** LEGAL UPDATE **
The U.S. government has announced its decision to designate the country of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). It was based on the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon, such that people cannot safely return there. This designation allows people who were in the U.S. as of April 14, 2022 to apply for the right to remain here on a temporary basis and receive employment authorization. Approval will be granted only to applicants who meet all eligibility requirements and pass security and background checks. Importantly, this TPS designation will not help anyone from Cameroon who arrived in the United States after April 14, 2022.
The TPS designation for Cameroon will last 18 months (from June 7, 2022, through December 7, 2023) unless later renewed.
In order to apply for TPS, you will need to submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 18-month initial registration period that starts June 7. You may also request a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD) by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Both forms can be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online or by mail.
Look for more detailed application instructions and deadlines and other details in the Federal Register notice and on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' TPS page.
Effective Date: April 15, 2022