Syrian TPS Renewal in El Cajon: Complete Re-Registration Guide for 2026
Step-by-step guidance for Syrian nationals in East County San Diego to renew Temporary Protected Status and maintain legal residence
Quick Answer
El Cajon is home to one of the largest Syrian and Chaldean communities in the United States. Thousands of Syrian nationals in the East County San Diego area rely on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to live and work legally in America. With TPS requiring periodic re-registration, staying informed about deadlines and requirements is essential to maintaining your protected status.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
El Cajon is home to one of the largest Syrian and Chaldean communities in the United States. Thousands of Syrian nationals in the East County San Diego area rely on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to live and work legally in America. With TPS requiring periodic re-registration, staying informed about deadlines and requirements is essential to maintaining your protected status.
Understanding TPS for Syrian Nationals
1. Protection from deportation or removal from the United States
2. Authorization to work legally through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Syria has maintained TPS designation continuously since 2012, reflecting the sustained humanitarian crisis in the country. TPS does not lead directly to a green card, but it provides critical stability for Syrian families while they explore permanent immigration options.
2026 Re-Registration Requirements
- •File Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) during the designated registration period
- •File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to renew your work permit
- •Pay required filing fees or submit a fee waiver request (Form I-912)
- •Maintain continuous physical presence in the United States since your initial TPS grant
- •Maintain continuous residence in the United States since your initial TPS designation date
- •Have no disqualifying criminal convictions or bars to TPS eligibility
Required Documents for TPS Renewal
| Document | Purpose | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-821 | TPS re-registration application | USCIS.gov - download latest version |
| Form I-765 | Employment authorization renewal | USCIS.gov - download latest version |
| 2 Passport-Style Photos | Identity verification | Any pharmacy or passport photo service |
| Copy of Previous EAD | Proof of current TPS status | Your personal records |
| Government-Issued ID | Identity confirmation | State DMV or passport |
| Previous I-94 Arrival Record | Proof of entry and continuous presence | CBP.gov online portal |
| Fee Payment or I-912 Waiver | Filing fees for I-821 and I-765 | Check, money order, or fee waiver application |
Employment Authorization (EAD) Renewal
- 1File I-765 with I-821
Submit your EAD renewal application together with your TPS re-registration during the designated period
- 2Receive Receipt Notice
USCIS issues Form I-797C confirming receipt of your application, which serves as temporary proof of status
- 3Automatic Extension
Federal Register notices typically provide automatic EAD extensions while renewal applications are pending
- 4Biometrics Appointment
Attend fingerprinting appointment if required by USCIS
- 5Receive New EAD Card
USCIS mails your new EAD card with updated validity dates upon approval
- 6Update Employer Records
Provide your employer with the new EAD card for I-9 re-verification
Travel Permission Under TPS
- You must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131) before leaving the United States
- Traveling without approved Advance Parole results in automatic abandonment of your TPS application
- Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry; a CBP officer makes the final determination
- Travel to Syria is strongly discouraged and may raise questions about the validity of your TPS claim
- Keep copies of all travel documents, Advance Parole approval, and re-entry stamps
- Processing times for Advance Parole can take several months, so plan well in advance
Our team helps you prepare the I-131 application and ensures all documentation is complete before you travel.
Maintaining Your TPS Status
- •Re-register during every designated re-registration period without exception
- •Maintain continuous physical presence in the United States (brief trips with Advance Parole are permitted)
- •Maintain continuous residence in the United States since your TPS designation date
- •Report any address changes to USCIS within 10 days using Form AR-11
- •Avoid criminal activity - certain convictions automatically disqualify you from TPS
- •Keep copies of all USCIS correspondence, receipts, and approval notices
- •Monitor Federal Register notices for updates on Syria TPS designation
- •Respond promptly to any USCIS requests for evidence or information
Pathways from TPS to Green Card
| Pathway | Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Family-Based Petition | U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child files I-130 | 1-5+ years depending on category |
| Employment-Based | Employer sponsors through PERM labor certification | 2-5+ years depending on category |
| Asylum | Demonstrate persecution or fear of return to Syria | 1-3 years for processing |
| U Visa | Victim of qualifying crime who cooperated with law enforcement | 4-6+ years due to backlog |
| VAWA Self-Petition | Abused spouse or child of U.S. citizen or LPR | 1-2 years for processing |
| Special Immigrant Programs | Religious workers, certain international employees | Varies by program |
Common Mistakes During Re-Registration
- •Missing the re-registration deadline - mark your calendar and file early in the registration period
- •Using outdated forms - always download the latest versions from USCIS.gov
- •Forgetting to sign the application - unsigned forms are automatically rejected
- •Incorrect fee payment - verify current fees on the USCIS website before submitting
- •Failing to include required supporting documents - review the checklist carefully
- •Not updating your address with USCIS - file Form AR-11 within 10 days of any move
- •Ignoring USCIS correspondence - respond to all requests for evidence within deadlines
- •Assuming automatic renewal - TPS requires active re-registration every period
Processing Times and Fees
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I-821 Filing Fee | $50 | Fee waiver available with Form I-912 |
| I-765 Filing Fee | $410 | Fee waiver available with Form I-912 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | May be waived with approved I-912 |
| Receipt Notice | 2-4 weeks after filing | Serves as proof of pending application |
| EAD Processing | 3-6 months typical | Automatic extension covers gap period |
| Total Processing | 3-8 months for complete renewal | File early to minimize gaps |
Why El Cajon Syrians Choose Us
1. Native Arabic-speaking staff who communicate fluently in your language and dialect
2. Deep understanding of the Syrian community's unique immigration challenges and cultural needs
3. Proven track record of successful TPS re-registrations for hundreds of Syrian families
4. Complete document preparation including certified Arabic to English translations
5. Fee waiver assistance for families facing financial hardship
6. Convenient location accessible to El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, and East County residents
7. Ongoing monitoring of TPS designation changes and proactive client notifications
We understand that TPS renewal is not just paperwork - it is your family's security and stability in America. Our team ensures every application is filed correctly and on time.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What happens if I miss the TPS re-registration deadline?
A: Missing the re-registration deadline results in loss of your TPS status and work authorization. You may file a late registration if you can demonstrate good cause for the delay, but approval is not guaranteed. Contact us immediately if you are approaching or have missed a deadline.
Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?
A: Yes, but you must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131) approval before departing. Leaving without Advance Parole automatically abandons your TPS status. Processing takes several months, so apply well in advance of any planned travel.
Q:Will my TPS lead to a green card?
A: TPS does not directly lead to permanent residence. However, you may qualify for a green card through family-based petitions, employment sponsorship, asylum, or other immigration categories. Our team helps you explore all available pathways to permanent status.
Q:Can my employer fire me during TPS renewal processing?
A: No. When USCIS publishes a Federal Register notice extending TPS, your existing EAD is automatically extended. Show your employer the Federal Register notice and your I-797C receipt to confirm your continued work authorization during the renewal period.
Q:Do I need to re-register if I already have a pending green card application?
A: Yes. You must continue re-registering for TPS during every designation period regardless of any other pending immigration applications. TPS and green card applications are separate processes that do not affect each other.
Q:How much does TPS renewal cost?
A: The standard filing fees are $50 for Form I-821, $410 for Form I-765 (EAD), and $85 for biometrics, totaling $545. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants using Form I-912. Our team can help determine if you qualify for a fee waiver.
Time to Renew Your TPS? We Are Ready to Help
Our Arabic-speaking team has helped hundreds of Syrian families in El Cajon maintain their TPS status. Do not risk missing the deadline.
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