Everything you should know about DACA (Updated 2021)
- Eligibility Criteria to apply for DACA. The following guideline will explain to you the eligibility criteria to apply for DACA for the first time.
- Forms and Evidence-based Documentation. You have to submit all applications for deferred action directly to USCIS on Form 1-82ID. ...
- Obtain Legal Advice. ...
- Collect your Application Documents. ...
- DACA Application Fees. ...
- Overview. ...
- Understand 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.
What are the eligibility requirements for DACA?
to be eligible for daca, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements such as: have entered the united states before their 16th birthday, be currently in school, a high school graduate or be honorably discharged from the military, be under 31 years of age, and not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or otherwise …
How to qualify for DACA?
- are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012;
- came to the U.S. ...
- have continuously resided in the U.S. ...
- entered the U.S. ...
- were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Do I qualify for DACA?
You must also be at least 15 years or older to request DACA, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order, as summarized in the table below: I have never been in removal proceedings, or my proceedings have been terminated before making my request.
Are new DACA applications being accepted?
The Trump administration tried ending DACA in 2017, but the US Supreme Court blocked its attempt in June 2020. After the Supreme Court ruling, the Trump administration then tried to say no new DACA applications would be accepted and renewals would be limited to one year instead of two amid an ongoing review.
Are they accepting new DACA applications 2021?
July 2021: Initial DACA Applications Halted More than 80,000 pending initial applications were stopped, and USCIS also announced that while they will be still accepting applications, no initial requests would be processed until further notice.
How long does it take to get your DACA approved in 2021?
Form I-821D Processing Time Summary USCIS has a stated goal to processing DACA applications within 120 days, but this is far from reality. After filing your DACA application package, your I-821D processing time can take anywhere from 7 to 10 months.
Can I apply for DACA for the first-time?
Now that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is accepting first-time Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications, it is vital that eligible individuals understand the application process, the required documents, and best practices in preparing the strongest application possible.
What are the requirements to apply for DACA?
Individuals must meet following criteria to apply for DACA:Are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012;Came to the U.S. while under the age of 16;Have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present. ... Entered the U.S. without inspection or fell out of lawful visa status before June 15, 2012;More items...
How much does DACA cost?
$495$495. This fee includes employment authorization and biometric services and cannot be waived. Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.
When can I apply for DACA?
Understand Your Eligibility for DACA 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 ...
Why is DACA 2021 taking so long?
Certain factors, such as new arrests or criminal convictions, will likely lead to a longer renewal request processing time. If you have been arrested or convicted since the last time you renewed your DACA, you should speak with an immigration legal expert before filing a renewal request.
Are DACA applications still being processed?
While the court order does not allow USCIS to approve initial DACA requests, we are presently able to continue processing DACA renewals and associated applications because the court temporarily stayed its injunction as to these requests. Moreover, USCIS will continue accepting initial DACA requests.
Can I go to Hawaii with DACA?
Please be aware that for travel to any location other than the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, you must have advance parole from USCIS prior to departure, just as with any other international travel.
Do you need good grades for DACA?
To meet the "in school" requirement, DACA applicants must either: be "currently in school" have graduated from high school or obtained a certificate of completion from high school (i.e. a diploma)
Do I need to be enrolled in school to apply for DACA?
A: Yes. One of the requirements for DACA is to be 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.
Who to consult before applying for DACA?
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.
How much does it cost to apply for DACA?
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.
What is the DACA program?
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.
How long does it take to get a DACA receipt?
Within four (4) months of getting your DACA receipt, you should get an appointment notice to visit an Application Support Center (ASC) to have your biometrics taken. Make sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. your passport) to your appointment.
What is the DACA?
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.
How to renew a DACA?
If you are renewing your DACA, check out Steps to Renew DACA. 1. 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.
Is DACA a temporary solution?
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.
Can I Apply For DACA?
You can apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and a DACA Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you meet the following eligibility rules:
How to apply for DACA
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’ll gather all the required supporting documents, and finally you’ll mail both the forms and supporting documents to U.S.
What is the DACA application timeline?
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.
How much does it cost to apply for DACA?
To submit your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (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).
Conclusion
Applying for DACA can be complicated, but working with a good immigration attorney can make it easier. If you can't afford the attorney fees and don't want to handle your DACA case alone, we may be able to help. If you are eligible, our free web app will walk you through the process and help you prepare and file your application with the U.S.
When will the USCIS renew DACA?
Renew Your DACA. Important information about DACA requests: In compliance with an order of a United States District Court, effective Dec. 7, 2020, USCIS is: Accepting first-time requests for consideration of deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) based on the terms of the DACA policy in effect prior to Sept.
How long is the DACA extension?
USCIS will take appropriate steps to provide evidence of the one-year extensions of deferred action and Employment Authorization Documents under DACA to individuals who were issued documentation on or after July 28, 2020, with a one-year validity period under the defunct policy.
Can you renew your DACA if you have been convicted of a felony?
Please note, if you file after your most recent DACA period expired, but within one year of its expiration, you may submit a request to renew your DACA.
Can I renew my I-821D?
USCIS may deny your renewal request if you do not respond to a Request for Evidence in a timely manner. If you knowingly and willfully provide materially false information on Form I-821D, you will be committing a felony punishable by a fine or up to five years in prison, or both (see 18 U.S.C. Section 1001 (PDF) .)
Can USCIS deny a DACA renewal?
USCIS may request additional documents or statements to verify information provided in support of requests for renewal of DACA. We may contact other government agencies, education institutions, employers, or other entities in order to verify information. USCIS may deny your renewal request if you do not respond to a Request for Evidence in ...
When will the DACA be reinstated?
Most recently on December 4, 2020, a federal judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to restore DACA to it’s original state as implemented by the Obama administration. Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements may submit an initial or renewal application for DACA.
What is the DACA program?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program offers employment authorization (work permit) and protection from deportation for certain people who qualify. The program is intended for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States by their parents when they were children.
How old are you if you came to the US in 2012?
are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012; came to the U.S. while under the age of 16; have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present; entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or individuals whose lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
Is it easier to renew DACA?
The DACA eligibility requirements can be a bit daunting for first-time applicants, but renewals are generally easier.
DACA News Today 2021: The American Dream and Promise Act
The history of DACA has been one of ups and downs. Under the Obama administration, undocumented young people could officially obtain DACA status starting in 2012. This allowed Dreamers the opportunity to participate in their communities around the United States. 2017 brought changes under the new Trump administration when DACA was declared over.
How Can a DACA Recipient Get a Green Card
We sometimes get the question, “Does DACA count as a permanent resident?” The answer is no, as you still must obtain a green card to become a permanent resident.
DACA Road to Citizenship: Entering the U.S. Unlawfully
For those who came to the United States unlawfully, the question remains, can DACA recipients become citizens? You can, but—depending on your current status—the process can be long and difficult.
DACA Path to Citizenship: Entering the U.S., Form I-601A, and Advance Parole
Entering the United States unlawfully means that you were not inspected by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol nor do you have a visa. Applying for a visa when you have unlawfully entered the United States will require consular processing and applying for your green card from abroad.
Entering the U.S. Lawfully
Only when you enter the United States lawfully are you allowed to apply for permanent residency. Being a DACA recipient, your first entry to the United States was unlawful, but you can make your entry lawful through the Advanced Parole factors listed above.
DACA Path to Citizenship Through Marriage
If you are a DACA recipient and are now in the position where you are in a relationship with the desire to marry, you may be able to get a green card through your marriage status. DACA and naturalization can be complicated but can be attained with the help of a good immigration attorney.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Today
The experienced immigration attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. can help you with the process of transitioning from being a DACA card recipient to obtaining citizenship. If you have any questions about your current DACA status or ways of transitioning from DACA to citizenship, please contact the attorneys at our firm.
Summary
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows eligible immigrant youth to get 2-year renewable work permits and protection from removal proceedings. DACA has faced many legal challenges over the past five years. First, the Trump Administration tried to end the program and a U.S. Supreme Court decision prevented them from doing that.
Can I renew my DACA status?
You are eligible to renew your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grant and employment authorization if all of the following are true:
How to renew your DACA and Work Permit (A step-by-step guide)
Once you confirm that you qualify to renew your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grant, you can begin working on the renewal process. ImmigrationHelp.org will walk you through each step of the process for free if you are eligible for our service.
What is the DACA renewal timeline?
A typical Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal takes 6-12 months. During that time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will send a variety of notices about your application to the mailing address that you provided on your paperwork.
When should I renew my DACA?
Your renewed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and employment authorization will expire two years after USCIS approves your renewal request. This means that you may lose a bit of time on your new status if you apply more than 120 days before your current DACA expires.
How much does it cost to renew DACA?
When you submit your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal package, you will have to pay two fees for a total of $495:
How can I get help paying for my DACA renewal?
Many Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have a hard time affording their DACA grant renewal. Every DACA renewal applicant needs to pay USCIS fees, and if you get a lawyer’s assistance with your case, you’ll have to pay them in addition. Here are some tips for how to raise the money for both lawyer fees and USCIS fees.
Can a DACA married person get a parole?
Many DACA’s married to U.S. citizens don’t yet have a legal entry into the U.S. They also can’t get Advance Parole to regain immediate access (as instituted by the Trump administration ).
Can I get a green card if I have a DACA?
The answer is yes, in certain circumstances DACA recipients can get Green Cards. You just need to comply with the eligibility criteria we explain below. Even though you can get a work permit, driver’s license, and a social security number with DACA, having DACA still has its challenges.
Can I apply for an immigrant visa based on my immediate relatives?
The good news is there are an unlimited amount of visas for petition based on immediate relatives (a U.S. citizen spouse). Apply for an immigrant visa – The NVC will notify you when you can submit your immigrant visa processing fees, visa application and supporting documentation.
Can you go from DACA to green card?
Put simply, this is the piece of legislation that enables you to go from DACA to Green Card. Generally, a person who has lived in the U.S. unlawfully (such as Dreamers) must spend a prescribed period of time outside of the U.S. before they are allowed to re-enter lawfully and apply for immigrant visas.