Filing Tips for Deferred Action

There is a lot of excitement over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. And it is not surprising considering that it means youngsters can continue to live in the land they consider their own.

In all the excitement about getting deferred action, it is very important to make sure that you file your application properly. That you don't end the process even before it begins. To do this you need to keep a few things in mind.

Before we look at the tips, you first need to make sure that you are eligible for the benefit. Make sure you are between 15 and 31 years of age. If you are 31 as on June 15, 2012 you cannot file for deferred action.

1. Deferred action is requested by filing three forms together - I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, I-765, Employment Authorization Document and I-765WS, Worksheet. Remember that you need to establish an economic need for employment. Only then your application for work authorization will be considered.
2. Complete all three applications fully. Do not leave any field blank unless the form requests that it left blank (usually sections that are meant for the USCIS to update while reviewing your forms). For questions that are not applicable to you, or if for any question your answer is 'none', then you can leave the space for the answer blank. Common information that goes into these forms, like name, age, address, should be identical. For example, if on one form you enter your name as Mary E Deer, make sure that's exactly how you enter it on all applications. If you use the initial for your middle name in one form and expand it in another form, your application process can be delayed.
3. Make sure that you follow all the instruction for all three forms. When you have completed the forms, remember to sign them.
4. Check the edition of the forms and make sure you are using the correct edition. Also, don't get confused between I-821 and I-821D. Remember you have to file I-821D.
5. Include the $465 fees and all the supporting documents with your applications. Your applications cannot be e-filed, that is, they cannot be filed online on the government website. You will have to mail your application packet to the correct USCIS Lockbox address, which you can find on the form instructions.
6. Make a copy of all that you send to the USCIS and keep them for your records. Also, remember that you need not send an original document with your application. Photocopies of supporting documents are enough. The USCIS will ask you for the originals if they do require them.

These are very important things that you need to keep in mind. Please go through your application after  you have completed them. In case you made a mistake on any form, USCIS recommends that you start afresh with a new form. Don't worry, the forms are free!