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How to Fill Out an Initial DACA Application

Below, I am leaving the requirements of initial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications so you can get started putting your application together.


You qualify to apply for initial DACA relief if you:

  1. Were under 31 years old on June 15, 2012

  2. Came to the United States before your 16th birthday

  3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present

  4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your DACA request

  5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012

  6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

  7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor,or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

  8. You are at least 15 years old, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.

Below are some of the ways of proving these points, but I recommend for you to visit the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) website where USCIS has a helpful chart detailing how to prove each of the points above.


Proving identity:

1. Passport or national ID from country of origin

2. Birth certificate with photo ID

3. School/military photo ID


Proving you came to U.S. before 16th birthday: 1. Passport with admission stamp

2. I-94, I-95, or I-94W forms

3. U.S. school records

4. Any document from U.S. immigration authorities that state your date of entry

5. Travel/hospital/medical/employment/religious records

6. Dated bank transactions

7. Tax receipts / mortgage or rental contracts


Proving immigration status:

1. I-94, I-95, or I-94W forms with authorized stay expiration date

2. Final order of deportation/removal issued as of June 15, 2012

3. A document placing you into removal proceedings


Proving U.S. presence on June 15, 2012 and continuous presence since June 15, 2007:

1. Rent/utility receipts

2. Employment records i.e. W2/pay stubs

3. School records i.e. report cards

4. Military records

5. Passport entries

6. Tax receipts / insurance policies


Proving student status:

1. Official records (transcripts, report cards, etc.) from the U.S. school that you are currently attending

2. U.S. high school diploma or certificate of completion

3. U.S. GED certificate

Proving you were honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces 1.Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

2. NGB Form 22, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service

3. Military personnel or health records


Required Forms:

1. I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

2. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

3. I-765WS, Worksheet

4. G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (OPTIONAL FORM)


Make sure to check the USCIS website to see the associated fees for each form. Once all your forms are completed, you must submit the application package to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox (this information is also on the USCIS website). Once USCIS receives your application, they will schedule you for an ASC appointment (Application Support Center) so that you can get your fingerprints scanned and photo taken for biometric purposes.


Good luck!

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