Apply For DACA For The First Time

Are you interested in applying for DACA for the first time but not sure if you’re eligible or how to go about it? Follow these steps to start the process:

1. Check if you are eligible

2. Start gathering your documents

3. Contact one of our partner organizations or a trusted attorney to schedule an appointment and start the process

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Check If You Are Eligible!

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These are the eligibility requirements to apply for DACA for the first time:

✅Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, that is, you were born after June 15, 1981;

✅Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

✅Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

✅Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

✅Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:

• You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or

• Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, had expired as of June 15, 2012;

✅Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

✅Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

✅Must also be at least 15 years or older to request DACA, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order

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Start Gathering The Following Documents To Begin Your Process

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To download this list to use as your checklist, please click HERE.

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• Proof of Identity. Acceptable Documents:

  • Passport or national identity document from your country of origin (i.e. Matricula)

  • Birth certificate with photo identification

  • School or military ID with photo

  • Any U.S. government immigration or other document bearing your name and photo

• Proof you came to the U.S. before your 16th birthday. Acceptable Documents:​

  • Passport with admission stamp

  • Form I-94/I-95/I-94W

  • School records from the U.S. schools you have attended

  • Any Immigration and Naturalization Service or DHS document stating your date of entry (Form I-862, Notice to Appear)

  • Travel records

  • Hospital or medical records

  • Employment records (pay stubs, W-2 Forms, etc.)

  • Official records from a religious entity confirming participation in a religious ceremony

  • Copies of money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country

  • Birth certificates of children born in the U.S.

  • Dated bank transactions

  • Automobile license receipts or registration

  • Deeds, mortgages, rental agreement contracts

  • Tax receipts, insurance policies

• Proof of presence in U.S. on June 15, 2012 & proof you continuously resided in U.S. since June 15, 2007. Acceptable documents:

  • Rent receipts or utility bills

  • Employment records (pay stubs, W-2 Forms, etc.)

  • School records (letters, report cards, etc.)

  • Military records (Form DD-214 or NGB Form 22)

  • Official records from a religious entity confirming participation in a religious ceremony

  • Copies of money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country

  • Passport entries

  • Birth certificates of children born in the U.S.

  • Dated bank transactions

  • Automobile license receipts or registration

  • Deeds, mortgages, rental agreement contracts

  • Tax receipts, insurance policies

• Proof of your student status at the time of requesting DACA. Acceptable Documents:​

  • Official records (transcripts, report cards, etc.) from the school that you are currently attending in the United States.

  • U.S. high school diploma or certificate of completion

  • U.S. GED certificate​

• Or, if applicable, proof you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the U.S. Acceptable Documents:​

  • Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

  • NGB Form 22, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service

  • Military personnel records

  • Military health records

• Proof of immigration status (if applicable). Acceptable Documents:​

  • Form I-94/I-95/I-94W with authorized stay expiration date

  • Final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal issued as of June 15, 2012

  • A charging document placing you into removal proceedings

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Contact One Of Our NAI Partners Or A Trusted Attorney!

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Here is a list of Immigration Attorneys

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Organizations Currently Processing DACA Initials & Renewals: