Form I-821D for DACA: Application, Filing, and Instructions

A Comprehensive Guide to ”Form I-821D”: How to Apply for DACA and Renewal

Form I-821D, officially titled Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is essential for anyone looking for protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This form lets those who entered the United States as children request consideration for deferred action, therefore enabling them to stay in the country free from the risk of deportation and qualify for a work permit. This guide will provide in-depth guidance on how to complete the I-821D form, including where to send it, the required costs, and important criteria for DACA renewal.

Introduced by the U.S. government in 2012, DACA allows illegal immigrants who arrived in the country as children to live, work, and study lawfully, therefore safeguarding them. Being a DACA recipient, you have to apply for the program and renew your status every two years using Form I-821D.

What Is Form I-821D?

Those wanting to seek consideration for deferred action for childhood arrivals will find Form I-821D suitable. Unlike other immigration forms, this type of immigration is exclusive to those who arrived in the United States as children and satisfy particular qualifying requirements. Form I-821D serves primarily to guarantee you acquire proper documentation to live and work legally in the United States and to defer any removal activities directed against you.

Eligibility for Form I-821D

Under Form I-821D, you must satisfy particular eligibility requirements to be qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, including:

1. Age Requirements: As of June 15, 2012, you had to have arrived in the United States before the age of 16 and been under 31.
2. Residency Requirements: You have to have lived in the United States consistently since June 15, 2007.
3. Education and Military Requirements: You have to be either honorably retired from the U.S. military forces or must be presently enrolled in a school, have graduated from high school, and obtained a GED.
4. Criminal Record: You cannot have been found guilty of criminal activity, a major misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and you must not otherwise endanger public safety or national security.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing Form I-821D

Avoiding processing delays requires accurate completion of the I-821D form. The following shows the procedures to finish the form:

1. Personal Information Section:

o    Complete your name, birthdate, and alien registration number DACA. Leave the field empty if your alien registration number DACA is not known.

o    List your present mailing address and phone number.

2. Immigration and Residency Information:

o    Add your U.S. arrival date, address history, and details on both previous and present status.

o    Precisely report all past immigration actions, if relevant.

3. Education and Military Information:

o    Share details about your educational background, including the name of the college, high school, or other learning institution you visited. Make sure all of your military service documents are accurate.

4. Criminal Record:

o    Clearly state any convictions or criminal charges. Attach any available documents as they will show the evidence of your record.

5. Signature:

o    Make sure you sign and date the application; unsigned applications could cause automatic processing delay or refusal.

I-821D Filing Address for Form I-821D

Where you live and whether you are submitting an initial DACA request or a renewal sets the I-821D filing address. To find the right I-821D mailing address, always check the most recent instructions found on the USCIS website. These addresses are constantly updated on the USCIS website.

Where to Submit DACA Renewal Application Form

When renewing your DACA, make sure you send the DACA renewal application form together with Form I-821D to the proper address. Follow the mailing instructions on the USCIS website to see where to mail your DACA renewal. Filing with the incorrect address might seriously slow down the procedure.

How to Send the DACA Renewal Packet

Make sure that your DACA renewal packet includes all forms, supporting documentation, and the deferred action application fee. For easy tracking, using a reputable mailing service like USPS can let you easily monitor.

Processing Time for Form I-821D

The processing time for I-821D can change based on the number of applications submitted and the present backlog. Though DACA renewal processing times in 2024 may vary depending on particular conditions, the average processing time for DACA is normally between 6 to 8 months.

Use your receipt number to monitor the progress of your application on the USCIS website if you think your DACA taking too long causes concern. However, note that present immigration rules and regulations may cause delays.

Form I-821D Fees for DACA Renewal

The DACA renewal filing fee for 2024 is usually comprised of the Form I-821D fee plus the biometric services fee. The DACA renewal fee as of 2024 is $495. You can pay with credit card authorization, personal check, or money order. See the official USCIS fee schedule to find out how much is DACA renewal fee in 2024 and the right amount for the DACA renewal money order.

Changing Address for DACA Renewal

Tell USCIS of your change of address to DACA right away if you need to change your address after requesting DACA renewal. You can change your address by calling the USCIS contact center or online. Make sure your address to send DACA renewal is updated to avoid any problems with correspondence receipt.

Tips for Successful DACA Renewal

1. Timely Submission: At least 120 to 150 days before your existing DACA expires, submit your renewal application. This guarantees no gap in your work authorization or deferred action status.
2. Accurate Documentation: Make sure all of your documents are exact and complete. Review the I-821D instructions once more for a required item checklist.
3. Use the Correct Address: To minimize delays, make sure you submit your application to the important I-821D filing address or DACA renewal mail address.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form I-821D

1. Incorrect Mailing Address: Verify the current I-821D mailing address and make sure you are using the correct DACA renewal mailing address for your state.
2. Incomplete Forms: Make sure all required sections are precisely completed. A lack of information could cause unnecessary delays.
3. Wrong Fees: The application needs to be accompanied by the correct deferred action application fee as well. See how much is DACA renewal to be sure you are paying the right amount.
4. Outdated Forms: Make sure you are using the most updated USCIS DACA renewal forms. Older versions might not be accepted, which would cause a processing delay.

How to Pay for DACA Renewal

Regarding paying for your DACA renewal, you might use a money order. Make sure you pay it to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and include all the necessary details. Check the USCIS policies if unclear about the DACA money order address.

Conclusion

Maintaining continuous safeguarding under the DACA program depends on properly completing Form I-821D and following the proper procedures for DACA renewal. Always monitor your renewal schedules, keep informed about any pricing changes, and make sure your documentation is exact and complete.

If you require additional guidance or help in finishing Form I-821D, please contact Passage Immigration Law. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through the complexity of the DACA application process, therefore guaranteeing your best possibility of effectively renewing your status and maintaining U.S. protection.