To renew DACA, applicants must submit Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765 Worksheet, along with the required filing fees or a fee waiver request. Supporting documents include proof of identity, continuous residence since the original DACA approval, and evidence of current enrollment in school, employment, or military service. It is essential to provide updated documentation to demonstrate ongoing eligibility and maintain deferred action status.
What Documents Are Needed for DACA Renewal?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Recent Form I-821D version | Applicants renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must submit the latest version of Form I-821D, available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, along with Form I-765 for employment authorization. Supporting documents include proof of identity, previous DACA approval notices, and evidence of continuous residence in the U.S. since the last approval. |
| 2 | Employment verification letter | An employment verification letter is a crucial document for DACA renewal, proving continuous employment or recent work history, which supports eligibility requirements. This letter must include employer details, job title, dates of employment, and confirmation of the applicant's current or past work status. |
| 3 | Updated biometric appointment notice | For DACA renewal, applicants must submit an updated biometric appointment notice along with Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS, evidencing continued eligibility. The biometric notice confirms the scheduled fingerprinting appointment required for background checks and identity verification. |
| 4 | Continuous residence evidence | Proof of continuous residence for DACA renewal includes utility bills, lease agreements, school records, and employment records showing an unbroken presence in the United States since the initial DACA approval. Maintaining detailed documentation such as dated bank statements or medical records further strengthens the evidence required by USCIS. |
| 5 | Latest FOIA response records | The latest FOIA response records indicate that key documents required for DACA renewal include a completed Form I-821D, evidence of continuous residency since the initial DACA approval, valid identification such as a passport or school ID, and proof of payment for the application fees. Supporting materials like prior DACA approval notices, Social Security cards, and updated biometrics appointment notices are also essential for the renewal process. |
| 6 | Time-stamped pay stubs | Time-stamped pay stubs serve as critical proof of continuous employment required for DACA renewal, demonstrating compliance with work authorization conditions. Submitting recent, clearly dated pay stubs helps establish ongoing eligibility and strengthens the renewal application. |
| 7 | Educational program enrollment proof | For DACA renewal, applicants must submit proof of enrollment or recent completion in an educational program, such as official transcripts, enrollment verification letters, or certificates from accredited institutions. These documents serve as critical evidence to demonstrate continued eligibility and commitment to education as part of the DACA guidelines. |
| 8 | Deferred action renewal cover letter | The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal cover letter must include personal identification details, a clear request for renewal, and specific references to the applicant's previous DACA approval dates and USCIS receipts. This letter should accompany key documents such as the Form I-821D, Form I-765, proof of continuous residence, and any court or prison records to meet USCIS requirements for timely DACA renewal processing. |
| 9 | Proof of absence exception documentation | Proof of absence exception documentation for DACA renewal includes evidence such as travel permits like advance parole, immigration records showing authorized or excused absence, and court or legal documents explaining emergency or humanitarian reasons for the time spent outside the U.S. These documents must clearly demonstrate that the absence was permitted under DACA guidelines to ensure eligibility for renewal. |
| 10 | Social security renewal update | Applicants renewing DACA must submit proof of continuous residence, identity documents, and updated Social Security information if there have been changes since the last application. Updated Social Security cards or official notices are essential to ensure accurate employment authorization and federal records during the renewal process. |
Understanding DACA Renewal Eligibility
Renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requires specific documentation to prove continued eligibility. Understanding which documents are necessary ensures a smooth renewal process without delays or denials.
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-765 Worksheet. Proof of identity, such as a passport or expired DACA approval notice, is essential. Evidence proving no abandonment of residency, including school records or pay stubs, helps verify ongoing eligibility for renewal.
Key Documents Needed for DACA Renewal
Renewing DACA requires submitting specific documents that verify your identity and continued eligibility. Proper preparation of these key documents can ensure a smoother renewal process.
- Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - This form is the primary application for renewing DACA status.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization - Required to renew your work permit under DACA.
- Evidence of continuous residence - Documents such as school records, pay stubs, or lease agreements that show you have lived in the U.S. continuously since your last DACA approval.
Proof of Identity for DACA Renewal
Proof of identity is a crucial requirement for DACA renewal applications. Acceptable documents include a valid, unexpired passport, a school or work ID with a photo, or a state-issued driver's license. Submitting clear and legible copies of these identity documents helps USCIS verify the applicant's identity efficiently during the renewal process.
Evidence of Continuous Residence
Evidence of continuous residence is essential for a successful DACA renewal application. Documents such as rental agreements, school records, pay stubs, or utility bills spanning the entire required period demonstrate your ongoing presence in the U.S. Providing consistent and verifiable proof helps USCIS confirm eligibility and process your renewal efficiently.
Documentation of Physical Presence
| Document Type | Description | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Records | Official transcripts, report cards, enrollment verification | Prove continuous physical presence and enrollment during the eligibility period | High school transcripts, college enrollment letters |
| Employment Records | Pay stubs, employment verification letters, tax documents | Demonstrate physical presence through work history and income documentation | W-2 forms, paychecks, employer letters |
| Medical Records | Hospital records, doctor's appointment notes, immunization records | Confirm physical presence based on medical visits and treatments | Doctor's notes, hospital discharge papers |
| Financial Documents | Bank statements, utility bills, lease agreements | Support proof of residing continuously in the United States | Lease contracts, utility payment receipts, bank monthly statements |
| Government Correspondence | Notices or letters from government entities addressed to the applicant | Establish presence through official communication | IRS letters, Social Security Administration notices |
| Affidavits | Statements from individuals with direct knowledge of the applicant's presence | Supplement evidence with sworn declarations | Affidavits from teachers, employers, community leaders |
Records of Criminal History
When renewing DACA, applicants must disclose any records of criminal history as part of their submission. This includes arrests, charges, convictions, and any interactions with law enforcement agencies.
Providing accurate records of criminal history is essential to ensure the renewal process proceeds smoothly without delays. Applicants should gather court documents, police reports, and any related legal paperwork to support their application.
Educational and Employment Verification
For DACA renewal, educational verification documents include current school enrollment records, transcripts, or graduation certificates. These materials confirm your continued academic progress or recent completion of studies.
Employment verification requires recent pay stubs, employer letters, or tax records showing consistent work history. Providing accurate employment documentation demonstrates ongoing eligibility under DACA guidelines.
Required Forms for DACA Renewal
Renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requires submitting specific forms to maintain protections and work authorization. Proper documentation ensures the renewal process proceeds without delays or complications.
- Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - This is the primary application form used to request DACA renewal from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization - Required to renew work authorization which is typically granted alongside DACA renewal approval.
- Form I-765WS, Supplemental Worksheet - Supports the employment authorization application by detailing the economic necessity for employment.
Completing and submitting these forms correctly is essential for timely processing of a DACA renewal application.
Guidelines for Submitting Supporting Documents
What documents are required for DACA renewal? You must submit proof of identity, proof of continuous residence, and evidence of educational or employment status. Follow USCIS guidelines carefully to ensure your supporting documents are clear and organized.
What Documents Are Needed for DACA Renewal? Infographic
