On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-821D?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-821D rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-821D ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-821D?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-821D checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-821D have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-821D?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-821D?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form G-28 guide, as described in the Form DS-160 guide.
If you were in removal proceedings which have been terminated by the immigration judge prior to this request, you may use this form to request that USCIS consider deferring action in your case.
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-821D?)
#Form I-821D is used to request consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), allowing eligible individuals to defer removal from the United States and obtain employment authorization. This process is managed by USCIS. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including having been under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012, having come to the U.S. before their 16th birthday, and having continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007. Additionally, they must have been present in the U.S.
on June 15, 2012, had no lawful status on that date, and meet educational or military service requirements. Form I-821D must be filed with Form I-765.
First page of I-821D form
Source: I-821D PDF
Context and workflow
#The processing time for Form I-821D can vary based on the type of case and current workload. Always consult the official USCIS processing time tool for the most accurate information.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside I-821D (or between I-821D and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Receipt Notice (a related form)
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature)
- Receive decision notice
- If approved, receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Who uses it
Form I-821D is intended for applicants who are seeking consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This form is specifically for individuals who arrived in the United States as childhood arrivals and meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and must have come to the U.S. before their 16th birthday. Additionally, they must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012. This form is used to request both initial consideration and renewal of DACA status.
When it is used
- If you were in removal proceedings which have been terminated by the immigration judge prior to this request, you may use this form to request that USCIS consider deferring action in your case.
- If you are in removal proceedings, have a final order of removal, exclusion, or deportation issued in any other context, have a voluntary departure order, or if your proceedings have been administratively closed, you may use this form to request that USCIS consider deferring action in your case, even if you are under 15 years of age at the time of filing.
- Asylum — DACA - deferred action
- When filing I-821D alongside I-765 (Work authorization required with DACA request)
- After filing I-821D — I-131 may be the next step (Advance parole for urgent humanitarian travel)
- When supplementing G-28 — I-821D provides additional required information
Requirements snapshot
#- Letters must include: your address at the time of employment, exact periods of employment, periods of layoff, and duties with the employer
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-821D rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a signature.
- Filing too early, more than 150 days before current DACA expires.
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient evidence of continuous residence.
- Lack of proof of educational status or military service.
- Inadequate documentation of presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012.
- To avoid incomplete application or insufficient evidence: Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents.
- To avoid filing renewal too late (beyond 150-120 days before expiry): Renew 120-150 days before DACA expiration; late filings may lapse work authorization.
What it asks for (What does Form I-821D ask for?)
#- Residence and travel history
- Criminal, national security, and public safety information
- Evidence of your identity and age.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- You must be 15 years of age or older at the time of filing and meet the criteria described in 8 CFR Part 236, Subpart C
- The certification must also include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information
- Biometrics appointment requirements including fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature.
- Provide an original, handwritten signature and date your request.
- Documentation related to: are unable to provide such documentation or if it is not available, you must provide an explanation, including a descrip
What you need (What do you need for Form I-821D?)
#- The current edition of I-821D
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Are unable to provide such documentation or if it is not available, you may need to provide an explanation, including a description of your efforts to obtain such evidence, in Part 8
- Evidence of your educational status or military service.
- Identity documents such as a passport or birth certificate with photo ID.
- Evidence of your identity, continuous residence, and presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012.
- Gather and submit all required evidence and supporting documentation.
- Gather and submit all necessary supporting documents.
- Omitting required supporting documents.
- Copy of your filed or approved I-765 (Work authorization required with DACA request)
Checklist (What is the Form I-821D checklist?)
#- To access the current Form I-821D and its instructions, please visit the official USCIS website.
- Review the official I-821D instructions before filing
- Collect the necessary supporting documents as outlined in the instructions.
- Complete all required sections of I-821D
- Ensure that you sign and date Form I-821D before submission. Accompany your form with all necessary supporting evidence.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Renewal | 3 to 3.5 monthsas of January 2026 |
- Processing time for I-821D under "Renewal": 3 to 3.5 months (as of January 2026).
- Processing times for I-821D vary by eligibility category and service center. Data sourced from the official USCIS processing times tool.
- Processing times for this form vary by the type of filing, the office handling your case, and current workload. Timelines are not fixed and change regularly.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires — some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. USCIS distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official USCIS processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on — not a countdown from when you filed.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-821D page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting.
Fees
#Total possible cost: $495
Some categories are exempt from the biometrics fee.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe filing fee for form i-821d is $410 (as of 02/01/26). Verify the current fee on the official fee schedule before filing. | $410 |
| Biometrics Services FeeThe biometrics services fee is $85 (as of 02/01/26), if required for your category. | $85 |
What is the total cost of Form I-821D?
Most applicants pay $410 filing fee plus $85 biometrics fee, for a total of $495. Some categories are exempt from one or both fees.
Do I have to pay the biometrics fee?
The $85 biometrics fee is required for certain eligibility categories. Some categories are exempt. Check the official instructions for your category.
Can the Form I-821D fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for I-821D for qualifying applicants.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for I-821D for qualifying applicants.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-821D have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete application or insufficient evidence | Rejection | Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents. |
| Filing renewal too late (beyond 150-120 days before expiry) | Delay | Renew 120-150 days before DACA expiration; late filings may lapse work authorization. |
| Not filing I-765 with I-821D | Rejection | File I-765 with I-821D; EAD request is required with DACA application. |
| Traveling without advance parole | Rejection | Obtain I-131 approval before travel; reentry without parole may terminate DACA. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-821D?)
#- Complete all certifications: Ensure all required official certifications are properly signed and dated.
- Verify documentation: All supporting documents must be current and properly formatted.
- Cross-reference information: Information must be consistent across all sections and supporting documents.
- A national from a designated country files I-821D after the government extends protected status for their homeland
- An individual who fled persecution in their home country uses I-821D to seek protection
- An applicant in the Asylum category files I-821D as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-821D?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that once they have DACA, they can travel freely outside the U.S.; however, traveling without an Advance Parole Document can result in losing DACA status.
- Filing I-821D guarantees protection from removal — Filing creates a pending application but does not guarantee approval. Eligibility requirements must be met and verified.
- You can apply at any time without regard to deadlines — Many humanitarian programs have strict filing windows. Late applications may be rejected unless qualifying exceptions apply.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-821D, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Why it matters
#If you file this request more than 150 days prior to the expiration of your current period of deferred action, USCIS may reject your submission.
Why it matters: Filing too early can lead to rejection and delay in processing.
Individuals in immigration detention may request DACA, but approval will not occur until release from detention.
Why it matters: Detention status affects the timing of DACA approval.
Expired identity documents are acceptable for proving identity.
Why it matters: Applicants may use expired documents, which can be crucial if current documents are unavailable.
Educational records can be in various formats.
Why it matters: USCIS does not require educational records to be presented in any particular format, allowing flexibility in documentation.
Next steps
#- Receive Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming application submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature).
- Await decision notice from USCIS.
- If approved, receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by mail.
- Prepare for renewal before the current DACA period expires.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-821D and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Visual references
#FAQs
What are common misconceptions about Form I-821D?
People think they can apply for DACA at any time because they may be eligible, but actually, timing is important, especially for renewals, which should not be filed too early.
What type of evidence is required to prove continuous residence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007?
Applicants should provide a range of documents such as school records, employment records, and utility bills that collectively demonstrate continuous residence.
Can I apply for DACA if I have a criminal record?
Eligibility will depend on the nature of the offenses.
What is I-821D?
I-821D is the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Where can I file this form?
To ensure you have the most up-to-date filing addresses and submission methods, consult the official instructions.
What supporting documents do I need for I-821D?
If you are unable to provide the required documentation, or if it is unavailable, you should include an explanation in Part 8. This explanation should detail your efforts to obtain the necessary evidence. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of your identity and age, as well as proof of your educational status or military service.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-821D?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What happens after I submit I-821D?
Upon submitting Form I-821D, USCIS will send a Confirmation of Receipt to acknowledge acceptance of your application. Following this, you might be required to attend a biometrics appointment, an interview, or provide additional evidence, depending on the specifics of your case. To track the progress of your application, you can use the receipt number provided in your notice to check your case status online.
What are common reasons I-821D gets rejected?
Common reasons I-821D is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
Can I request a fee waiver for I-821D?
Fee waivers might be accessible for Form I-821D to those applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria.
What does I-821D do and who needs it?
I-821D is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by USCIS. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official USCIS website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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