Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration program created by President Obama in 2012 that allows Dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children—to live and work legally in the United States and avoid deportation. The program has faced a lot of contention. In 2020, the Trump Administration issued an order terminating DACA. This prevented Dreamers from submitting first-time DACA applications, even after a Supreme Court decision rejected the Trump order. On his first day in office, President Biden signed an order to allow for both new DACA applications and DACA renewal requests. Unfortunately, on July 16, 2021, a Texas judge ruled that the DACA program was unconstitutional. In response to that ruling, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is no longer processing new DACA applications. However, the court ruling is currently on appeal, and you can still submit new applications to reserve your place in line if the law changes. This guide explains the DACA application process.
You can apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and a DACA Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you meet the following eligibility rules:
Yes! Even if you’ve previously worked without a work permit, you can still apply for DACA. In fact, for initial DACA applications, one of the ways that USCIS suggests you could prove you were in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 is by submitting employment records, such as pay stubs or W-2 tax documents. USCIS guidance also allows your employer to provide information to support your DACA application.
USCIS does not share this information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency in charge of immigration enforcement and removal proceedings.
To submit a first-time Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application, you must do three main things. First, you must complete and sign the required forms for the program. Then, you need to gather all the required supporting documents. Finally, mail both the forms and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To submit a new DACA application and get work authorization, you must file these three forms:
There are also optional USCIS forms you can submit with your application, depending on whether you’re interested in added benefits:
You can download the latest version of all these forms from the USCIS website.
In addition to the forms above, you must also submit two recent passport photos with your application and pay the filing and biometrics fees. Most drugstores with photo services will provide passport photos.
The total fee for a DACA application is $495. The full charge includes the $410 work authorization fee for the Form I-765 and an $85 biometrics fee. You can pay the fees either with a credit card or by check or money order. Make your check or money orders payable to the order of “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” so that USCIS can receive and process your payment.
In addition, you must submit these documents with your USCIS forms, filing fees, and passport photos for a new DACA application. You must submit the following:
Our supporting document checklist provides more information about how to get these documents for your DACA application.
When you’re ready to apply for DACA, organize your forms, filing fees, passport photos, and supporting documents into a filing packet. Mail the packet to the appropriate USCIS lockbox or service center. Consult USCIS to find the specific mailing address information.
It is helpful to include a cover letter with your filing packet that lists the forms and documents included in your application. A cover letter will make it easier for USCIS to review your application. You are welcome to use this sample DACA application cover letter as a template.
You should also make copies of everything in your application packet (including your check or money order) for your records. You should not submit original documents for anything other than passport photos to USCIS because you may not get them back. Instead, submit copies of these documents with your application packet.
A typical DACA application takes 6-12 months to process. During that time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will send several notices about your application to the mailing address that you provided on your paperwork. Most people who apply for DACA and employment authorization receive the following notices in order.
You will receive a notice that USCIS has received your application 2-3 weeks after you mail it to USCIS. This notice will contain a unique code called a receipt number that consists of three letters and 10 numbers. For example, “ABC1234567891. You can use this code to track the status of your application online.
As part of the DACA process, you will need to attend a biometrics (photo and fingerprinting) appointment. USCIS will schedule this appointment and send you notice of the date, time, and location 4-6 weeks after you file your application. The appointment itself will usually occur 6-8 weeks after you file.
If all goes well, USCIS will approve your Form I-821D and send you an approval letter 5-10 months after you file your application.
After USCIS approves your I-821D, they will process your I-765 within about 90 days. You should receive your employment authorization card 6-12 months after you file your application.
If you haven’t received any notices 105 days after filing your application, contact USCIS. You should also remember that the coronavirus pandemic has lengthened the processing times for many immigration applications.
To submit your DACA application, you will have to pay a total of $495 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The total amount includes $410 for your employment authorization (work permit card) and $85 for your biometrics appointment (photo and fingerprinting).
Many immigrant youth eligible for DACA have a hard time affording their DACA application. If that’s you, the ideas below may help:
DACA is expensive enough without having to pay an attorney to help you. A great way to save money is to file for DACA yourself.
Tap into the resources of the communities you’re a part of with one or more of these:
Get free answers to your immigration questions.