Can I Apply for DACA Now? Steps to Complete Your Application

Introduction

Immigration can be a complicated process for those without legal status in the U.S. If you were raised in the U.S. and are eligible to apply, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can provide a solution to allow you to live and work in the U.S. with protection from deportation. This post will outline the process for DACA application and provide insight on required documentation and common errors in preparing a successful DACA application. We will also address current changes and processing delays, and provide insight on how to get approved in the current state of DACA.

Understand DACA: Eligibility and Benefits

Millions of minors and children of immigrants have moved to the United States and grown up in a confusing and often unlawful immigration system. Many of these individuals have found relief in the form of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which allows them to reside in the country without the fear of deportation and work legally in the U.S. Here is everything you need to know about the qualifications for DACA and how you can apply for DACA now.

• Age and Arrival: Applicant was under 16 years of age when he or she entered the U.S. (regardless of how old applicant is now) and applicant is under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012.
• Continuous Residence: At the time of application for DACA the applicant must have resided continuously in the United States from June 15, 2007 to the present.
• Current School Attendance: Individuals currently in school, individuals who have graduated from high school or obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), and individuals serving in the Armed Forces may also apply for DACA.
• No Serious Criminal Offenses: The applicant cannot have been convicted of a felony or other serious crime of misdemeanor. He or she would also be ineligible for DACA if he or she has been convicted of three or more other misdemeanors.

Millions of children and young adults have come to the U.S. as illegal aliens and grown up in this country not knowing whether they will have to leave when they grow up. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created to allow kids who came to this country as minors to stay and work in the country legally. Right now, there are 455,170 active DACA recipients in the U.S. Over half of the people with DACA are contributing members to our economy, with over 300,000 of them trying to fill labor shortages in industries like healthcare and education. These are just a few of the benefits and eligibility requirements for DACA. Knowing these could help you take control of your own immigration journey and figure out if you can apply for DACA now.

Gather Required Documents for Your Application

If you need help preparing for your application for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) we have a list of documents required to apply for DACA.

1. Proof of Identity: A driver’s license, state ID, or passport to establish identity.
2. Proof of Arrival: Enter the information for the Form I-94 (or other documentation that establishes your date of entry) or provide school records with your application. Alternatively, you can include an affidavit or notarized statement from individuals who can confirm your presence in the United States since your arrival.
3. Educational Records: Copy of high school diploma, copy of GED certificate, copy of documents showing current enrollment in school.
4. Criminal History Documentation: If you have been arrested or have any criminal convictions, include copies of any related court documents.
5. Two Passport-Style Photos: They have to be identical and comply with all the requirements for USCIS photos. These can be taken within the last 30 days.
6. Completed Forms: You will need to complete application form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

It’s also important to remember that applicants must have lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 and must have been present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 in order to apply for DACA. Preparing all of the documents ahead of time will also help to avoid any potential delays in processing your application. If you are planning on applying for DACA, it is best to submit your application 150 to 180 days before it expires in order to allow time for processing which can take anywhere from 3 to 7 months. Remember to also be aware of the common pitfalls that could affect approval of your application. Simply being prepared is key to a smooth and successful submission.

Complete the DACA Application Form Accurately

We know that filling out the DACA renewal application for our applicants can be a very complicated and time-consuming process. We have tried to make it easier for you by listing out the steps for renewal and hope that this will be able to assist you in applying for DACA in order to keep your ability to work and in order to keep your status in this country.

1. Get the Right Forms: The most current Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Legal Permanent Residents and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization must be downloaded from the USCIS website.
2. Fill Out Form I-821D: This application asks for your personal information, such as your name, address and date of birth. This form is to be completed with the utmost care, because even the smallest error could result in delay or even denial of your application for DACA renewal. We can assist you in completing the forms.
3. Fill Out Form I-765: Form I-765 is a permit that allows you to work while you are a legal permanent resident in the U.S. The form needs to have the appropriate eligibility category on the form. It is also very important that all of the information listed on the application is correct and matches the information listed on the identity documents that you submit with the application.
4. Review the completed application forms: USCIS has recently begun denying applications due to minor errors including a misspelled name or an incorrect date of birth. This is why it is so very important to review each of the completed application forms for errors or omissions prior to signing and submitting the applications to the appropriate USCIS Service Center for processing.
5. Sign your Application: Remember to sign both your Form I-821D and Form I-765 before submitting them to USCIS with all required documentation. Remember that an unsigned application will be immediately denied by USCIS and will cause unnecessary delays in processing your application.
6. Prepare your application for submission to the appropriate service center with all required documentation and fees. As of today, there are over 120,000 renewal applications in the pipeline, so it is more important than ever to submit your application in a timely and accurate fashion. So, if you are looking to renew your DACA, you can apply now for renewal, and expect to pay around $600 for the renewal of your DACA application and work permit. The DACA renewal process requires that you apply to renew 6 months prior to the expiration of your current work permit.

By following these simple steps, you can begin your path to securing your future and ensuring your voice is heard.

Submit Your DACA Application and Pay Fees

If you are a student or a young adult and are wondering whether you can apply for DACA now, we can guide you through the application process to ensure that your application is submitted in the most effective manner possible.

1. How you can submit your application for DACA: You can apply for DACA online or by mail. To submit an application online you will first need to create an account on the USCIS website for online applications. Once you have an online account for applying for DACA, you will be able to return to the website and use your saved account to log in and continue work with your application online until it is submitted for review.
2. Pay DACA Application Fees for DACA renewal: Right now, the cost to apply for DACA renewal is $495 for a total of both DACA renewal application ($85 for Form I-821D) and Work Permit renewal application ($410 for Form I-765). You can now pay for these online using a credit card, debit card or by purchasing a money order. But remember, these application fees went up for applications filed after April 1, 2024.
3. Send Your Request: Send your DACA application to the correct immigration office for your state by a secure method of delivery. You can track your application by sending it certified mail. Keep a copy of everything you sent with your DACA application for future reference.
4. Keep Copies: This will be needed in future when referring back to your submissions. Keep a copy of all documents that you sent with your DACA application.
5. Get a receipt number for DACA: Your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals application will be assigned a receipt number for your DACA request which you can use to check the status of your request online at USCIS.GOV.

Remember that immigrants previously granted DACA are entitled to apply for renewal for up to 6 years from the date of their previous grant of deferred action as of 2026. In addition, because of the recent influx of applications for renewal of DACA and work authorizations, the processing time for such applications has recently gone up 388% for work authorizations and 354% for renewal requests of deferred action of immigration status. Thus, one should try to file a renewal application for DACA within 120 to 150 days of expiration of current status and strictly comply with all of the requirements listed for approval of DACA renewal applications by USCIS in order to process it in a timely fashion.

Because a previous immigrant with DACA went through the hard times of applying to get to keep his work permits while living in Texas, he wanted to make it easier for you by outlining the process to apply for DACA and listing the current events that are taking place with DACA so you can better prepare yourself and apply efficiently for DACA.

Know What to Expect After Submission

You have submitted your application to USCIS for pending DACA renewals and initial applications and now you are left in uncertainty and anxiety waiting for USCIS approval of your application.

1. Processing Time: Processing times for DACA applications at USCIS are currently higher than usual. It usually takes 3-5 months for a DACA application to be processed by USCIS, but currently we are seeing applications take 3.5 months or longer to process due to various reasons.
2. Biometrics Appointment: While the applicant’s application is being processed by USCIS, the applicant may have to attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints and a photograph of the applicant will be taken by USCIS in order to complete processing of the DACA request.
3. Application Status: This application is being processed by USCIS. You can check the status of your application by entering your receipt number online. If for any reason there is a problem with your application, USCIS will notify you and inform you of the reasons for such action.
4. Processing Delays: While processing time for DACA applications held for additional review due to an applicant’s country of origin has been reported to take longer than usual, you have the right to contact USCIS to obtain an update on the status of your application. Further, we have outlined the steps to locate your application and remain proactive until you receive a response from USCIS.
5. Approval or Denial: Once a decision has been made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding your DACA application, you will receive a letter in the mail. If your application was approved, the letter will include your approved DACA status as well as your approved work permit. If your application was denied, the letter will outline the reasons for such denial and also provide you with information regarding an appeal. Document any delays and how they affect you. We’re here to support you through the process.

Conclusion

Many have gone through the process of applying for DACA and can guide you through every step of the process to ensure you are completing everything correctly. Before you know it you will be on your way to feeling empowered and opening up doors for yourself and your community.

The same steps and considerations apply to the I-765 application form for work permits. Given the long processing time for applications for DACA already, it is important to be very prepared and to know the application process well so as not to incur additional processing time due to a mistake or omission.

The DACA program can provide many young immigrants with a hope of realizing their potential. First, apply for DACA and then seek assistance as needed, including bilingual legal services, to help reach your goals for attending college, obtaining employment and living with your family and friends in this country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DACA and who does it benefit?

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that allows individuals who entered the U.S. as minors to reside in the country without the fear of deportation and work legally. It benefits millions of children and young adults who have grown up in the U.S. under uncertain immigration status.

What are the eligibility requirements for DACA?

To be eligible for DACA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• They must have been under 16 years of age when they entered the U.S. and be under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012.
• They must have resided continuously in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, to the present.
• They must be currently attending school, have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, or be serving in the Armed Forces.
• They must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor, or have three or more misdemeanor convictions.

How many DACA recipients are currently in the U.S.?

There are approximately 455,170 active DACA recipients in the U.S., many of whom contribute to the economy and help fill labor shortages in various industries, including healthcare and education.

What documents are required to apply for DACA?

The required documents for a DACA application include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
• Proof of arrival (e.g., Form I-94 or school records).
• Educational records (e.g., high school diploma, GED certificate, or proof of current enrollment).
• Criminal history documentation (if applicable).
• Two identical passport-style photos taken within the last 30 days.
• Completed forms I-821D and I-765.

When should I submit my DACA application?

It is recommended to submit your DACA application 150 to 180 days before your current status expires to allow sufficient time for processing, which can take anywhere from 3 to 7 months.

What should I do if I have a criminal history?

If you have been arrested or have any criminal convictions, you must include copies of any related court documents with your DACA application.

How can I prepare for a successful DACA application?

To prepare for a successful DACA application, gather all required documents ahead of time, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and be aware of common pitfalls that could affect approval.

List of Sources

1. Understand DACA: Eligibility and Benefits
   • DACA Court Case Updates - FWD.us (https://fwd.us/news/daca-court-case)
   • Current Status of DACA: Explainer - National Immigration Forum (https://forumtogether.org/article/current-status-of-daca-explainer)
   • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): An Overview - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca-overview)
2. Gather Required Documents for Your Application
   • Current Status of DACA: Explainer - National Immigration Forum (https://forumtogether.org/article/current-status-of-daca-explainer)
   • DACA Renewal Timeline 2026: Key Deadlines & Checklist (https://novo-legal.com/en/news/daca-renewal-timeline-2026)
   • DACA Checklist, Tips, and Mailing Instructions (https://unitedwedream.org/resources/daca-checklist-tips-and-mailing-instructions)
   • Can I Apply for DACA? What the New Update & Eligibility Requirements? (https://rivasassociates.com/blog/can-i-apply-for-daca-what-new-eligibility-requirements-mean-for-dreamers)
3. Complete the DACA Application Form Accurately
   • Chicago Tonight | Delays in DACA Renewals Leave Some Recipients at Risk for Deportation | Season 2026 (https://pbs.org/video/delays-in-daca-renewals-leave-some-recipients-at-risk-for-deportation-7tab6x)
   • Current Status of DACA: Explainer - National Immigration Forum (https://forumtogether.org/article/current-status-of-daca-explainer)
   • DACA Denials (https://lawandsoftware.com/blog/daca-denials)
   • USCIS Releases DACA Data and Statistics as of March 31, 2020 - Presidents' Alliance (https://presidentsalliance.org/uscis-releases-daca-data-and-statistics-as-of-march-31-2020)
4. Submit Your DACA Application and Pay Fees
   • Legal immigration in numbers: August 2026 status update - Niskanen Center (https://niskanencenter.org/immigrationdata)
   • USCIS Announces DACA Price Increases - United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org/resources/uscis-announces-daca-fee-increase)
   • Latest News for DACA Recipients 2026 | VA Immigration Lawyer (https://immigrationabogado.com/blog/whats-the-latest-news-for-daca-recipients)
   • How many DACA recipients are there? | USAFacts (https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-daca-recipients-are-there/country/united-states)
5. Know What to Expect After Submission
   • DACA Renewal Timeline 2026: Key Deadlines & Checklist (https://novo-legal.com/en/news/daca-renewal-timeline-2026)
   • Why Some DACA Renewals Are Taking Longer — and What You Can Do (https://nilc.org/articles/why-some-daca-renewals-are-taking-longer-and-what-you-can-do)
   • Filed on Time. Still Waiting. DACA Renewal Delays, Advance Parole Traps, SIJ Deferred Action, and the Illinois License Cascade That Nobody Warned Anyone About - Law Offices of Michael D. Baker (https://mikebakerlaw.com/blog/2026/06/04/daca-renewal-delays-advance-parole-sij-deferred-action-illinois-license-cascade-2026)