STEPS TO APPLY FOR DACA FOR THE FIRST TIME

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. To be eligible you must:

• 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 DACA

• Have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012

• Currently enrolled in school (or have returned to school), graduated, obtained certificate of completion (e.g. GED) OR be an honorably discharged U.S. veteran

• Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

GATHER YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Carefully review the official USCIS instructions for gathering your pre-application documents.

Below is a summary of what you’ll need. DO NOT send original documents, as they will not be returned:

• Two (2) passport-style photographs (for the Employment Authorization application) with your name and date of birth written on the back

• Copy of foreign passport biographic page and any prior visa & I-94 cards (if available)

• Copy of original birth certificate and translation OR unexpired passport

• Copy of every criminal and/or traffic court case on record (if applicable)

• Every incident/arrest/police report

• Every criminal complaint/charging document from the district attorney (or other prosecutor)

• Every final criminal court disposition record. That is the final ruling from the judge in your case stating the outcome after settlement, trial, or dismissal

• Post-conviction showing that you completed all terms of probation/sentence.

• Copy of school records, such as:

• Proof of Enrollment

• Report Cards and/or Transcripts

• School Identification Card(s)

• Awards from high school (and college, if applicable)

• Copy of high school diploma or GED certificate (if applicable)

• Proof of entry prior to age 16, continuous residence in U.S. since June 15, 2007 and presence on June 15, 2012, such as:

• Federal Income Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts (filed independently or as a dependent)

• Employment records, letters from internships & volunteer work, medical records

• Leases, rental receipts, other dated receipts, utility bills, cell phone bills

• Bank statements, credit card statements, copies of cancelled checks

• Birth certificates of children and/or siblings born in the U.S. for the stated period

• Affidavits from relatives, friends, teachers, and churches attesting to your presence

• Photographs placing you in the U.S. since the age of 16 & since 2007

GET AN APPOINMENT