DACA Supporting Documents: Your Essential Checklist for a Successful Application

To qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), applicants must meet specific age, residency, educational, and criminal history criteria. These requirements are designed to ensure that individuals who came to the United States as children, have built a life here, and do not pose a threat to public safety, can request to defer action on their immigration status and obtain authorization to work.

Age Requirements

At the time of applying for DACA, individuals must:

• Have been under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012
• Have entered the United States before turning 16

Residency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
• Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS

Educational Requirements

To be eligible, one must:

• Be currently in school, or
• Have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, or
• Have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or
• Be an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States

Criminal History Review

The review of an applicant’s criminal history includes ensuring they:

• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors
• Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety

The application process for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is structured and requires attention to detail. Applicants must carefully prepare and submit specified forms along with supporting documents.

Forms to File

Initial DACA Requests: Applicants must complete and file the following forms:

• Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-765WS, Worksheet establishing economic need for employment

Renewal Requests: Those seeking to renew their DACA must also file:

• Form I-821D, as renewals require re-establishing eligibility
• Form I-765, and Form I-765WS, if employment authorization is desired

Application Submission Procedures

All forms must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following specific guidelines:

• Forms should be correctly filled out, signed, and accompanied by the required evidence and fees.
• Required evidence typically includes proof of identity, proof of entry into the United States before the age of 16, proof of residence, and any information on educational or military status as relevant.
• It’s important to consult the USCIS website or a legal advisor to ensure all guidelines and procedures are met, as incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected.

When preparing a DACA application, it is essential for applicants to provide proof of identity. This requirement ensures that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can verify the identity of the applicant. Below are acceptable documents that may be used as evidence.

Passport or National Identity Documents

Applicants may present a passport or national identity document from their country of origin. These documents should be current and include a photograph that helps affirm the applicant’s identity.

Birth Certificate with Photo ID

A birth certificate along with a photo identification card can serve as evidence of identity. The photo ID needs to be government-issued and should clearly show the applicant’s name and photograph.

School or Military ID with Photo

Lastly, applicants can submit a school ID or military ID card with a photograph. For the school ID to be deemed valid, it must be issued by an accredited educational institution.
Applicants must ensure that the submitted documents are unaltered and legitimate, as USCIS has strict regulations against fraudulent materials.

In a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application, an applicant must substantiate their presence in the United States from June 15, 2007, until the current application date. Documentation must be thorough, providing clear evidence of residence over the duration specified.

School Records

School records serve as a steadfast source of verification for an applicant’s presence within the U.S. These records can include:

• Report cards
• Transcripts
• Diplomas
• Registration documents

Each document must have the applicant’s name, the school’s name, and a date within the required timeframe.

Financial Records

A financial footprint can also establish continuous residence through:

• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Credit card bills

These records should maintain a consistent timeline and reflect the applicant’s personal economic activity throughout the required period.

Employment Records

Documentation from employment corroborates an applicant’s chronology within the country. Acceptable materials include:

• Pay stubs
• W-2 forms
• Employment verification letters

The inclusion of dates and employer’s details on these records is essential to prove the applicant was working in the U.S.

Utility Bills

Utility bills are often used as proof of residency. They provide a monthly snapshot of an individual’s whereabouts, especially when combined with additional evidence. Utility bills can include:

• Electricity bills
• Water bills
• Gas bills
• Internet service bills

All utility bills must contain the applicant’s name and residential address.

When applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), applicants must substantiate their education status. This documentation serves as proof of meeting the educational criteria set by the USCIS for DACA eligibility.

School Transcripts

Applicants should present their official school transcripts as part of the evidence. These transcripts must include a record of courses taken and grades received, illustrating the applicant’s progress through their educational program. Consistency is crucial; the information on the transcripts should match the education history reported on Form I-821D.

GED Certificates

For individuals who have completed a General Education Development (GED) program instead of traditional high school, a GED certificate is required. This certificate must indicate that the applicant has passed the GED exam, which deems them as having high school-level academic skills.

Diplomas

Applicants are also advised to submit a copy of their high school diploma if available. The diploma should clearly state the graduate’s name, the graduation date, and the name of the educational institution. It’s essential that the graduation date on the diploma corresponds with the date provided on the applicant’s DACA application form.

When applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), applicants are required to provide supporting documents related to any criminal history to establish eligibility for the program.

Court Records

Applicants must acquire and submit detailed court records for any encounter they may have had with law enforcement that led to criminal charges, whether the incident resulted in a conviction or not. These records should be official documents obtained from the relevant court and include the charge, the disposition of the case, and the sentence (if applicable).

Police Clearance

Police clearance certificates are essential for applicants who have been arrested or detained, regardless of whether it led to a charge. This document, which can be requested from the local police department where the arrest or detention occurred, certifies the applicant’s current criminal status and any history with that department.

FBI Background Check

Finally, applicants are expected to include an FBI background check which provides a summary of their criminal history on a federal level. This can be requested by submitting a fingerprint card to the FBI and includes all arrest records, federal employment, naturalization, or military service.

When renewing DACA, applicants must adhere to specific document requirements. It’s important to provide accurate paperwork to prevent delays or rejections.

Previous DACA Receipt Notice

Applicants should include a copy of their previous DACA approval notice (Form I-797). This is essential as it indicates proof of previously granted DACA status.

New Evidence Submission Guidelines

If there have been significant changes in an applicant’s situation since the last approved DACA, they must submit new evidence. This should include documents that reflect any change in criminal history, immigration status, or other relevant factors.

It’s crucial to comply with all requirements to prevent delays or rejections.