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I-821D Checklist: DACA Initial Application Document Requirements

Immigration Attorney and DACA Initial Application Resource

Streamline your first-time DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) application with our comprehensive document checklist. For immigration attorneys, paralegals, and initial applicants who meet age, presence, and education criteria. Ensure complete Form I-821D, I-765, I-765WS, and evidence of identity, entry before age 16, physical presence on June 15 2012, continuous residence since June 15 2007, and education or military status. Avoid RFEs and build a strong initial package.

Key Benefits

Meet all initial DACA eligibility evidence requirements
Ensure Form I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS are complete
Document entry before age 16 and presence June 15 2012
Prove continuous residence since June 15 2007
Avoid RFEs with organized education and residence evidence
Professional immigration workflow

Common Use Cases

Immigration attorneys preparing initial DACA applicationsParalegals assembling first-time I-821D and I-765 packagesInitial DACA applicants self-filing with attorney guidanceNonprofits and legal aid assisting with first-time DACACommunity immigration services and dreamer organizationsLaw firms specializing in deportation defense and DACA

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for initial DACA?
You must have been under 31 on June 15 2012; entered the U.S. before your 16th birthday; were physically present on June 15 2012 and at the time of filing; have had continuous residence since June 15 2007; be in school, have graduated, have a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran; and not pose a threat to national security or public safety. Our checklist helps you gather proof for each requirement.
What forms are required for initial DACA?
You must submit Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-765WS (Worksheet). The checklist ensures all forms and supporting documents are complete before filing.
What evidence proves continuous residence since June 15 2007?
Evidence can include school records, medical records, employment records, bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills, tax returns, and affidavits. You must show you resided in the United States continuously from June 15 2007 to the present, with limited exceptions for brief, casual, and innocent departures.
How do I prove I was in the United States on June 15 2012?
Documents showing presence on that date can include school records, employment records, medical records, bank transactions, rent receipts, or other dated records. Affidavits may supplement but are generally not sufficient alone. The checklist lists common evidence types.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Required

Signed and dated. Use current edition from USCIS. Initial application (not renewal). Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria.

Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Required

Use eligibility category (c)(33) for DACA. Required if requesting work authorization.

Complete Form I-765WS (Worksheet)
Required

Documents economic need for employment authorization. Required for DACA.

Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application Acceptance)

Optional; allows email/SMS notification when case is accepted.

Identity Documents

Proof of identity (passport or government-issued photo ID)
Required

Copy of unexpired passport or other acceptable identity document. Front and back if applicable.

Two identical passport-style photographs
Required

USCIS specs: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 30 days.

Legal name change documents (if applicable)

Court order or marriage certificate if name changed.

Eligibility Documents

Evidence of entry to the United States before your 16th birthday
Required

I-94, passport stamp, travel records, school/medical records from before age 16, or other dated evidence.

Evidence of physical presence in the United States on June 15 2012
Required

School records, employment records, medical records, bank statements, rent receipts, or other dated documents from that date.

Evidence of education or military status (in school, graduated, GED, or honorably discharged)
Required

Diploma, transcript, GED certificate, enrollment letter, or DD-214 (honorable discharge). Must meet current DACA education criteria.

Residence Documentation

Evidence of continuous residence in the United States since June 15 2007
Required

School, medical, employment, financial, or rental records covering the period. Brief, casual, innocent departures may be explained; document any travel.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment or Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request)
Required

Check current fee on USCIS website. Fee waiver available if you cannot pay.

Legal Documents

Arrest or court records (if any, with full disclosure)

Full disclosure required. Certain criminal history can make you ineligible. Consult an attorney for any criminal history.

Supporting Documents

Certified English translation for any document not in English

Translator certification required. Include original or certified copy of non-English document.

USCIS Process

Prepare for biometrics appointment (if scheduled)
Required

USCIS will send appointment notice for fingerprints and photo. Bring photo ID and notice.