Notice: DACA Texas Case

On July 16, 2021, a judge in Texas ordered the DACA program to be partially ended. This order affects Initial DACA applications. Some information regarding initial DACA applications might be out of date on this page. For the latest, read our Guidance for DACA Recipients and Legal Practitioners.

Your DACA Application Checklist for 2020

Posted by United We Dream

Leer en español aquí

DACA is back in full and DHS is accepting first time applicants again. If you’re an undocumented youth (or not so young anymore) and don’t know if you qualify to receive this protection, we can help you figure it out using this DACA application checklist.

This DACA application checklist is only meant as a guide and not as the final word on your qualification as an applicant. Downloadable links to the checklist are available at the bottom of the page in English, Spanish, Chinese, Creole, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. We encourage you to fill it out and use it when you consult a trusted lawyer or legal representative who can help you decide whether to apply and review your application.

Who qualifies for DACA in 2020?

You may qualify for DACA if you check off all these requirements:

Check

Were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012.

Are at least 15 years old at the time of submitting your request?

*Exception to the age requirement: if you are under 15 years old but find yourself in removal proceedings, have a final removal order, or have a voluntary departure order, and are not in immigration detention, you can apply for DACA.

Moved to the US before you turned 16 years old.

Have lived in the United States since before June 15, 2007 (continuously, without moving out of the country).

Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012.

Are physically present in the United States at the time of applying for DACA.

You were living undocumented on June 15, 2012 (no lawful status)

You are:

Currently in school; or
Graduated from public or private HS; or
Secondary school; or
Obtained a GED; or
An honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States

Have never, either as an adult or as a juvenile, had any significant contact with law enforcement, gone to jail, been to court, received a ticket or citation, spoken to a police officer, or otherwise had trouble with the law

Have never been found to be in a gang, or have you ever been accused of being associated with a gang by law enforcement.

Have never been accused of being involved in activity that threatens the United States (like terrorism or spying)

Start Collecting Your Evidence

You will have to show proof of all your answers to these questions. You should consult a lawyer to help you figure out the most viable options for you, but here are some examples (this list is not exhaustive but only meant to help guide you):

Evidence to Prove your Identity

To prove identity and age (including proof that you are under the age 31), provide the following:

Certified copy of birth certificate (with translation if not in English), OR
Copy of birth certificate (if no certified copy is available), OR
Copy of valid passport, OR
Copy of expired passport (must submit additional form of ID), OR
Copy of valid consular ID card, OR
Copy of expired consular ID card, OR
Copy of valid school ID, OR
Copy of expired school ID, OR
Copy of photo ID documents issued by DHS, OR
Any other official photo ID

Evidence to Prove That You Have Been Living in the U.S.

To prove that (1) you arrived in the US before age 16, (2) have continuously resided in the US for 13 years (6/15/2007- present), and (3) evidence you were present on 6/15/2012; provide the following:

Copy of complete school records (cumulative transcripts will be helpful), OR
Copy of medical records (including vaccination records), OR
Copy of financial records (including bank statement/checks; rent, utility or credit card bills), OR
Copy of employment records (including tax returns), OR
Copy of military records, OR
Copy of other records (cell phone records, sports or academic club records, union records, church records: baptism, communion, or confirmation records), OR
Copy of community service documentation, OR
An affidavit**
- **Must submit other supporting evidence

Evidence to Prove the Education Requirement

To prove you are currently in school OR GED program, OR earned a high school OR certificate of completion from high school, OR have a GED, OR have been honorably discharged from the military; provide the following:

Copy of High school diploma or certificate of completion, OR
Copy of GED certificate, OR
Copy of proof of enrollment in GED program or other educational program, OR o Copy of report cards, OR
Copy of school transcripts (It’s not necessary to submit sealed transcripts, so long as they are official), OR
Copy of Military records

Extra Documents and Evidence

Copy of lawful entry documents (visa, I-94 card border crossing card), OR
Copy of immigration applications filed with DHS, OR
Copy of removal proceedings documents from DHS and immigration court

Left the U.S. since June 15, 2020?

If you have left the US since 6/15/2007, provide the following:

Copy of travel documents, AND
Documents justifying or explaining your absences

Get Trusted DACA Resources and Updates Delivered to Your Phone

If you found this DACA application checklist helpful, join United We Dream to stay up to date and receive more resources delivered to your phone. To join, text DACAISBACK to 877-877 or attend one of our live DACA Application Preparation Sessions.

Resources

Donate