Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Resources
- Overview
- Understanding Your Eligibility for DACA
- Get Legal Advice
- Gather Your Application Documents
- Prepare Your DACA Application Fees
- Download the Correct Application Forms from USCIS
- Fill Out the Application Accurately
- Create a Cover Letter
- Prepare and Send Your Application
- Track the Status of Your Application
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment
- Look Out for a Possible Request for Evidence
- Await Notification of DACA Approval
- Prepare for Your DACA Renewal
- College and Career Planning
- Additional Immigrant/Refugee Support Resources
Overview
OVERVIEW
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”), an executive order issued on June 15, 2012 by President Obama, protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States as children. DACA gives eligible undocumented immigrants:
- temporary deportation protection
- and a work permit that allows them to get a social security number.
Like other important policy changes, the DACA program was not a result of an overnight decision. DACA was made possible by many years of struggle and a movement led by undocumented young people.
DACA is a temporary solution that is a crucial first step in the right direction, but because it is not a lawful status and could be changed or terminated at any time, we encourage individuals to get involved in advocating for the passage of a permanent solution.
You can also use Immigrants Rising’s free, anonymous, and online Immigration Legal Intake Service to help you understand your eligibility for DACA and long-term immigration options.
Read on to learn more about how to successfully submit a DACA application for the first time. If you are renewing your DACA, check out Steps to Renew DACA and Guide to the DACA Application
Understanding Your Eligibility for DACA
UNDERSTAND YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR DACA
It’s important to learn as much as you can about DACA to figure out whether it makes sense for you to apply.
First, you’ll want to confirm that you’re eligible for DACA. To be eligible you must:
- Have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Have entered the U.S. before you turned 16 years old
- Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 up to the present time
- Have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and at the time you are applying for DACA
- Have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- Currently enrolled in school (or have returned to school), graduated, obtained certificate of completion (e.g. GED) OR be an honorably discharged U.S. veteran
- Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
Get Legal Advice
GET LEGAL ADVICE
We recommend you consult with an immigration attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative before you decide whether to apply. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of applying for DACA.
It is important to find an immigration attorney (either in private practice or at a nonprofit) or DOJ accredited representative (at a nonprofit organization) who can adequately consult and represent you, especially if you have a complex case.
Immigrant Family Advocacy Project: https://uwifap.wordpress.com/
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo: https://colectivalegal.org/
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND): https://supportkind.org/
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): https://www.nwirp.org/
Gather Your Application Documents
GATHER YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Carefully review the official USCIS instructions for gathering your pre-application documents.
Below is a summary of what you’ll need. DO NOT send original documents, as they will not be returned:
- Two (2) passport-style photographs (for the Employment Authorization application) with your name and date of birth written on the back
- Copy of foreign passport biographic page and any prior visa & I-94 cards (if available)
- Copy of original birth certificate and translation OR unexpired passport
- Copy of every criminal and/or traffic court case on record (if applicable)
- Every incident/arrest/police report
- Every criminal complaint/charging document from the district attorney (or other prosecutor)
- Every final criminal court disposition record. That is the final ruling from the judge in your case stating the outcome after settlement, trial, or dismissal
- Post-conviction showing that you completed all terms of probation/sentence.
- Copy of school records, such as:
- Proof of Enrollment
- Report Cards and/or Transcripts
- School Identification Card(s)
- Awards from high school (and college, if applicable)
- Copy of high school diploma or GED certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of entry prior to age 16, continuous residence in U.S. since June 15, 2007 and presence on June 15, 2012, such as:
- Federal Income Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts (filed independently or as a dependent)
- Employment records, letters from internships & volunteer work, medical records
- Leases, rental receipts, other dated receipts, utility bills, cell phone bills
- Bank statements, credit card statements, copies of cancelled checks
- Birth certificates of children and/or siblings born in the U.S. for the stated period
- Affidavits from relatives, friends, teachers, and churches attesting to your presence
- Photographs placing you in the U.S. since the age of 16 & since 2007
Prepare Your DACA Application Fees
PREPARE YOUR DACA APPLICATION FEES
The total application fee for DACA is $495. Due to USCIS’ uncertain withdrawal time, money orders and cashier’s checks are recommended, but personal checks are accepted. Checks must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not abbreviate. Cash is not accepted.
Fee exemptions are available, but only to people who meet the stringent requirements.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Reach out to your local immigrant rights organizations and legal service providers to find out if they have any DACA fee assistance available.
Other organizations have established loan programs to cover the cost of applying for DACA:
- Mission Asset Fund provides a 0% interest, credit-building immigration loan in California to help pay for the DACA fee
- Self-Help Credit Union has a DACA loan program to help individuals pay for the DACA fee and other application costs
Download the Correct Application Forms from USCIS
DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT APPLICATION FORMS FROM USCIS
USCIS will reject applications that use outdated forms, so it is important to use current application forms. Please visit the USCIS website to find the following forms in their current versions: (1) Form I-821D, (2) Form I-765; (3) Form I-765WS; and (4) Form G-1145.
Forms and Document Downloads
Instructions for Form I-821D (PDF, 293.72 KB)
Form I-765 (MUST be filed with your Form I-821D) (PDF, 492.38 KB)
Instructions for Form I-765 (PDF, 634.04 KB)
I-765 Worksheet (PDF, 238.54 KB)
Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (PDF, 241.14 KB)
Fill Out the Application Accurately
FILL OUT THE APPLICATION ACCURATELY
Please refer to USCIS’ Form I-821D Instructions which can be found here.
Tips for filling out your application:
- Write your name and date of birth the same way on each form
- Answer all questions completely and accurately
- Provide all required supporting documentation and evidence
- USCIS prefers that you type your answers into the form and then print it. If you are filling out your form by hand, use black ink. If you make a mistake, please start over with a new form
- Copy/Scan your entire application for your records
- Label your photographs with your full name and date of birth
- Sign All Forms
Create a Cover Letter
CREATE A COVER LETTER
A cover letter is useful for the USCIS agent reviewing your application to overview the application package in a glance, and serves as a checklist for you. Please refer to UWD’s sample cover letter as a starting point.
Prepare and Send Your Application
PREPARE AND SEND YOUR APPLICATION
When sending your application, it is advised that you (1) do not have the forms stapled (paper clips are preferred) and (2) have it complied in the following order:
- $495 Fee
- Cover Letter
- Completed Form G-1145
- Completed Form I-821D
- Completed Form I-765
- Completed Form I-765WS
- Copies of any supporting evidence
The location of the USCIS facility receiving your application will differ based on where you reside. Please use the USCIS reference guide to find the correct location.
We highly recommend that you select a delivery option that allows you to track your package.
Track the Status of Your Application
TRACK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION
E-Notification Confirmation: If you filled out Form G-1145 you should receive a one-time e-Notification when your application has been received by USCIS.
Paper Receipt Confirmation: You should also receive a paper receipt in the mail within 1-4 weeks of sending your DACA application even if you requested E-Notification.
You can track the progress of your DACA application online here. You may check manually each time or create an account with my.uscis.gov and enable push notifications.
Attend a Biometrics Appointment
Look Out for a Possible Request for Evidence
LOOK OUT FOR A POSSIBLE REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE (RFE)
If anything is missing from your application, or if USCIS has questions, you may be mailed a “Request for Evidence” (RFE). You will need to respond to this RFE with additional proof by the deadline given. If you ignore this request, your case will be automatically denied.
Await Notification of DACA Approval
AWAIT NOTIFICATION OF DACA APPROVAL
The application processing time can take several months. You can track the processing times of all DACA applications here.
Once you are notified of your DACA approval, you will receive a work authorization card valid for two (2) years.
Prepare for Your DACA Renewal
PREPARE FOR YOUR DACA RENEWAL
Remember: DACA is temporary and you need to renew it every two years. Read Steps to Renew DACA to learn how you can prepare for your renewal.
College and Career Planning
In 2019-20, full-time undergraduate students received an average of $14,940 in financial aid. Graduate students received an average of $27,310, about 30% of which came from federal grants, according to CollegeBoard. The availability of financial aid for undocumented students, however, is much more limited.
Despite the fact that many of these learners face great financial challenges, undocumented and DACA students do not qualify for federal funding. To fund their education, these students need to pursue other pathways, such as state funding and private scholarships.
Undocumented students cannot access federal financial aid, but state funding may be available. To learn more about these different options go to the link below:
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Undocumented students benefit from having a strong support system while pursuing a degree — especially first-generation college students. The following guide helps undocumented students and their families navigate the college selection and application process, including topics related to financial aid, scholarships, and career planning. For more information go to the link below:
Additional Immigrant/Refugee Support Resources
https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/support-resources-immigrants-refugees/
Education
This guide from the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) highlights ways to implement “safe space” policies to protect early childhood programs against immigration enforcement, such as educating staff about who is authorized to speak with an agent of authority and about storing and releasing private information about parents and children.
Access to Postsecondary Education ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
Developed by the National Immigration Law Center, this toolkit includes background information on tuition equity measures, an overview of state laws and policies related to higher education for immigrants, and messaging for organizers who seek to improve access for these communities.
The U.S. Department of Education has created a comprehensive resource page for immigrant, refugee, and asylee students and families that includes a number of fact sheets and guides on topics such as the rights of unaccompanied youth and youth protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The American Federation of Teachers published this report in 2017 for educators, support staff and service providers who teach, mentor and help immigrant and refugee children. It has tools and resources to protect and prepare youth and families in the event of a raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This issue brief, created by the Migration Policy Institute, examines how trauma affects children in immigrant families and what can be done to protect them, highlighting a number of culturally appropriate tactics that schools and educators can use.
U.S. Department of Education: Newcomer Tool Kit (PDF, 4.2 MB)External link:open_in_new
This toolkit is designed to help teachers, principals, and other staff make schools welcoming for newcomers and their families, provide students with academic support to attain English language proficiency, and meet college- and career-readiness standards.
This publication from the Council of Chief State School Officers examines the school-, district- and state-level policies and practices that are being implemented to support English language learners; it also provides guidance for local education agencies on how to design and adapt their programs.
Employment
Developed by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and the National Immigration Law Center, this toolkit was designed for organizations in an emergency setting where they are required to respond to a raid in the moment. It lays out clear instructions on how to organize an effective response and delegate responsibilities and roles.
This publication from the National Skills Coalition outlines the immigrant skill-building policies being implemented by states and localities that provide a pathway to middle-skill jobs. The brief includes recommendations for advocates interested in advancing effective skills policies and strengthening collaborations between workforce and education officials.
Employment Rights of Immigrants Under Federal Anti-Discrimination LawsExternal link:open_in_new
This overview from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains the protections against employment discrimination guaranteed to people on the basis of their national origin.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provide an action plan for employers, refugees and governments aimed at assessing and utilizing the skills of refugees, preparing work environments for this workforce, and ensuring the long-term employability of these communities.
Entrepreneurs @ Immigrants Rising Facebook CommunityExternal link:open_in_new
Immigrants Rising formed this online community to connect immigrant entrepreneurs and keep them updated with presentations, webinars and leadership opportunities.
IMPRINT Program Map: Integrating Foreign-Trained Immigrants and RefugeesExternal link:open_in_new
IMPRINT—which works with business, government, higher education and other partners to raise awareness about the talents and contributions of immigrant professionals—provides an interactive map highlighting more than 100 programs and services in the United States that are designed to help immigrant and refugee professionals.
National Immigration Law Center’s Workers’ Rights SectionExternal link:open_in_new
This webpage from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is dedicated to workers’ rights and provides know-your-rights trainings, policy analysis, and response toolkits on a number of issues including worksite immigration enforcement, workers’ rights, Social Security numbers, employment eligibility verification, discrimination, and electronic employment eligibility verification.
National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights ProgramExternal link:open_in_new
Created by Legal Aid at Work, this program is designed to protect the employment rights of undocumented workers as well as workers who may face discrimination based on their ethnicity or country of origin. The program offers a Language Rights Helpline, detailed fact sheets with legal information, and sample letters for workers who would like to communicate with their employers about workplace rights.
This guide from Welcoming America provides local leaders with strategies on how to create policies related to workforce development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and home ownership that can create an inclusive economy.
Office of Refugee Resettlement: Employment ResourcesExternal link:open_in_new
This webpage features fact sheets and webinars covering topics such as understanding hiring processes, obtaining new certifications and credentials, and addressing discrimination.
In this report, the Urban Institute explores opportunities for educating and training untapped immigrant workers and highlights strategies that organizations across the country are using to support advancement of immigrants in the workforce.
U.S. Department of Justice: Immigrant and Employee Rights SectionExternal link:open_in_new
The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) under the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department enforces the anti-discrimination provisions that protect U.S. citizens and certain other work-authorized individuals from employment discrimination based upon citizenship or immigration status. The IER webpage provides an overview of workers’ rights, allows workers to file charges, and includes a number of webinars on employee rights.
Upwardly GlobalExternal link:open_in_new
This organization offers resources to job seekers, employers and supporters to help immigrants translate their education, skills and professional experience abroad to integrate into the U.S. workforce.
This publication from the Aspen Institute explores the value of partnerships between immigrant-serving organizations and community colleges to help expand immigrants’ access to skill-building and career-advancement opportunities.
Health
American Academy of Pediatrics: Immigrant Health Toolkit (PDF, 1.2 MB)External link:open_in_new
This guide is designed to provide practical information and resources for pediatricians to address common matters related to immigrant child health.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Refugee TraumaExternal link:open_in_new
This organization’s site, which explores the age-specific effects of exposure to traumatic events, offers screening resources and intervention strategies for medical, school and mental health professionals addressing refugee trauma.
NILC provides a downloadable table that describes state policies for providing health coverage.
The Center on Immigration and Child Welfare has created a guide on trauma and immigrant families in the child welfare system.
Child Migrant Protection ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
This toolkit created by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) includes information on how to support legislation to protect migrant children, as well as a list of NASW resources related to the topic.
United We Dream: Mental Health ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
This resource provides tools to relieve stress and anxiety in immigrant communities and offers guidance on how to set up a safe zone and organize simple healing events.
Local teams welcome new arrivals and connect them to providers of healthcare, education, interpretation services, and more.
Housing and Resettlement
Developed by Welcoming America, this toolkit explores how to strengthen local collaborations between refugee-serving organizations and other potential local partners to support refugee integration.
Immigrant Crime Victim Access to Federally Assisted HousingExternal link:open_in_new
This webinar and accompanying materials provide information on government-funded programs that provide emergency shelter and assisted housing to immigrant victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including which programs are open to all without regard to immigration status.
This excerpt from Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs provides information on housing programs available to immigrants and specifies what status of immigrants are eligible.
Office of Refugee Resettlement State Resource MapExternal link:open_in_new
This office, which falls under the Administration for Children & Families, has an interactive map that provides information on local agencies that help immigrants and refugees.
Refugee Center OnlineExternal link:open_in_new
The Refugee Center Online offers resources that have been curated by resettled refugees and immigrants. The site has free GED and U.S. Citizenship Test classes, provides help with resumes, and offers information on how to obtain a driver’s license.
Refugee Council USAExternal link:open_in_new
This coalition of U.S.-based non-governmental organizations is dedicated to refugee protection and resettlement. The coalition’s website offers comprehensive overviews of the resettlement process and provides refugee policy updates.
Legal
ACLU’s Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights PageExternal link:open_in_new
Visitors to this page can learn how to respond to various scenarios such as what to do when law enforcement asks about immigration status and how to challenge a deportation order after an arrest.
American Immigration CouncilExternal link:open_in_new
This organization’s website offers resources ranging from fact sheets on asylum in the United States to pages for each state’s immigration data.
Preparing for Your USCIS InterviewExternal link:open_in_new
US Citizenship and Immigration Services offers resources designed to help students prepare for the citizenship test.
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.: Community Education ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) provides fliers and information sheets on common immigration law issues related to immigrants and communities.
Immigo Mobile AppExternal link:open_in_new
UnidosUS and the Immigration Advocates Network partnered to offer this free app, available for Android and iOS, which gives access to a directory of more than 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers.
Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) provides a searchable directory for immigration legal service providers by state, county or detention facility.
Immigrant Connection ProjectExternal link:open_in_new
Immigrant Connection Project (ICON), a partnership between the Vera Institute of Justice and New America, is a resource for parents who have been separated from their children to connect with legal service providers.
Immigrant Defense Project: Resources for CommunitiesExternal link:open_in_new
This organization offers helpful resources including a criminal-immigration hotline, guides on how to handle raids by ICE, and educational workshops on the deportation system.
Institute for Policy Studies: Sanctuary Cities ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
The institute has created a guide to getting a sanctuary resolution passed in your city.
International Refugee Assistance Project: Know Your RightsExternal link:open_in_new
This organization of law students and lawyers develops and mobilizes assistance for refugees, providing legal aid to displaced people and safeguarding their legal rights.
Kids in Need of Defense Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.5 MB)External link:open_in_new
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) has offices nationwide and offers social services and pro bono legal services to children in deportation hearings.
LGBT Freedom and Asylum NetworkExternal link:open_in_new
LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network (FAN) supports LGBT asylum seekers by connecting them to resources, including legal, career and housing services.
National Conference of State Legislatures: Immigration Law DatabaseExternal link:open_in_new
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) maintains a database of laws and adopted resolutions related to immigration and immigrants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
National Immigration ForumExternal link:open_in_new
The Forum offers fact sheets online about various topics, including information on the origin countries from which immigrants are eligible for temporary protected status, the asylum process, and essentials for naturalization for military personnel and veterans.
National Immigration Law Center: Sanctuary City ToolkitExternal link:open_in_new
This NILC toolkit offers resources developed during recent federal and state battles to defend against anti–sanctuary city/community-trust proposals.
This Chicago-based human rights organization with offices in Phoenix; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; New York; and Houston, San Antonio and Harlingen, Texas, accepts referrals for the appointment of independent child advocates who work with Young Center attorneys and social workers to make recommendations in the immigrant child’s best interest.
Safety
Assisting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence (PDF, 223 KB)External link:open_in_new
Developed by the Battered Women’s Justice Project, this guide explores how to respond to immigrant women who have experienced domestic violence and touches on how immigration status can be used against survivors in domestic violence cases.
Detained or Deported: What About My Children?External link:open_in_new
This toolkit from the Women’s Refugee Commission provides critical information on how to protect parental rights when detained or deported and make well-informed decisions regarding the care of children.
This fact sheet from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlines the programs and services administered by HHS that may be eligible to immigrants who have experienced domestic violence.
Engaging Police in Immigrant Communities (EPIC)External link:open_in_new
Developed by the Vera Institute of Justice, the EPIC project identifies promising law enforcement practices that build trust and strengthen relationships with immigrant communities.
This publication, developed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, gives an overview of the prevalence of intimate partner violence among immigrants and refugees, with recommendations for nonprofits, police departments and the courts on how best to address the issue.
Family Preparedness Plan (PDF, 279 KB)External link:open_in_new
This guide from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides assistance in planning for what happens if you cannot care for your child/children and are facing deportation.