How to Apply for DACA (Deferred Action)
Step-by-step guide for young people who arrived as children and want temporary protection and work authorization.
For DACA you need: to have arrived before age 16, continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, been under 31 years old on June 15, 2012, no serious criminal convictions, and be in school, have a diploma, or military service.
Useful resources
DACA — USCISYou will need: passport or photo ID, evidence of entry before age 16 (school records, medical records, or letters), evidence of continuous residence (letters, bills, school records for each year since 2007), and diploma or school transcript.
Download I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action) and I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) at uscis.gov. Total fee is $495. Cannot be applied online, must be mailed to USCIS. Consult an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative for help.
Send your complete package to the correct USCIS address (varies by state). You'll receive a receipt notice and then a biometrics appointment. Current processing time is 3-5 months. You can check status at uscis.gov/mycasestatus.
You'll receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for 2 years. Renew 150-180 days before it expires. Do not wait until the last moment. Keep copies of all your documents and approval letter.