.  Please visit the “Finding Legal Advice” page on the USCIS website for more important information on this topic. 

A list of free or low-cost legal service providers and a list of BIA accredited representatives are available on our website at the above link.

USCIS Forms & Fees
All USCIS forms are available at no charge on www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling the USCIS Forms hotline at (800) 870-3676. Applications for temporary protected status cannot be submitted online. The fee to submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, is $50.  A biometrics fee of $80 is also required. The fee to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is $340.  If you cannot afford the fees, a fee waiver may be available.    

Helpful Tips
The following tips will help you to avoid becoming a victim of an immigration scam:

• DO NOT sign any blank papers or documents that you do not understand
• DO NOT sign any documents that contain false or inaccurate information
• DO NOT let anyone keep your original documents
• DO NOT pay more than a nominal fee to someone who is not an attorney or make payments on the internet
• DO make photocopies of all documents prepared or submitted for you
• DO get a receipt any time you pay someone to assist you in completing or submitting forms
• DO verify that your attorney is licensed or your representative is accredited by BIA

For additional information on how to avoid becoming a victim of an immigration scam or and how to verify whether an attorney is licensed or a representative is accredited by BIA, please visit the “Don’t Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud” and “Finding Legal Advice” links at www.uscis.gov/haitianearthquake.