SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Venezuelan nationals in the San Fernando Valley can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. TPS provides work authorization, protection from deportation, and travel document eligibility for qualifying Venezuelan residents.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

The San Fernando Valley's growing Venezuelan community faces unique immigration challenges as political and economic crisis continues in their homeland. SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive TPS application assistance with bilingual staff who understand the specific needs of Venezuelan families seeking protection in the United States.

Understanding Venezuela TPS Designation

The Department of Homeland Security designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status recognizing the extraordinary conditions preventing Venezuelan nationals from safely returning. The humanitarian crisis includes severe food and medicine shortages, political instability, economic collapse, and widespread human rights violations.

What TPS Provides Venezuelan Nationals:

Temporary Protected Status offers critical protections for eligible Venezuelan nationals residing in the United States. TPS beneficiaries cannot be deported to Venezuela while the designation remains in effect. The program provides work authorization through Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), allowing Venezuelan nationals to legally work anywhere in the United States.

TPS holders can also obtain travel documents to visit other countries, though travel back to Venezuela could jeopardize TPS status. The protection recognizes that forcing Venezuelan nationals to return would place them in serious danger given current conditions.

TPS Eligibility Requirements for San Fernando Valley Residents

To qualify for Venezuela TPS, applicants must meet specific requirements established by USCIS. Understanding these requirements helps San Fernando Valley families determine their eligibility before beginning the application process.

•Nationality: Must be a national of Venezuela or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela
•Continuous Residence: Must have continuously resided in the United States since the date specified in the Federal Register notice
•Continuous Physical Presence: Must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the specified date
•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

Required Documents for Venezuela TPS Application

Gathering proper documentation is essential for a successful TPS application. San Fernando Valley applicants should begin collecting documents well before the registration deadline.

•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
•Venezuelan Passport or ID: Venezuelan passport, cédula de identidad, 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 showing U.S. presence
•Evidence of Continuous Physical Presence: Documents demonstrating physical presence in the U.S. since the qualifying date
•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

Following a systematic approach to your TPS application increases your chances of approval and reduces processing delays.

1
Verify Eligibility Dates
Confirm you were physically present in the U.S. since the qualifying date specified in the Federal Register notice. Check that you have maintained continuous residence since that date.
2
Gather Identity Documents
Collect your Venezuelan passport, cédula, or birth certificate. If documents are unavailable, prepare a sworn statement explaining why and provide secondary evidence of nationality.
3
Compile Residence Evidence
Organize documents proving continuous U.S. presence: utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, employment records, school records, or medical records dated throughout your residence period.
4
Complete 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. Use current form editions only.
5
Calculate Fees or Request Waiver
Determine total filing fees or prepare Form I-912 fee waiver request with supporting financial documentation showing inability to pay.
6
Submit Complete Package
Mail your application package to the USCIS lockbox address specified in the Federal Register notice. Use trackable mail and keep copies of everything submitted.
7
Attend Biometrics Appointment
After USCIS receives your application, attend the scheduled biometrics appointment at the designated Application Support Center for fingerprinting.

TPS Fees and Financial Assistance

Understanding TPS application costs helps San Fernando Valley families plan accordingly. Fee waivers are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Standard TPS Filing Fees:

The Form I-821 TPS application requires a $50 filing fee. The Form I-765 work permit application requires a $410 fee. Biometrics services require an additional $85 fee for applicants between ages 14-79.

Fee Waiver Eligibility:

Applicants demonstrating financial hardship may request fee waivers using Form I-912. Waivers are granted based on: receipt of means-tested public benefits, household income below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, or documented financial hardship preventing payment.

Venezuelan Community Resources:

Several organizations in the San Fernando Valley provide assistance with TPS applications and fee waiver preparation for Venezuelan families facing financial difficulties.

Form	Description	Fee Amount
I-821	TPS Application	$50
I-765	Work Permit (EAD)	$410
Biometrics	Ages 14-79	$85
Total (Adult)	With Work Permit	$545
Total (Child under 14)	With Work Permit	$460

Work Authorization for Venezuelan TPS Holders

One of the most valuable benefits of TPS is the ability to work legally in the United States. Venezuelan TPS holders receive Employment Authorization Documents enabling lawful employment.

EAD Card Benefits:

The Employment Authorization Document allows you to work for any U.S. employer in any position. You can apply for a Social Security number with your EAD. Employers can verify your work authorization through the E-Verify system.

Maintaining Work Authorization:

EAD cards have expiration dates that typically align with TPS designation periods. When DHS extends TPS, automatic EAD extensions are usually announced. Keep your original EAD card even after expiration as proof of extended authorization until your new card arrives.

Job Protections:

TPS holders have the same workplace rights as other authorized workers. This includes minimum wage protections, workplace safety standards, and protection from discrimination based on national origin.

Travel Considerations for Venezuelan TPS Holders

Understanding travel rules is critical for TPS holders who may need to travel internationally.

Travel Document Application:

Approved TPS holders can apply for advance parole (travel document) using Form I-131. This document allows departure from and return to the United States. Processing times vary, so apply well before planned travel.

Critical Warning About Venezuela Travel:

Traveling to Venezuela while holding TPS is extremely risky. USCIS may determine that voluntary return indicates conditions in Venezuela are safe for you. This could result in TPS termination. Avoid travel to Venezuela unless facing true emergencies and only after consulting immigration counsel.

Travel to Third Countries:

Travel to countries other than Venezuela is generally permitted with a valid advance parole document. Present your travel document and TPS approval notice when returning through U.S. ports of entry.

TPS Re-Registration Requirements

Current Venezuela TPS holders must re-register during each designated period to maintain status. Missing re-registration deadlines can result in TPS termination.

•Monitor Announcements: Watch for Federal Register notices announcing re-registration periods
•Submit During Window: File Form I-821 marked as re-registration within the specified timeframe
•Include EAD Renewal: Submit Form I-765 with re-registration if you want to renew your work permit
•Automatic Extensions: USCIS typically announces automatic EAD extensions during re-registration periods
•Late Filing: If you miss the deadline, you may file late with evidence of good cause for the delay

TPS and Other Immigration Options

TPS provides temporary protection but doesn't lead directly to permanent residence. Venezuelan families should understand how TPS interacts with other immigration benefits.

TPS and Asylum:

You can apply for asylum while holding TPS. Asylum provides a path to permanent residence that TPS does not offer. Many Venezuelans pursue both protections simultaneously.

Family-Based Petitions:

If you have U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members, they can file immigrant petitions for you. TPS provides protection while waiting for family visa priority dates to become current.

Employment-Based Options:

Some TPS holders qualify for employment-based immigration through their jobs. Your TPS work authorization allows you to gain qualifying employment experience for future immigration benefits.

Adjustment of Status:

TPS holders who entered legally and have approved immigrant petitions may adjust status to permanent residence in some circumstances. Consult with immigration professionals about your specific eligibility.

Why San Fernando Valley Families Choose SoCal Immigration Services

Our team provides comprehensive TPS assistance to Venezuelan families throughout Los Angeles County. We understand the challenges facing Venezuelans displaced by their country's crisis.

•Bilingual Staff: Communicate in Spanish about complex immigration matters
•Venezuelan Community Experience: We understand the specific documentation challenges facing Venezuelan 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
•Family Applications: We prepare applications for entire families including children
•Document Authentication: We assist with Venezuelan document authentication when needed

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:When did Venezuela receive TPS designation?

A: Venezuela was designated for TPS in March 2021, with subsequent extensions and re-designations. Check the latest Federal Register notices for current registration periods and eligibility dates.

Q:Can I work legally with Venezuela TPS?

A: Yes. TPS approval includes eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that permits legal employment with any U.S. employer. Apply for your EAD using Form I-765 submitted with your TPS application.

Q:Does TPS lead to a green card?

A: TPS itself does not provide a direct 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 without inspection?

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 if I have a criminal record?

A: A single felony conviction or two misdemeanor convictions in the United States bar TPS eligibility. Disclose all criminal history on your application. Minor traffic violations typically don't affect eligibility.

Q:Can my Venezuelan children get TPS?

A: Yes. Venezuelan children can receive TPS independently. 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 may receive automatic work authorization while your application is pending if you applied for an EAD.

Q:Do you offer services in Spanish for Venezuelan families?

A: Yes! Our bilingual staff provides complete TPS application assistance to Venezuelan families in the San Fernando Valley. We handle all forms, document preparation, and USCIS communication.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in San Fernando and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 1, 2026Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Protect Your Family with Venezuela TPS

Don't wait until the deadline. Our bilingual team helps Venezuelan families in San Fernando Valley navigate the TPS application process with confidence.

Serving San Fernando and all of Southern California

Schedule Free TPS Consultation (714) 421-8872

asylum•Vista

Venezuela TPS Application in San Fernando: Complete Guide for Venezuelan Families