Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Eligibility for DACA

To be eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement:

   • You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
   • You came to the United States before your 16th birthday.

2. Continuous Residency:

   • You have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present.

3. Physical Presence:

   • You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of your DACA application.

4. Legal Status:

   • You had no lawful status on June 15, 2012 (meaning you were without a visa or other lawful status on this date).

5. Education and Military Service Requirements:

   • You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, or have obtained a GED.
   • Alternatively, you are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.

6. Criminal Record:

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

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to apply for DACA or renew your existing DACA status.

Our DACA Services Include:

1. Initial DACA Application Assistance

If you are applying for DACA for the first time, we provide comprehensive support throughout the application process, including:

• Eligibility Assessment: We review your personal history to ensure you meet all of the eligibility criteria for DACA. This includes evaluating your age, education, continuous residency, and legal status.
• Form I-821D Preparation: We assist in preparing Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), ensuring that all required information is accurate and complete.
• Supporting Documentation Collection: We guide you through the process of gathering the necessary documents to support your application, such as proof of age, school records, proof of continuous residence, and more.
• Biometrics Appointment Scheduling: Once your application is filed, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting). We help you schedule and prepare for this appointment.

2. DACA Renewal Assistance

DACA status must be renewed every two years to remain valid. We provide full support to ensure your renewal is processed smoothly and without interruption to your work authorization or protection from deportation.

• Renewal Timing: We help you apply for renewal on time, typically within 120 to 150 days before your current DACA status expires, to avoid any gaps in your legal status.
• Form I-821D and Form I-765 (Work Authorization) Renewal: We assist with completing and filing the necessary forms, including the renewal of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
• Document Review: We review your renewal documentation to ensure that your application is accurate, up-to-date, and includes all required information.
• Ongoing Support: If any changes to DACA policies arise, we provide guidance on how these changes may impact your renewal process.

3. Work Authorization (EAD) Application

One of the key benefits of DACA is the ability to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally in the U.S. We help you apply for or renew your work permit as part of your DACA application or renewal process.

• Form I-765 Preparation: We assist with completing Form I-765 to ensure you receive your work permit, allowing you to continue working legally while under DACA protection.
• Work Authorization Support: We provide guidance on maintaining your employment authorization and ensuring that your work permit remains valid as long as you are eligible for DACA.

4. Legal Representation in Case of Denials

If your DACA application is denied or delayed, we offer legal support to help you understand your options and, if necessary, appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen your case.

• Case Review and Analysis: We review the reasons for your denial or delay and assess potential errors in the application or documentation.
• Appeals and Motions: We assist with preparing appeals or motions to reopen your case, ensuring that you have the best possible chance of success in securing DACA status.

5. Advance Parole for DACA Recipients

While DACA recipients are generally not allowed to leave the U.S., there are exceptions for individuals who need to travel abroad for specific humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. In these cases, DACA recipients may apply for Advance Parole to travel internationally.

• Eligibility for Advance Parole: We assess whether you qualify for Advance Parole and assist with preparing your application.
• Form I-131 Preparation: We help you file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) to obtain permission to travel outside the U.S. for approved reasons, such as visiting sick relatives, studying abroad, or attending work-related events.
• Post-Travel Support: Upon your return, we ensure that your reentry to the U.S. complies with all legal requirements.

Why Choose Us for DACA Services?

• Comprehensive Expertise: Our team has extensive experience handling DACA applications and renewals, providing expert guidance to ensure your application is accurate and timely.
• Timely Assistance: We ensure that your application or renewal is filed within the recommended timeframes, minimizing any risk of delays or gaps in your DACA status or work authorization.
• Personalized Support: Every case is unique, and we provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your DACA status.
• Legal Representation: If complications arise, we offer full legal representation to help resolve any issues with your DACA application, including denials or requests for additional information.

Important Updates on DACA

The legal status of the DACA program has been the subject of ongoing litigation and political debate. While DACA remains in place for current recipients and renewals, it is important to stay informed about potential changes to the program. Our team monitors updates to DACA policies and provides clients with timely information about how these changes may affect their status or eligibility.

Ready to Apply or Renew Your DACA Status?
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the DACA application or renewal process. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your status, we provide the support and expertise you need to protect your future. Contact us today for personalized assistance.