Which forms go with Form I-821?

Form I-821 at a glance

Of the 7 categories USCIS lists for Form I-821, the shortest posted time is 7 to 7.5 months, for Sudan Initial; the longest is 25 to 35 months (2.1 to 2.9 years), for El Salvador Initial.

The last change ImmigraMate recorded to the posted range for I-821 at Somalia Initial was on September 17, 2026. It now reads 20 to 20.5 months.

I-821 is the Application for Temporary Protected Status. I-821: fee, documents and who can file

Forms decided centrally, at the National Benefits Center or Service Center Operations. Here the category of work is what changes the answer, not the office.

USCIS publishes the time by which 80% and 93% of cases were completed. Confirm on USCIS's processing times page.

Questions about I-821 processing times

How long is Form I-821 taking right now?

For Somalia Initial, USCIS currently posts 20 to 20.5 months on Form I-821. These are the figures USCIS published in October 2026. Of the 7 categories USCIS lists for Form I-821, the shortest posted time is 7 to 7.5 months, for Sudan Initial; the longest is 25 to 35 months (2.1 to 2.9 years), for El Salvador Initial.

How much does Form I-821 cost?

The USCIS filing fee for Form I-821 is $520. Biometrics cost $30 more.

I-821: fee, documents and who can file

What if my I-821 is taking longer than the posted time?

Once your case is older than the upper end of the posted range, 20.5 months for Somalia Initial, USCIS accepts a case inquiry about it as outside normal processing times. Check your case status first: a recent update may already answer the question.
What each case status means
If a case inquiry does not move it, you can ask your member of Congress to contact USCIS about the case for you.
How a congressional inquiry works