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Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is used to request deferred action from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals who came to the U.S. as children. It should be filed by those who meet specific criteria including continuous residence since June 15, 2007, and were under 31 on June 15, 2012.
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USCIS Form I-821D - Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is used to request deferred action from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals who came to the U.S. as children. It should be filed by those who meet specific criteria including continuous residence since June 15, 2007, and were under 31 on June 15, 2012.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1DACA approval is discretionary and not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met.
- 2Missing required documents leading to Request for Evidence
- 3Incorrect dates of entry or presence in the U.S.
- 4Failure to demonstrate continuous residence since June 15, 2007
- 5Insufficient evidence of physical presence on June 15, 2012
Plain English
This form helps certain people who came to the U.S. as children request temporary protection from deportation and permission to work legally. You may be eligible if you entered before your 16th birthday and have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007. The form requires detailed information about your background, education, work history, and time in the U.S.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no official deadline for filing, but eligibility requires continuous residence since June 15, 2007, and physical presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012. Initial applications must be filed before the applicant turns 31, and renewals must be submitted before the current period expires.
- 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 you are eligible for DACA and seeking initial consideration or renewal.
- Do not use this form if you have a pending asylum application or other immigration status that supersedes DACA.
- Check Form I-765 for work authorization separately, as it is required for employment eligibility under DACA.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking permanent residency
DACA is temporary and doesn't lead to green cards
✓ Consult immigration attorney about other options
Asylum application
DACA may not be appropriate if seeking asylum
✓ Determine which status better fits your circumstances
Travel document request
Special permission needed for international travel
✓ Verify current travel restrictions for DACA recipients
Deadline or filing window
Initial applications must be filed before the applicant turns 31 years old. Renewal applications should be submitted 120-150 days before the current period expires to avoid gaps in status. There is no annual deadline for initial applications, but eligibility is time-sensitive based on arrival dates. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of any critical deadlines.
- —Age on June 15, 2012 | Must be under 31 | Eligibility age requirement | Double-check calculation of age
- —Years in U.S. since June 15, 2007 | Must be continuous | Continuous residence requirement | Document any absences from the U.S.
- —Days until expiration | Current date - End date | Renewal deadline | Submit renewal at least 120 days before expiration
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Identity
Birth certificate, passport, national ID · Personal documents
Entry date
I-94 record, passport stamps, school records · Travel documents
Continuous residence
School records, medical records, employment records · Personal history
Physical presence on June 15, 2012
Utility bills, bank statements, employment records · Financial and residential records
Educational status
Diploma, GED, school transcripts · Educational institutions
Criminal history
Court dispositions, arrest records · Law enforcement agencies
Before you submit
- 1Form is completed in full with no blank spaces
- 2All required supporting documents are included
- 3Form is signed and dated
- 4Correct fee amount and payment method are included
- 5Current edition of the form is used
- 6Copies of all documents are kept for personal records
- 7Application is mailed to the correct Lockbox address
- 8Evidence of continuous presence since June 15, 2007 is included
- 9Proof of physical presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 is provided
- 10All names used are documented and explained if different from current name
- 11Biometrics fee is included if required
- 12Attorney or representative information is included if applicable
How to file this form
- 1Download and complete the latest version of Form I-821D from the USCIS website
- 2Gather all required supporting documents including proof of identity, arrival date, and continuous presence
- 3Prepare payment for the required fees using acceptable methods
- 4Mail the completed application and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility
- 5Attend the biometrics appointment if scheduled
- 6Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence from USCIS
- 7Wait for decision notification, which may take several months
- 8File Form I-765 separately for work authorization
Known limitations
- 1DACA does not provide lawful status or a path to permanent residency
- 2Approval is discretionary and not based on meeting minimum requirements alone
- 3DACA recipients cannot travel internationally without special permission
- 4Renewal is required every two years to maintain deferred action status
- 5DACA does not prevent removal proceedings in all circumstances
- 6Certain criminal convictions may make applicants ineligible
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->DACA has faced legal challenges and implementation changes; check current USCIS guidance for the most up-to-date information. New applications may be accepted in some jurisdictions while renewals continue to be processed nationwide.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Must use the most recent version of Form I-821D available on the USCIS website
- Fee: Check current fee amount as it changes periodically; fee waivers may be available based on financial hardship
- Mailing address: Verify the correct Lockbox address for your application type
- Supporting documents: Required evidence varies based on individual circumstances
- Biometrics appointment: Attend scheduled appointment at designated Application Support Center
- Renewal timing: File renewal application 120-150 days before current period expires
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep copies of all submitted documents and application materials
- 2Track the application status online using the receipt number
- 3Attend all scheduled appointments including biometrics
- 4Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence from USCIS
- 5File Form I-765 for work authorization separately
- 6Renew DACA before expiration to avoid gaps in status
- 7Update USCIS of any address changes
- 8Consult with an immigration attorney if denied or if circumstances change
Sources
- SRCForm I-821D is the official USCIS form for DACA consideration
- SRCDACA was established by the Department of Homeland Security in 2012
- SRCEligibility requires continuous residence since June 15, 2007
- SRCApplicants must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
- SRCInitial applicants must have been under 31 years old on June 15, 2012
- SRCDACA must be renewed every two years
- SRCForm I-765 is required separately for work authorization
- SRCCurrent processing times and fees available on USCIS website
- SRCDACA status does not provide lawful permanent resident status
- SRCDACA recipients are generally eligible for social security numbers
Common confusion points
DACA vs. Dream Act
Dream Act is proposed legislation, not current policy
→ Verify current USCIS guidance on DACA
Work authorization
Must file separate Form I-765
→ Check if I-765 is included with application
Continuous presence requirement
Includes brief, innocent, and involuntary absences
→ Document any time spent outside the U.S.
Educational requirements
High school diploma, GED, or honorable discharge
→ Verify current educational criteria
Age calculation
Must be under 31 on June 15, 2012
→ Calculate age based on specific date
Travel permissions
Generally requires advance parole
→ Consult immigration attorney before international travel
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Consult with an immigration attorney if application is denied
- Reapply if eligibility requirements still met and issues resolved
- Consider other immigration options if DACA no longer available
Source transparency
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