What Supporting Documents Do I Need for a DACA Application? Checklists for New Applications and Renewals

When you file your DACA renewal or new DACA application, you will need to submit supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for DACA. The documents you need to submit will be different depending on whether you are renewing or applying for the first time. They will also vary based on your personal background. This article provides document checklists for all scenarios so that you can confidently apply for your DACA renewal or initial DACA status without an attorney.

If You’re Submitting an Initial DACA Application

As of October 31, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting but not processing first-time Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications and accompanying employment authorization requests. But the agency is accepting and processing applications for renewal of DACA status and accompanying employment authorization and advance parole requests. The situation may change in the future, so we want to make sure that you are ready when it does.

To submit a new DACA application and hold your place in line for when USCIS does begin processing initial applications, you must file these three forms:

Supporting Document Checklist for a New DACA Application

In addition to the forms above, you must submit two recent passport photos with your application and pay the filing and biometrics fees. The total fee for a DACA application is $495. The full charge includes the $410 work authorization fee for Form I-765 and an $85 biometrics fee. You can pay the fees either with a credit card or by check or money order. Make your check or money orders payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. If you want to pay your filing fees with a credit card, you must submit Form G-1450: Authorization for Credit Card Transactions with your application.

Some applicants qualify for a fee waiver that allows them to avoid paying these fees. To qualify for DACA status, you must provide sufficient evidence to prove your eligibility in several categories. Keep reading to see what supporting documentation you need.

‍Your Identity

Submit at least oneof these documents to prove that you are who you say you are:

Entering the U.S. Before Your 16th Birthday

Submit at least one of these documents that shows that you came to the U.S. before your 16th birthday:

Expired Immigration Status

If applicable, submit at least oneof these documents that shows that you had immigration status that has expired:

Living in U.S. Since June 15, 2007, and Present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012

‍Submit at least oneof these documents that shows you were living in the U.S. during this time frame:

Student Status

If applicable, submit at least one of these documents that shows that you are currently a student:

Honorably Discharged U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Veteran

If applicable, submit at least oneof these documents that shows you are a U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Armed Forces veteran who was honorably discharged:

Compiling Your Initial Application Packet

When you are ready to submit your application, you should organize your forms, filing fees, passport photos, and the required supporting documents into a filing packet to mail to the USCIS lockbox or service center. We recommend that you include a cover letter at the front of your immigration packet that lists the forms and documents included in your application. This summary letter makes it easy for USCIS to review your application. You are welcome to use this sample DACA application cover letter as a template.

Go ahead and make a copy of everything in your renewal packet (including your check or money order) for your records. You should not submit original documents for anything other than passport photos to USCIS. You may not get these materials back. Instead, submit copies of the original documents with your renewal packet.

If You’re Submitting a DACA Renewal Application

Unlike new DACA applications, DACA renewals don't require many supporting documents unless something has changed since the most recently approved application. For example, you may need additional supporting documents if any of the following happened since your most recently approved DACA renewal:

Supporting Document Checklist for a DACA Renewal Application

A completed DACA renewal and work permit application must include the following supporting documents, in addition to a completed Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS: