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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Work Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 months

Estimated Cost

USD $555–$605

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Administrative relief from deportation for qualifying individuals who came to the United States as children.

DACA provides administrative relief from deportation for individuals brought to the US as children. It grants two-year periods of deferred removal action and work authorization via Employment Authorization Document. Currently limited to renewals only due to ongoing federal litigation.

Each approval period is 2 years, renewable indefinitely. Applicants must file Form I-821D (no fee) alongside Form I-765 ($470 online/$520 paper) and Form I-765WS; total cost is $555 online or $605 by paper. Processing takes approximately 3.5-4 months. No PR pathway or dependent visa.

This visa is ideal for childhood arrivals who already hold DACA status and need to renew work authorization and protection from deportation.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-821D Filing FeeUSD $85
Form I-765 Filing Fee (Online)USD $470
Form I-765 Filing Fee (Paper)USD $520
TotalUSD $555–$605

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have continuously resided in the U.S. since submitting your most recent approved DACA request

Must not have departed the U.S. on or after August 15, 2012, without Advance Parole

Must not have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors

Must not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

Must be at least 15 years of age at time of filing (or under 15 if in removal proceedings)

Must have met the initial 2012 DACA guidelines (arrival before age 16, continuous residence since June 15, 2007, etc.)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of continuous residence

Evidence of previous DACA approval

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Protection from deportation
  • Work authorization

Worth Knowing

  • No direct pathway to permanent residency
  • Initial applications currently blocked
  • Long renewal processing times
  • Departed U.S. after August 15, 2012 without Advance Parole
  • New applicants currently blocked by court order

Application Process

1

Verify qualification for renewal.

2

Complete Form I-821D and Form I-765.

3

Submit payment via credit card or ACH.

4

Await USCIS decision.

Application Forms

I-821D
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online
I-765WS
Form I-765 Worksheet
Fill online

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