After announcing in April that Cameroon would be designated for Temporary Protected Status, DHS has published the Federal Register Notice detailing the eligibility requirements and registration process. Publication of the FRN on June 7, 2022, officially launched the registration period, which will remain open for the entire 18 months of the TPS designation, through Dec. 7, 2023. DHS also published a FRN announcing Special Student Relief that allows Cameroonian students to request employment authorization and increased employment hours while maintaining lawful F-1 nonimmigrant status during the current TPS designation period.

TPS Eligibility

To obtain TPS under this designation, applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States since April 14, 2022, and continuous physical presence in the United States since June 7, 2022, as well as meet other eligibility criteria. An otherwise eligible individual is barred from TPS if he or she: 

• Has been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States; 
• Is found inadmissible under applicable grounds in INA § 212(a), including non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds; 
• Is subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylum, which include participating in the persecution of another individual or engaging in or inciting terrorist activity; or 
• Fails to meet the continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States requirements.

See CLINIC’s Frequently Asked Questions: TPS Eligibility and the Application Process for additional details.  

How to Apply for TPS Under this Designation

Applicants for the new Cameroon designation should submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and indicate that they are “initial applicants.” Applicants must pay a $50 fee as well as an $85 biometrics service fee if they are age 14 or above. Those who are unable to afford the fee may request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912. Applicants who would like an employment authorization document that is valid through the entire designation period should also submit Form I-765 with the required $410 fee (or a request for a fee waiver).

See the FRN for detailed instructions on how to apply for TPS and an associated EAD.

Special Student Relief for F-1 Nonimmigrants

Cameroonian students who are in lawful F-1 nonimmigrant status and experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crisis in Cameroon may apply for employment authorization and request to work an increased number of hours while school is in session. Eligible students may also reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant status. See the relevant FRN for additional information regarding eligibility, minimum course load requirements, and steps to ensure that students remain in compliance with their F-1 status.