Protect your status and opportunities in the United States as a young immigrant
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a humanitarian program that allows certain young immigrants who came to the United States as minors to temporarily protect themselves against deportation and obtain authorization to work legally.
Form I-821D is the official application through which applicants can submit their petition for DACA to USCIS, guaranteeing temporary protection and access to educational and employment opportunities while meeting the program requirements.
Table of Contents
- What are Form I-821D and DACA?
- Eligibility for DACA
- Required documents and evidence
- Step-by-step filing process
- Renewal and maintenance of DACA
- Why trust Legalízate Ya?
- 📞 Contact us today
What are Form I-821D and DACA?
Form I-821D allows USCIS to evaluate the eligibility of young immigrants for Deferred Action.
The DACA program offers:
- Temporary protection against deportation, provided the program criteria are met.
- Employment authorization via an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Possibility to obtain a Social Security number, open bank accounts, and access legal educational and employment opportunities.
DACA does not grant permanent status or citizenship, but provides security and temporary stability for young immigrants who meet the established requirements.
Eligibility for DACA
To qualify for DACA, applicants must:
- Have arrived in the United States before turning 16 years old.
- Have been continuously residing in the United States since June 15, 2007 (original program reference date).
- Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 (original implementation date, with certain adjustments in renewals).
- Have no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations that make them inadmissible.
- Be currently in school, have graduated from high school, or be in the process of obtaining educational equivalents.
- Submit evidence of continuous presence and good moral character.
Required documents and evidence
When filing Form I-821D, you must include:
- Completed and signed Form I-821D.
- Proof of identity and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or other reliable documents).
- Proof of entry into the United States before age 16.
- Proof of continuous residence in the United States.
- School or employment documentation supporting eligibility.
- Criminal history records, if applicable.
- Payment of the filing fee, including the cost of the EAD, unless exemptions apply.
A complete and organized filing is key to avoiding delays or Requests for Evidence (RFE).
Step-by-step filing process
- Eligibility assessment: An attorney carefully reviews the applicant’s situation and DACA criteria.
- Application preparation: Gathering documents proving identity, early entry, continuous residence, and good conduct.
- Filing Form I-821D along with corresponding fees to USCIS.
- Receipt of Notice of Action (I-797) confirming that the application is being processed.
- Processing by USCIS, including background checks and possible requests for additional evidence.
- DACA approval and issuance of Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows working legally and obtaining temporary benefits related to residence and education.
Renewal and maintenance of DACA
- DACA is granted for two-year periods, and it is necessary to file for renewal before expiration to maintain protection and employment authorization.
- Keeping information updated with USCIS is fundamental to avoid loss of benefits.
- Complying with all good conduct conditions is an ongoing requirement to keep DACA.
Why trust Legalízate Ya?
At Legalízate Ya, we understand that Deferred Action is a vital opportunity for young immigrants seeking to protect their future in the United States.
Our team offers:
- Professional eligibility assessment for DACA and program renewal.
- Meticulous preparation of Form I-821D and supporting documents.
- Advice on employment authorization, education, and legal opportunities while DACA is valid.
- Representation before USCIS to minimize risks of delays or denials.
Our commitment is that our clients can legally reside and work in the United States with peace of mind while their DACA is valid.
📞 Contact us today
If you wish to apply for or renew DACA via Form I-821D, protect your status and opportunities in the United States.
Call (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule a confidential and professional consultation.
Legalízate Ya — your trusted ally to protect your future and legal stability in the United States as a young immigrant.
