Essential documents for a DACA renewal application include the previous DACA approval notice, proof of continuous residence since the initial DACA approval, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Applicants must also provide proof of any criminal records or convictions, even if minor, along with applicable immigration forms such as Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS. Submitting accurate and complete documentation is critical to avoid delays or denials in the renewal process.
What Documents Are Essential for a DACA Renewal Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DACA Renewal Cover Letter | A DACA renewal cover letter must include the applicant's full name, date of birth, and DACA approval number, clearly stating the intent to renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. It should also reference the enclosed supporting documents, such as the completed Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS, alongside proof of continuous residence and payment receipts. |
| 2 | Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) | Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is the primary document required for a DACA renewal application, serving as the official request for deferred action. Essential supporting documents include proof of continuous residency, evidence of education or military service, and updated identity documents such as a valid passport or driver's license. |
| 3 | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) | Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) is a crucial document in a DACA renewal application, enabling recipients to legally work in the United States. Applicants must submit a completed Form I-765, along with proof of current DACA status, identity documents, and filing fee or fee waiver request to ensure timely processing by USCIS. |
| 4 | Form I-765WS (DACA Worksheet) | Form I-765WS, the DACA Worksheet, is essential for a DACA renewal application; it requires applicants to detail their economic hardship and employment information to demonstrate eligibility. Submitting a complete and accurate Form I-765WS alongside Form I-821D and other supporting documents ensures compliance with USCIS requirements for renewal consideration. |
| 5 | Personalized Biometrics Appointment Notice | A Personalized Biometrics Appointment Notice is a crucial document for a DACA renewal application, as it provides the specific date, time, and location for applicants to complete fingerprinting and photo capture required by USCIS. Ensuring this notice is accurately received and attended to helps prevent delays or denial in the DACA renewal process. |
| 6 | Proof of Continued Physical Presence | Proof of continued physical presence is essential for a DACA renewal application, requiring documents such as school records, employment pay stubs, medical records, or affidavits from community members dated throughout the relevant period. These documents must demonstrate uninterrupted residence in the United States since the initial DACA approval or the expiration of the previous DACA status. |
| 7 | Updated Identity Evidence (Real ID-compliant documents) | Updated identity evidence for a DACA renewal application must include Real ID-compliant documents such as a valid U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or state identification card that meets the federal Real ID Act requirements. These documents provide secure proof of identity and residency, facilitating the verification process by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 8 | Expiring/Expired EAD Card (Employment Authorization Document) | An expiring or expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) is a critical document required for a DACA renewal application, serving as proof of work authorization and identity. Applicants must submit a copy of their current or most recent EAD card alongside other necessary forms to ensure timely processing and continued eligibility. |
| 9 | Fee Exemption Request Documentation | Fee exemption request documentation for a DACA renewal application requires submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with supporting evidence of financial hardship such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from a social service agency. These documents must clearly demonstrate the applicant's inability to pay USCIS fees to qualify for the fee exemption during the renewal process. |
| 10 | COVID-19 Impact Statement (for lapse in evidence or delays) | Applicants renewing DACA must submit Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS, along with evidence of identity, continuous residence, and education or military service; a COVID-19 Impact Statement is essential to explain any lapses in evidence or delays caused by the pandemic, helping USCIS understand disruptions in obtaining documentation. Including this statement clarifies gaps in continuous residence or employment authorization, ensuring a stronger case during DACA renewal adjudication amid ongoing public health challenges. |
Overview of DACA Renewal Process
What documents are essential for a DACA renewal application? Your renewal process requires submitting key documents, including the Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS. Supporting evidence such as copies of your previous DACA approval notices and any recent educational or employment records must also be included.
Key Document Requirements for DACA Renewal
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | Must be completed and submitted for renewal. | Primary application form for DACA renewal. |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | Required to request a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). | Ensures legal employment status during DACA renewal period. |
| Form I-765 Worksheet | Calculates the appropriate fee to be submitted with the application. | Confirms correct payment processing. |
| Proof of Identity | A valid government-issued ID such as a passport, driver's license, or school ID. | Verifies identity and supports eligibility for renewal. |
| Evidence of Continuous Residence | Documents like utility bills, school records, rental agreements covering the renewal period. | Demonstrates continuous presence in the U.S. since initial DACA approval. |
| Previous DACA Approval Notice | Copy of the initial DACA approval or prior renewal approval notices. | Confirms prior DACA status and eligibility for renewal. |
| Two Passport-Style Photographs | Recent photos matching USCIS specifications. | Required for identification on the EAD card. |
| Application Fee | Payment of the specified fee, currently set by USCIS, usually via check or money order. | Covers processing costs and EAD issuance. |
Proof of Identity: Acceptable Documents
Proof of identity is a crucial component of a DACA renewal application to confirm the applicant's identity. USCIS requires specific documents that clearly establish the applicant's identity.
Acceptable documents for proof of identity include a valid passport, a government-issued ID card, or a school identification card with a photograph. Other forms such as a birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID may also be submitted.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
Evidence of continuous residence is a crucial component for a DACA renewal application. Documents such as school records, utility bills, pay stubs, or affidavits from community members can demonstrate continuous presence in the U.S. These records help confirm eligibility by proving the applicant has lived in the country without significant interruption.
Documentation of Physical Presence
Documentation of physical presence is crucial for a successful DACA renewal application. These records prove continuous residence in the United States since the initial DACA approval.
- Utility bills - Provide evidence of your residence through dated utility statements such as electricity, water, or gas bills.
- School records - Include report cards, transcripts, or enrollment verification demonstrating physical presence and attendance.
- Medical or dental records - Submit appointment logs or treatment history with dates and addresses that confirm your location during the required period.
Criminal Records and Relevant Disclosures
When applying for a DACA renewal, submitting accurate and complete criminal records is essential. This includes any arrest records, court dispositions, and evidence of rehabilitation if applicable.
You must also disclose any new criminal charges or convictions that occurred since your last application. Providing these documents ensures compliance with renewal requirements and helps avoid delays or denials.
Passport-Style Photographs: Guidelines
Renewing your DACA requires submitting passport-style photographs that meet specific U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) criteria. These photos ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays.
- Photo Size - The photograph must be 2 x 2 inches in size with a full-face view directly facing the camera.
- Background and Lighting - A plain white or off-white background with even lighting to avoid shadows or glare is required.
- Quality and Appearance - The image should be clear, in color, recent within six months, and free from accessories like hats or sunglasses.
Tips for Collecting and Organizing Your Documents
Preparing for a DACA renewal requires careful collection and organization of important documents. Proper documentation ensures a smoother application process and reduces the risk of delays.
- Gather all previous DACA approval notices - These forms verify initial acceptance and must be included with your renewal.
- Collect proof of continuous residence - Documents such as school records, pay stubs, or lease agreements demonstrate your ongoing presence in the country.
- Organize all paperwork chronologically - This arrangement helps USCIS easily verify your timeline and supports your application coherence.
Keeping documents securely stored and easily accessible aids in timely submission and minimizes errors during renewal.
Common Document Submission Mistakes to Avoid
Renewing your DACA application requires submitting specific documents such as your current DACA approval notice, proof of identity, and evidence of continuous residence. Understanding these essential documents helps prevent delays in processing.
Common document submission mistakes include incomplete forms, expired identification, and missing proof of residency. Avoid submitting blurry or illegible copies and ensure all files meet the specified format requirements. Careful review before submission increases the chances of renewal approval without unnecessary complications.
What Documents Are Essential for a DACA Renewal Application? Infographic
