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Official form guide
Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is used for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and is filed by the requestor; USCIS will not consider deferring action unless the form is accompanied by Form I-765 and Form I-765WS.
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USCIS Form I-821D - Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is used for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and is filed by the requestor; USCIS will not consider deferring action unless the form is accompanied by Form I-765 and Form I-765WS.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting without accompanying Form I-765 and Form I-765WS will result in immediate rejection of the entire submission.
- 2Failing to sign the request properly (or using only a typewritten name).
- 3Omitting Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with the submission.
- 4Entering dates in an incorrect format other than mm/dd/yyyy.
- 5Not providing a full English translation if foreign language documents are included.
Plain English
This form allows an individual to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to delay or grant them Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). By submitting this, the filer requests that USCIS review their case for DACA eligibility. If approved, it can provide relief from removal proceedings.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a fixed deadline, but if moving outside the U.S., a non-U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when requesting consideration of Initial DACA or Renewal of DACA.
- Do not use this form if you are simply updating your address (use www.uscis.gov/addresschange) or if you do not need to request employment authorization.
- Check Form I-765 instead when applying for Employment Authorization concurrently with the DACA request.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to apply for work authorization along with DACA
This form must be filed with Form I-821D and applicable fees must be paid.
✓ Check that you have submitted Form G-1055 details.
Are applying for a renewal of DACA
Renewal requests do not require re-submitting all previous supporting documents, but they still need to accompany the other required forms.
✓ Verify which evidence sections apply to 'Renewal Requests Only'.
Need to notify USCIS of a new address (if non-U.S. citizen)
This must be done within 10 days of moving from the previous residence.
✓ Confirm you have updated your mailing address on Form I-821D.
Requesting DACA consideration but not needing employment authorization yet
While Form I-765 is required, if no work authorization is needed, ensure the supporting evidence clearly explains this.
✓ Ensure you are not missing the mandatory accompaniment of Form I-765.
Deadline or filing window
The official source does not state a specific filing deadline trigger event. However, if an individual is not a U.S. citizen, they must report any address change to USCIS within 10 days of leaving their prior residence.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Initial Request
Required evidence listed in 'Evidence for Initial Requests Only' section · Instructions booklet
Renewal Request
Documents previously submitted with prior DACA requests · Instructions booklet
General Submission
Form I-765 and Form I-765WS · Required accompaniment
Foreign Language Document
Full English translation plus translator certification · Instructions booklet
Court Documentation (If needed)
Original statement from court showing no arrest/conviction record · Part 8
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form is signed by you or your legal signing authority.
- 2Confirm that Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is included with this submission.
- 3Confirm that Form I-765 Worksheet (Form I-765WS) is included with this submission.
- 4Verify all required evidence and supporting documentation are submitted at the time of filing.
- 5If submitting a foreign language document, confirm the full English translation and translator certification are attached.
- 6Ensure that if you are under 14 years old, your parent or legal guardian has signed on your behalf.
- 7Check for any required Part 7 completion/signature if an attorney or accredited representative interpreted the form.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of USCIS Form I-821D using the latest version, ensuring your original signature is applied.
- 2Attach Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and complete/attach Form I-765WS to the submission package.
- 3Gather and attach all required evidence as specified in the instructions based on whether this is an Initial or Renewal request.
- 4If applicable, submit any necessary translations along with their certified English translation sheets.
- 5Mail or submit the complete package to the designated USCIS filing location (check www.uscis.gov/I-821D for current addresses).
- 6Keep a copy of the entire submission packet for your records.
Known limitations
- 1USCIS will not consider deferring action in your case unless Form I-821D is accompanied by Form I-765 and Form I-765WS.
- 2If you are submitting a Renewal Request for consideration of DACA, you do not need to re-submit documents already submitted with previous DACA requests.
- 3Documentation concerning minor traffic violations such as driving without a license is generally not required unless they were alcohol- or drug-related.
- 4If you are currently in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, you may submit an original statement from the court showing no record of arrest or conviction if documentation is unavailable.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
3 items
Current legal name.
Must be before June 15, 1981 (age requirement for DACA).
Country of birth.
Part 2
4 items
Date you first arrived in the U.S. Must be before June 15, 2007 to be eligible.
Your status when you first entered the U.S.
Certification that you have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
Currently in school, graduated, has GED, or honorably discharged veteran. Must meet one criterion.
Signature
1 items
Must sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-821D is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions direct users to check www.uscis.gov/I-821D for the most current filing location information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Filing fee — there is no filing fee specifically for Form I-821D, but fees must be paid for the accompanying Form I-765.
- Mailing address — check www.uscis.gov/I-821D for the most current location to file this request.
- Signature — ensure the requestor's original handwritten signature is present; a stamp or typewritten name alone is unacceptable.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep all documents that support how the requestor meets the DACA guidelines for potential future review by USCIS.
- 2The requestor must provide biometrics information requested in Part 1, Items 15-20 of Form I-821D.
- 3If an optional Form G-1145 is submitted, the requestor may receive electronic notification when USCIS accepts the DACA request.
- 4If USCIS requests more information or evidence, the requestor must provide it; if they request originals, USCIS will return them after determining they are no longer needed.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-821D is to request prosecutorial discretion under DACA, including consideration for Renewal.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal; individuals receiving it are not placed in removal proceedings or removed unless DHS chooses to terminate the deferral.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-821D must be used to request consideration of Initial DACA or Renewal of DACA.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — All dates on Form I-821D must be entered as mm/dd/yyyy, and answers must be full and accurate.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — For Renewal Requests only, documentation concerning minor traffic violations (like driving without a license) is not necessary unless related to alcohol or drugs.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — If Form I-821D lacks Form I-765 with applicable fees, the entire submission will be rejected.
Common confusion points
What is the main purpose of filing Form I-821D?
It allows an individual to request that USCIS use prosecutorial discretion in their favor under DACA, which includes requesting a Renewal of deferred action.
→ Check Instructions p.1.
Do you need to submit Form I-765 if you are only applying for Initial DACA on this form?
Yes; individuals filing Form I-821D must also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765 Worksheet.
→ Check Instructions p.1.
How should all dates be entered on the form?
All dates must be entered in mm/dd/yyyy format; approximate dates are acceptable if the exact date is unknown.
→ Check Instructions p.5.
What happens if you don't include Form I-765 with your Form I-821D submission?
The entire submission will be rejected by USCIS, meaning no basis for eligibility is established.
→ Check Instructions p.12.
Do you need to submit court documentation about arrests/convictions if you are in removal proceedings?
Yes, unless the case was administratively closed; in that case, documentation is not needed.
→ Check Instructions p.11.
If you move, how quickly must you notify USCIS of your new address?
If the requestor is not a U.S. citizen, they must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
→ Check Instructions p.12.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form G-1145 (Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) — Can be submitted to receive electronic notification when USCIS accepts the request.
- If an original document is requested, it will be returned after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Questions about USCIS Form I-821D
What is USCIS Form I-821D used for?
This form allows an individual to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to delay or grant them Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). By submitting this, the filer requests that USCIS review their case for DACA eligibility. If approved, it can provide relief from removal proceedings.
Who must file USCIS Form I-821D?
All requestors must complete Form I-821D; specifically, individuals seeking consideration of deferred action file this form.
What information does USCIS Form I-821D require?
The form collects extensive details across its parts, including Residence and Travel Information (Part 2), Criminal/National Security information (Part 4), and contact details in Part 5. Initial requestors must also complete Part 3 for specific initial data.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-821D?
The location to file is subject to change; users must check the website at www.uscis.gov/I-821D for the most current filing information.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-821D?
The requestor must complete all parts of Form I-821D, typing or printing legibly in black ink and answering all questions fully. All dates must be entered as mm/dd/yyyy, and the filer must sign and date each sheet.
What happens if USCIS Form I-821D is filed incorrectly?
If the request is not signed, or if the signature is invalid, USCIS will reject the request according to 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
What is the main purpose of filing Form I-821D?
It allows an individual to request that USCIS use prosecutorial discretion in their favor under DACA, which includes requesting a Renewal of deferred action. Check Instructions p.1.
Do you need to submit Form I-765 if you are only applying for Initial DACA on this form?
Yes; individuals filing Form I-821D must also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765 Worksheet. Check Instructions p.1.
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