Sudanese TPS Application in El Cajon: Complete Guide for 2026
Temporary Protected Status help for Sudanese nationals fleeing conflict in San Diego County
Quick Answer
Sudanese nationals in El Cajon can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to ongoing armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. TPS provides work authorization, protection from deportation, and travel document eligibility for qualifying Sudanese residents.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
El Cajon's diverse refugee community now includes growing numbers of Sudanese families displaced by the devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023. SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive TPS application assistance with Arabic-speaking staff who understand the unique challenges facing Sudanese nationals seeking protection in the United States.
Understanding Sudan TPS Designation
What TPS Provides Sudanese Nationals:
Temporary Protected Status offers critical protections for eligible Sudanese nationals residing in the United States. TPS beneficiaries cannot be deported to Sudan while the designation remains in effect. The program provides work authorization through Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), allowing Sudanese nationals to legally work anywhere in the United States. TPS holders can also obtain travel documents to visit other countries, though travel back to Sudan could jeopardize TPS status.
The Sudan TPS designation recognizes that conditions in Sudan prevent nationals from safely returning. Cities like Khartoum, El Fasher, and Darfur have experienced intense fighting, destruction of infrastructure, and systematic human rights abuses. The TPS designation acknowledges that forcing Sudanese nationals to return would place them in serious danger.
TPS Eligibility Requirements for El Cajon Residents
- •Nationality: Must be a national of Sudan or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan
- •Continuous Residence: Must have continuously resided in the United States since the designation date specified in the Federal Register notice
- •Continuous Physical Presence: Must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the date specified in the Federal Register notice
- •Admissibility: Must be admissible as an immigrant, except for grounds waivable under TPS provisions
- •Criminal History: Cannot have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States
- •Registration: Must register during the designated registration period or apply for late initial registration if eligible
Criminal Bars to TPS Eligibility
Mandatory Criminal Bars:
Applicants are ineligible for TPS if they have been convicted of any felony in the United States. This includes state and federal felony convictions regardless of sentence length. Conviction of two or more misdemeanors also bars TPS eligibility. Misdemeanor convictions for immigration violations do not count toward this bar.
Persecution and Security Bars:
Individuals who have persecuted others based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion are permanently barred from TPS. Those with connections to terrorism or who pose national security concerns are also ineligible. USCIS conducts thorough background checks on all TPS applicants.
Important for El Cajon Applicants:
Many Sudanese asylum seekers have pending asylum cases while applying for TPS. TPS applications are evaluated separately from asylum claims. An applicant can hold both TPS and have a pending asylum case simultaneously.
Required Documents for Sudan TPS Application
- •Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status - must be properly completed and signed
- •Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization - submit simultaneously for work permit
- •Passport or National ID: Sudanese passport, national identification card, or birth certificate proving nationality
- •Passport-style Photos: Two identical color photographs meeting USCIS specifications
- •Evidence of Continuous Residence: Lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements, pay stubs, or other documents showing U.S. presence
- •Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence: Same types of documents demonstrating physical presence in the U.S.
- •Filing Fee or Fee Waiver Request: Form I-912 Request for Fee Waiver if financially unable to pay fees
- •Court Records: If applicable, certified court dispositions for any arrests or convictions
Step-by-Step TPS Application Process
- 1Determine Eligibility
Review all TPS requirements carefully. Confirm you meet nationality, continuous residence, continuous physical presence, and admissibility criteria. Consult with our El Cajon office if you have questions about eligibility.
- 2Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all required documents including identity documents, proof of residence, and evidence of physical presence. Obtain certified translations for any documents not in English.
- 3Complete Application Forms
Fill out Form I-821 (TPS application) and Form I-765 (work permit application). Ensure all information is accurate and consistent across all forms.
- 4Prepare Filing Fee or Fee Waiver
Calculate total filing fees or prepare Form I-912 fee waiver request with supporting financial documentation. Fee waivers are available for applicants who cannot afford fees.
- 5Submit Application Package
Mail complete application package to the USCIS lockbox address specified in the Federal Register notice. Use trackable mail service and keep copies of everything submitted.
- 6Attend Biometrics Appointment
After USCIS receives your application, you'll receive a biometrics appointment notice. Attend your appointment at the designated Application Support Center.
- 7Receive Decision
USCIS will mail a decision on your TPS application. If approved, your Employment Authorization Document will arrive separately.
TPS Fees and Fee Waiver Options
Standard TPS Filing Fees:
The Form I-821 TPS application requires a filing fee. The Form I-765 work permit application requires a separate fee. Biometrics services require an additional fee for applicants between ages 14-79. Total fees can exceed $500 depending on age and whether a work permit is requested.
Fee Waiver Eligibility:
Applicants who cannot afford filing fees may request a fee waiver using Form I-912. Fee waivers are granted based on demonstrated inability to pay, receipt of means-tested benefits, or household income below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. Sudanese families receiving public benefits or with limited income should apply for fee waivers.
Children's Applications:
Children under 14 applying for TPS with a parent have reduced fees. No biometrics fee is required for children under 14. Each child must have their own separate TPS application even when filing as a family.
| Form | Description | Fee Amount |
|---|---|---|
| I-821 | TPS Application | $50 |
| I-765 | Work Permit | $410 |
| Biometrics | Ages 14-79 | $85 |
| Total (Adult) | With Work Permit | $545 |
| Total (Child under 14) | With Work Permit | $460 |
Evidence of Continuous Residence and Physical Presence
Acceptable Evidence Types:
Employment records provide strong evidence of U.S. presence. Pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms, and employment verification letters establish both residence and physical presence. School records for children or adult education enrollment demonstrate community ties and presence.
Housing documents including lease agreements, mortgage statements, utility bills in your name, and rent receipts prove residential presence. Bank and financial records such as monthly statements, canceled checks, and money transfer receipts show ongoing U.S. activity.
Medical records from doctors, hospitals, and clinics demonstrate physical presence on specific dates. Religious and community organization records, including membership documents and attendance records from mosques or churches, provide additional evidence.
Addressing Gaps in Evidence:
If you lack documentation for certain periods, affidavits from people who can attest to your presence may help. These sworn statements should include specific details about when and where the affiant observed you in the United States. Multiple affidavits strengthen applications with documentary gaps.
Travel While TPS is Pending or Approved
Travel Before TPS Approval:
Leaving the United States while a TPS application is pending can result in application denial. Departure breaks continuous physical presence requirements. If you must travel for emergencies, consult an immigration attorney before departing.
Travel After TPS Approval:
Approved TPS holders can apply for advance parole (travel document) using Form I-131. This document allows travel outside the United States and return. Processing times vary, so apply well before planned travel.
Critical Warning - Travel to Sudan:
Traveling to Sudan while holding TPS can result in TPS termination. USCIS may determine that voluntary return to Sudan indicates conditions are safe for return. TPS holders should avoid travel to Sudan unless facing extreme emergencies and after consulting with immigration counsel.
Re-entry After Travel:
When returning to the United States with TPS travel authorization, present your advance parole document and valid TPS approval notice to Customs and Border Protection. Keep copies of all travel documents for your records.
TPS and Other Immigration Benefits
TPS and Asylum:
Many Sudanese nationals have pending asylum applications. TPS does not affect asylum eligibility, and applicants can hold both TPS and pursue asylum simultaneously. Asylum provides a path to permanent residence that TPS does not offer.
TPS and Adjustment of Status:
TPS alone does not provide a path to permanent residence. However, TPS holders who qualify through family relationships or employment may be able to adjust status. Certain TPS holders who entered the United States with inspection may have additional options.
Family Petitions:
U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members can file immigrant petitions for TPS holders. TPS provides protection while waiting for priority dates to become current. This is particularly important for Sudanese families with immediate relative petitions pending.
Special Considerations:
Sudanese nationals who worked with U.S. forces or government agencies may qualify for Special Immigrant Visas. These programs offer faster pathways to permanent residence than typical family or employment categories.
Re-Registration for Existing TPS Holders
Re-Registration Requirements:
Watch for Federal Register notices announcing re-registration periods. Submit Form I-821 marked as re-registration during the specified timeframe. Include Form I-765 if you want to renew your work permit.
Automatic Extension of Work Permits:
USCIS typically announces automatic extensions of existing Employment Authorization Documents during re-registration periods. Keep your original EAD card even after expiration as evidence of extended authorization.
Late Re-Registration:
Missing the re-registration deadline does not automatically terminate TPS if you can demonstrate good cause for late filing. Valid reasons include serious illness, postal service errors, or other circumstances beyond your control. Document any reasons for late filing thoroughly.
Why El Cajon Families Choose SoCal Immigration Services
- •Arabic-Speaking Staff: Communicate in your language about complex immigration matters
- •Sudanese Community Experience: We understand the specific documentation challenges facing Sudanese applicants
- •Complete Application Preparation: We prepare all forms and organize supporting documents properly
- •Fee Waiver Assistance: We help eligible families obtain fee waivers to reduce application costs
- •Ongoing Case Support: We track your application and respond to any USCIS requests
- •Asylum Coordination: We coordinate TPS with pending asylum cases for comprehensive protection
- •Family Applications: We prepare applications for entire families including children
- •Document Translation: We provide certified translations of Arabic documents
Common TPS Application Mistakes to Avoid
- •Inconsistent Information: Ensure names, dates, and addresses match across all forms and documents
- •Missing Signatures: Sign all required forms in blue ink where indicated
- •Insufficient Evidence: Provide comprehensive documentation of residence and physical presence
- •Incorrect Fees: Verify current fee amounts and include proper payment
- •Wrong Filing Address: Use the correct USCIS lockbox address specified in the Federal Register notice
- •Missing Translations: Include certified English translations for all foreign language documents
- •Incomplete Criminal History Disclosure: Disclose all arrests and convictions even if charges were dismissed
- •Late Filing: Submit applications within the designated registration period
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does Sudan TPS last?
A: TPS designations are typically made for 18-month periods and can be extended by DHS. Sudan's TPS will remain in effect as long as conditions in Sudan prevent safe return. Monitor Federal Register notices for extension announcements.
Q:Can I work legally with Sudan TPS?
A: Yes. TPS approval includes eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing legal employment anywhere in the United States. Apply for your work permit using Form I-765 submitted with your TPS application.
Q:Does TPS lead to a green card?
A: TPS itself does not provide a path to permanent residence. However, TPS holders may qualify for green cards through family relationships, employment, or other immigration categories independent of their TPS status.
Q:Can I apply for TPS if I entered illegally?
A: Yes. Unlike most immigration benefits, TPS is available regardless of how you entered the United States. Applicants who entered without inspection can qualify for TPS if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Q:What happens to my TPS if I have a criminal record?
A: A single felony conviction or two misdemeanor convictions bar TPS eligibility. Minor traffic violations typically do not affect eligibility. Disclose all criminal history on your application and consult with us about your specific situation.
Q:Can my children get TPS?
A: Yes. Sudanese children can receive TPS with reduced fees. Each child needs a separate application. Children born in the U.S. are already citizens and do not need TPS.
Q:How long does TPS processing take?
A: Initial TPS applications typically take 3-6 months for USCIS to process. You will receive work authorization while your application is pending if you applied for an EAD. Processing times vary based on USCIS workload.
Q:Do you offer services in Arabic for Sudanese families?
A: Yes! Our Arabic-speaking staff provides complete TPS application assistance to Sudanese families in El Cajon. We handle all forms, document preparation, and USCIS communication in Arabic.
Protect Your Family with Sudan TPS
Don't wait until the deadline. Our Arabic-speaking team helps Sudanese families in El Cajon navigate the TPS application process with confidence.
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