The US government is only granting DACA renewals, but you can still submit a new DACA application to hold your place in line.

Why Trust Us Guides News How It's Free

Guides ↓

DACA

The Ultimate Guide to DACA
How to Apply for DACA
How to Renew DACA
Can I Apply for DACA Online?
Can I Renew DACA Online?
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for DACA?
Do I Need a Lawyer for DACA Renewal?

Work Permits

The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Work Permits
How to Prepare USCIS Form I-765
How to Apply for an Asylum Work Permit
Can I Apply for a Work Permit Online?
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for a Work Permit?

Green Cards

The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Green Cards
How to Apply for a Marriage Green Card
How to Apply for a Parent Green Card
How to Apply for an Asylum Green Card
Can I Apply for a Green Card Online?
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for a Green Card?

Citizenship

The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Citizenship
How to Apply for Citizenship
How to Prepare for the Citizenship Test
U.S. Citizenship Test Questions and Answers
Can I Apply for Citizenship Online?
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for Citizenship?

K-1 Fiance Visas

The Ultimate Guide to K-1 Fiance Visas
How to Apply for a K-1 Visa
What is The Difference Between a K-1 Fiance Visa and a Marriage Green Card?
Can I Apply for a K-1 Visa Online?
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for a K-1 Visa?

Our nonprofit helps you prepare your DACA forms for free

We have helped hundreds of people successfully prepare immigration forms. Let's see if we can help you!

Start Now

We have a 98% success rate, since 2019

You answer simple questions to complete the immigration paperwork. We build the correct USCIS application filing package based on your answers. We turn all the required government forms into simple questions for you to answer.

Featured In

How it Works

Answer Questions

You answer simple questions and we'll fill out the USCIS forms that you need to apply. We'll also tell you which supporting documents you need.

We Check for Mistakes

Our software checks your application for mistakes to ensure it's highly accurate before you file.

Print, Sign, and Mail

Once you're finished, follow our step-by-step instructions to print, sign, and mail your application to USCIS. Questions? Email us for support.

Ready to prepare your DACA forms with our free tool?

Start Now

Team of Immigration Experts

Need a strategy call or your documents reviewed by our team of immigration experts? See our additional services for you and your loved ones. →

DACA FAQs

Click a question to open and learn more!

What is DACA?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA is a program started in 2012 by the Obama administration that provides relief from deportation and access to employment and education for nearly 700,000 immigrants who arrived in the United States at a young age. Under the program, eligible people can get social security cards and official work permits that they can renew every two years.

What are the benefits of DACA?

DACA allows undocumented immigrant who immigrated at a young age and are now living in the United States the opportunity to get a social security card and work permit so that they can continue to live and work in the U.S.

Who qualifies for DACA?

You are eligible for DACA if:

You entered the U.S. before you were 16 years old
You have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
You were in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
You had no legal immigration status on June 15, 2012
You were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012
You are in the U.S. when you request DACA
You have no felonies, significant misdemeanors, or three or more misdemeanor offenses
You are an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces or Coast Guard and/or you meet the DACA education requirements.

You can check your DACA eligibility with our free screener.

How do you apply for DACA?

If you are eligible for DACA, you will need to prepare three forms for your DACA application:

Form I-821D - “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”
Form I-765 - “Application for Employment Authorization Document”
Form I-765WS - “Worksheet”

You will also need to submit several supporting documents with your forms. You will mail these completed forms, supporting documents, and the DACA filing fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency. Once you send everything in, USCIS will schedule your biometrics appointment. Your application will be complete once your biometrics appointment is fulfilled.

To learn more about the DACA application process, check out our article on how to apply for DACA.

How do you renew DACA?

DACA status is valid for two years, and then you have to renew it. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends renewing your status 120-150 days before it expires. You can renew your DACA status if:

You have DACA now or had it in the past
Your DACA expiration date was not more than one year ago. If your DACA expired more than one year ago, you will have to submit a new DACA application.
Your current DACA expiration date is not more than one year from now
You did not leave the United States since your initial application for DACA without getting Advance Parole
You have lived in the United States continuously since your most recent approved DACA application
You have never been charged with a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or several smaller misdemeanors

If you are eligible to renew your DACA, you will need to submit Forms I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS, a renewal filing fee, and supporting documents to USCIS.
‍
To learn more about the DACA renewal process, check out our article on how to renew DACA.

How long does DACA take to process?

How long it takes the United States government to process your DACA application depends on where you live and whether you are applying for new DACA or for a DACA renewal. Most DACA applications take 6-12 months.
‍
To learn more, check out our article on application processing times.

How much does DACA cost?

As of January 27, 2022, the total fee for a DACA application is $495. This fee includes a $410 work authorization fee for Form I-765 and an $85 biometrics fee. You can pay the fees with a credit card, debit card, check, or money order. Make your check or money orders payable to the order of “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” so that USCIS can receive and process your payment. These fees change from time-to-time, so be sure to check the current fees for Form I-821D and Form I-765 before you apply for DACA or submit a DACA renewal application.
‍
If you need help with the filing fees, check out our article on how to afford the USCIS filing fees.

Can you apply for DACA online?

The U.S. government does not have an online tool for DACA applications - you must mail paper DACA and DACA renewal applications to USCIS. That is where we come in. We built an online tool that will help you prepare and file your paper DACA application for free.

Do you need a lawyer for DACA?

Most people can prepare their DACA application for free using our online tool without a lawyer. If you have criminal activity in your past, or if you have had trouble with United States immigration officials, it may be a good idea to work with a lawyer. Our free tool will help you decide if you need help from a lawyer, or if you can apply safely on your own. We are here to guide you every step of the way!

Can a DACA recipient get a green card?

Sometimes.
‍
The DACA program does not provide a path to becoming a lawful permanent resident. But if you are a DACA recipient and you marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to get a marriage green card.
Your green card eligibility will depend on how you entered the United States most recently, and whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
‍
As a green card holder, you will be protected from deportation, and you will not need to renew your work permit every few years anymore. Getting a green card is also the first step towards becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
To learn more, check out our article on how to get a marriage green card as a DACA recipient.

Can a DACA recipient become a U.S. citizen?

Sometimes.
‍
U.S. lawmakers have proposed many different laws to give DACA recipients a path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship, but none have passed. Still, it is possible for DACA recipients who entered the U.S. legally to get a green card by marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Once they have had a green card for at least three years, DACA recipients can apply to become citizens.
‍
To learn more, check out our article on how to become a U.S. citizen as a DACA recipient.

1 Broadway, 14th Floor
Cambridge, MA

Immigrants Like Us, dba ImmigrationHelp.org, is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 85-0738610). ImmigrationHelp.org is not a law firm. The services and information provided are not legal advice and are not a substitute for an attorney or a law firm. ImmigrationHelp.org is not affiliated with the USCIS. Your access to the website is subject to our Terms of Use.