DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)

Applies to certain people who came to the U.S. as children and meet several guidelines may request this form of relief. Those eligible under this form of relief may also obtain work authorization.

If you are applying for DACA for the First Time, you need to satisfy the following criteria:

Criteria You may request DACA if you:   

1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
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 otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

A DACA applicant needs the following documents to apply:

• Proof of identity
• Proof that he or she came to the U.S. before their 16th birthday
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of presence in U.S. on June 15, 2012
• Proof you continuously resided in U.S. since June 15, 2007
• Proof of your student status at the time of requesting DACA
• Proof you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the U.S.

RENEWAL OF DACA

 You may be eligible to request a renewal of DACA if you met the initial DACA guidelines (see above) and the following:

• You have not departed the U.S. on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole;
• You have continuously resided in the U.S. since you have submitted your most recent approved DACA.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

It is recommended by USCIS that you apply for renewal of your DACA between 4-5 months in advance. You should not apply for renewal of DACA more than 5 months before expiration of your current DACA because USCIS may decline your application. However, you should apply 4-5 months in advance so that you do not accrue unlawful presence between your DACA applications.

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