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Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is the application for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It must be filed by DACA applicants and must include Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with all applicable fees, otherwise the entire submission is rejected.
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USCIS Form I-821D - Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
USCIS Form I-821D is the application for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It must be filed by DACA applicants and must include Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with all applicable fees, otherwise the entire submission is rejected.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form I-821D without Form I-765 and required fees leads to outright rejection.
- 2Missing a required signature or using a stamped/typewritten name causes rejection.
- 3Failing to attach Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with all applicable fees results in rejection.
- 4Submitting foreign‑language documents without a full English translation leads to denial.
- 5Leaving any date field blank violates the instruction that all dates must be entered.
Plain English
Form I-821D lets eligible young immigrants ask the government to defer removal and grant work authorization. It gathers personal details, travel history, criminal background, and biometrics. All answers must be complete, signed, and submitted with the required supporting forms.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are requesting consideration of an Initial DACA or a Renewal of DACA.
- Do not use it when you do not include Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with all applicable fees.
- Check Form I-765 instead when you need to apply for employment authorization without requesting DACA.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting employment authorization without DACA
Provides work authorization separate from deferred action
✓ Confirm you are not also filing I-821D
Needing to submit a fee payment worksheet for DACA
Details fees for the employment authorization component
✓ Verify fee amounts on Form G-1055
Desiring electronic acceptance notice
Triggers USCIS to send electronic notification upon acceptance
✓ Ensure you include G-1145 with your I-821D packet
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Biometrics information (Part 1, Items 15‑20)
Biometrics appointment notice or fingerprint card · USCIS biometrics notice
Signature
Original handwritten signature (or clear photocopy/scan) · The completed Form I-821D
Initial request evidence
Documents proving eligibility (e.g., school records, birth certificate) · Applicant’s personal records
Renewal request evidence
Explanation of efforts to obtain arrest/conviction records if unavailable · Court statement or personal explanation
Form I-765 fee payment
Receipt or proof of payment for Form I-765 · Payment confirmation from USCIS or bank
Before you submit
- 1Attach Form I-765 with the correct filing fee.
- 2Attach Form I-765WS completed with fee details.
- 3Include a clear photocopied, faxed, or scanned original handwritten signature on every page.
- 4Provide all required evidence for an initial or renewal request.
- 5Sign and date each sheet of the packet.
- 6Enter all dates in mm/dd/yyyy format, using approximate dates if exact dates are unknown.
- 7Use Part 8 for any additional information or explanations.
- 8Include optional Form G-1145 if electronic acceptance notification is desired.
- 9Verify that biometrics information is provided in Part 1, Items 15‑20.
- 10Check that no date fields are left blank.
- 11Retain a copy of the entire submission for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-821D, filling all required fields and Part 1 biometrics details.
- 2Gather all supporting documents and evidence required for your request.
- 3Prepare Form I-765 and Form I-765WS, and pay the applicable I-765 fee.
- 4Attach optional Form G-1145 if you want an electronic acceptance notice.
- 5Sign and date every page of the packet, ensuring the signature is clear.
- 6Mail the complete packet to the USCIS filing address and keep the mailing receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to minor traffic violations unless they were alcohol‑ or drug‑related.
- 2Does not require resubmitting documents already provided with a previous DACA request.
- 3Does not require documentation for cases that were administratively closed.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
3 items
Current legal name.
Must be before June 15, 1981 (age requirement for DACA).
Country of birth.
Part 2
4 items
Date you first arrived in the U.S. Must be before June 15, 2007 to be eligible.
Your status when you first entered the U.S.
Certification that you have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
Currently in school, graduated, has GED, or honorably discharged veteran. Must meet one criterion.
Signature
1 items
Must sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions for USCIS Form I-821D show a revision date of 01/20/25 and direct users to the website for the most current filing address.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show 01/20/25.
- Fee — confirm there is no filing fee for Form I-821D.
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm a photocopied, faxed, or scanned original handwritten signature is acceptable.
- Required accompanying forms — confirm Form I-765 and Form I-765WS are included.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the submitted packet for your records.
- 2Retain the mailing receipt or tracking number as proof of submission.
- 3If you submitted Form G-1145, await the electronic acceptance notice from USCIS.
- 4If no notice is received, expect standard processing time and monitor case status online.
- 5If the request is rejected, review the denial notice for reasons and corrective actions.
- 6Notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-821D is to request USCIS to exercise prosecutorial discretion under DACA.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — form is used for Initial DACA or Renewal of DACA.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — filing must include Form I-765 and Form I-765WS.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — no filing fee for Form I-821D; fees apply to Form I-765.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned original handwritten signature is valid for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — dates must be entered as mm/dd/yyyy and cannot be left blank.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — use Part 8 for additional information and label each extra sheet.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — minor traffic violations do not require documentation unless alcohol‑ or drug‑related.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — renewal requests do not need to re‑submit documents already provided.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — submission without Form I-765 and applicable fees will be rejected.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — Form G-1145 is optional for electronic acceptance notification.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — see www.uscis.gov/I-821D for the most current filing address.
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a fee for Form I-821D?
The source states there is no filing fee for I-821D, but fees apply to Form I-765.
→ Verify that only the I-765 fee is included.
Can I submit a handwritten signature as a scanned copy?
The source allows a scanned copy of the original handwritten signature.
→ Check that the scan is clear and includes the ink signature.
What if I have a minor traffic violation?
The source says documentation is not needed unless the violation was alcohol‑ or drug‑related.
→ Confirm the violation is not alcohol or drug related.
Do I need to submit evidence again for a renewal?
The source notes you do not need to re‑submit documents already submitted with a previous DACA request.
→ Include only new or updated evidence in the renewal packet.
Where do I mail the form?
The source directs users to the website for the most current filing address.
→ Visit www.uscis.gov/I-821D for the latest address.
Do I need to include Form G-1145?
The source states Form G-1145 is optional.
→ Include G-1145 only if you want electronic notification of acceptance.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-821D
What is USCIS Form I-821D used for?
Form I-821D lets eligible young immigrants ask the government to defer removal and grant work authorization. It gathers personal details, travel history, criminal background, and biometrics. All answers must be complete, signed, and submitted with the required supporting forms.
Who must file USCIS Form I-821D?
Individuals applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must file USCIS Form I-821D.
What information does USCIS Form I-821D require?
The form collects residence and travel information in Part 2, criminal and security details in Part 4, a statement and signature in Part 5, biometrics data in Part 1 (Item 15‑20), and interpreter contact info in Part 6 if used.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-821D?
Submit the request to the filing address listed on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-821D, which provides the most current filing location.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-821D?
Complete all required parts using black ink, include full English translations for any foreign‑language documents, and provide biometrics information (Part 1, Item 15‑20). Attach Form I-765 and Form I-765WS with all fees, then sign and date each sheet. If an interpreter is used, fill Part 6 with their contact details. Optionally include Form G‑1145 for electronic receipt notification and mail the packet to the address shown on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-821D is filed incorrectly?
If the signature is missing or not valid, USCIS rejects the request; likewise, omitting Form I-765 and its fees results in rejection of the entire submission.
Do I need to pay a fee for Form I-821D?
The source states there is no filing fee for I-821D, but fees apply to Form I-765. Verify that only the I-765 fee is included.
Can I submit a handwritten signature as a scanned copy?
The source allows a scanned copy of the original handwritten signature. Check that the scan is clear and includes the ink signature.
Source transparency
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