To renew DACA, applicants must submit Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, along with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765WS, Worksheet. Essential supporting documents include proof of continuous residence in the U.S., evidence of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and any previous DACA approval notices or employment authorization documents. Providing updated financial or educational records may strengthen the application and ensure compliance with renewal requirements.
What Documents are Necessary for DACA Renewal?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous Residence Proof | Applicants renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must provide valid proof of continuous residence in the United States since the date of their initial approval, which can include rental agreements, school records, pay stubs, utility bills, or medical records. These documents are critical to demonstrate the absence of significant breaks in residence and maintain eligibility for renewal under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines. |
| 2 | Advance Parole Evidence | For DACA renewal, submitting Advance Parole evidence requires documentation such as a copy of the Advance Parole document (Form I-512L) approved by USCIS, along with proof of the travel purpose, including medical, educational, or humanitarian reasons. Applicants should also include entry and exit stamps, boarding passes, and any other travel-related documents to verify compliance with advance parole travel authorization conditions. |
| 3 | Updated Biometrics Appointment Notice | Applicants for DACA renewal must submit an updated biometrics appointment notice along with Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765 Worksheet; the new biometrics notice is critical to schedule fingerprinting and photograph collection, ensuring USCIS processes the renewal efficiently. Supporting documents include proof of continuous residence, identity, and payment receipt, but the updated biometrics appointment notice specifically confirms the applicant's compliance with USCIS requirements for renewal. |
| 4 | New Identity Affidavits | New Identity Affidavits are crucial documents for DACA renewal applicants who have changed their name or identity since their initial approval, serving as sworn statements that verify the applicant's identity. Including updated government-issued IDs, birth certificates, or legal name change orders alongside these affidavits ensures compliance with USCIS requirements and smooth processing. |
| 5 | Recent Education Enrollment Verification | Recent education enrollment verification for DACA renewal requires official transcripts or a current enrollment letter from an accredited school, confirming continuous attendance. Providing updated school records strengthens the application by demonstrating ongoing eligibility related to educational commitments. |
| 6 | Updated Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD) | The updated Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a critical component for DACA renewal, reflecting the applicant's current eligibility and validity period. This document must be submitted alongside Form I-821D, Form I-765, and proof of continuous residence to ensure proper processing of deferred action and work authorization extension. |
| 7 | Change of Circumstances Declaration | The Change of Circumstances Declaration requires applicants renewing DACA to provide updated evidence reflecting any significant changes since their last approval, such as new address, employment status, or educational enrollment. This declaration ensures USCIS reviews current eligibility and maintains accurate records for effective DACA renewal processing. |
| 8 | Current State Identification Updates | Applicants seeking DACA renewal must provide valid, up-to-date state identification, such as a driver's license or state ID card, reflecting recent changes in personal information to ensure compliance with USCIS requirements. Updated IDs help verify identity accurately, reducing delays and supporting a smooth renewal process under current immigration guidelines. |
| 9 | Expired or Soon-to-Expire DACA Renewal Receipt | To renew DACA, applicants must submit proof of their expired or soon-to-expire DACA approval, including the expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and renewal receipt notice (Form I-797C). Supporting documents such as updated identity verification, proof of continuous residence, and recent immigration-related notices are also essential to ensure timely processing of the DACA renewal application. |
| 10 | Digital-Only Submission Attachments | For DACA renewal, applicants must digitally submit proof of continuous residence, employment records, and identification documents such as a valid passport or school ID as digital-only attachments. These files should be clear, legible, and in accepted formats like PDF or JPEG to ensure seamless processing through the USCIS online portal. |
Introduction to DACA Renewal Documentation
DACA renewal requires submitting specific documents to verify ongoing eligibility and identity. Essential paperwork includes the previous DACA approval notice, proof of continuous residence, and government-issued identification. Proper preparation of these documents ensures a smoother renewal process and maintains protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Proof of Identity Requirements
| Document Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | Official photo identification confirming your identity and date of birth. | Valid passport, state-issued driver's license, or state ID card. |
| School Records | Documents showing enrollment or attendance to support identity verification. | Report cards, transcripts, or school identification cards. |
| Birth Certificate | Official certificate proving date and place of birth, establishing identity. | Birth certificate issued by a vital records office. |
| Other Identity Documents | Additional evidence supporting your identity if standard IDs are unavailable. | Baptismal certificates, medical records, or affidavits from community members. |
Providing accurate proof of identity is essential when you prepare material for DACA renewal applications. Meeting these requirements helps ensure smooth processing.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
Evidence of continuous residence is critical for a successful DACA renewal application. Applicants must demonstrate they have lived in the United States continuously since their initial DACA approval.
Acceptable documents include utility bills, school records, pay stubs, and rental agreements. These documents prove ongoing presence and support the applicant's eligibility for renewal.
Documentation of Physical Presence
For DACA renewal, documenting continuous physical presence in the United States is essential. Applicants must provide proof showing they have been physically present since their last approval.
Acceptable documents include school records, medical records, employment pay stubs, and rental or utility receipts. Travel records and affidavits from employers or community members can also support the claim. Submitting multiple forms of evidence strengthens the renewal application.
Official DACA Renewal Form (Form I-821D)
What documents are necessary for DACA renewal? The most important document is the Official DACA Renewal Form (Form I-821D). This form must be completed accurately to ensure timely processing of your renewal application.
Supporting Evidence for Eligibility
Supporting evidence for DACA renewal eligibility includes proof of continuous residence in the United States since your initial DACA approval. Documents such as school records, employment letters, and rental agreements demonstrate ongoing presence. Medical records and affidavits from community members can also strengthen your application by verifying your continuous physical presence.
Guidelines for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
To renew your DACA status, submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is essential. This form verifies your eligibility to work legally in the United States during the renewal period.
Supporting documents include a copy of your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and proof of continuous residence. Ensure all documents comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines to avoid delays in processing.
Required Filing Fees and Payment Methods
Renewing DACA requires specific documents and payment of the correct fees. Understanding the accepted payment methods ensures your application is processed smoothly.
- Filing Fee Amount - The standard renewal fee for DACA is $495, including biometric services.
- Accepted Payment Methods - USCIS accepts payments through checks, money orders, and credit cards using Form G-1450.
- Proper Documentation - You must include Form I-765 and proof of payment with your renewal application to avoid delays.
Tips for Submitting a Complete Application
Renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requires submitting specific documents to ensure a complete application. Proper preparation and organization of these materials can prevent delays in the processing of your renewal.
- Comprehensive Proof of Identity - Include a valid government-issued ID or passport to verify your identity accurately.
- Updated Employment or School Records - Provide recent pay stubs, employment letters, or school transcripts as evidence of continuous presence and eligibility.
- Completed USCIS Forms - Ensure Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765 Worksheet are fully filled out and signed to comply with USCIS requirements.
Submitting a well-organized application package improves the chances of timely DACA renewal approval.
What Documents are Necessary for DACA Renewal? Infographic
