Hey everyone! Navigating DACA renewals can feel a bit overwhelming, right? That's why we're breaking down exactly what you need for your application, and a key piece of that is a strong cover letter. In this article, we'll explore the DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample, explaining why it's important and providing you with examples to help you get started.
Why Your DACA Renewal Cover Letter Matters
Think of your DACA renewal cover letter as your personal introduction to USCIS (that's the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). It's your chance to explain why you're renewing your DACA status and to make sure they have all the necessary information at a glance. This letter is important because it can help clarify any unusual circumstances or provide additional context to your application. It's not just a formality; it's a tool to help your case move smoothly.
What should you include? Here's a quick rundown:
- Your full name and A-Number.
- The purpose of the letter (DACA renewal).
- A brief statement of why you are eligible for renewal.
- A list of the documents you are submitting.
It's also a good idea to be organized. You might want to use a table to list your supporting documents, like this:
| Document Name | Date Submitted |
|---|---|
| Form I-821D | [Date] |
| Form I-765 | [Date] |
| Form I-131 | [Date] |
| Passport-style photos | [Date] |
| Proof of continued residence | [Date] |
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Standard Renewal
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal Application for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter as an introduction to my DACA renewal application. My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number]. I am writing to respectfully request the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
I have continuously resided in the United States since my initial DACA approval and have met all the eligibility requirements for renewal. I am committed to continuing my education and contributing positively to my community.
Attached to this application, you will find the following documents:
- Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (if applicable)
- Two passport-style photographs
- Proof of continuous residence in the United States (e.g., utility bills, school transcripts)
- Proof of employment/education (e.g., pay stubs, enrollment verification)
- Filing fees
Thank you for your time and consideration of my DACA renewal application. I look forward to a favorable decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Change of Address
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal Application with Change of Address for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter in support of my DACA renewal application. My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number]. I am requesting the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Please note that I have recently moved and my current mailing address is different from the one on file for my previous DACA approval.
My new mailing address is [Your New Street Address, Your New City, Your New State, Your New Zip Code]. I have also submitted a Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card, to formally update my address with USCIS.
I have consistently met the eligibility requirements for DACA renewal and remain committed to my life and contributions in the United States. Attached you will find all necessary renewal forms and supporting documentation as required.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for processing my DACA renewal.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Renewal
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Renewal for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my application for the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and my Employment Authorization Document (EAD). My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am submitting all the required documentation for my DACA renewal, including Form I-821D and Form I-765 for the renewal of my EAD. I have been gainfully employed in the United States and rely on my EAD to continue my work and support myself and my family.
All necessary supporting documents, including proof of employment and continued residence, are included in this package. I am eager to continue contributing to the workforce and the economy.
Thank you for reviewing my application for DACA and EAD renewal.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Request for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal and Advance Parole Application for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted with my application for the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and my request for a Travel Document (Advance Parole). My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am applying for renewal of my DACA status and simultaneously requesting an Advance Parole document for the purpose of [Clearly state the reason for travel, e.g., to attend a family emergency, to pursue educational opportunities abroad, to visit a sick relative]. I understand the requirements for obtaining an Advance Parole document and have included all necessary supporting documentation for both my DACA renewal and this travel request.
The purpose of my travel is [Provide a brief, clear explanation of your travel reason. Be specific and honest]. I have attached [list specific documents that support your travel reason, e.g., letter from school, doctor's note, invitation].
I am committed to complying with all DACA and Advance Parole regulations and look forward to your approval of both my renewal and my travel document request.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Explaining a Gap in Previous Employment/Education
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal Application for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Explanation of Employment/Education Gap
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter in conjunction with my DACA renewal application. My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number]. I am requesting the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
I wish to address a potential concern regarding a gap in my [employment/education] between [Start Date of Gap] and [End Date of Gap]. During this period, I [Clearly and concisely explain the reason for the gap. For example: "was experiencing a family medical emergency that required my full attention," or "was actively seeking new employment opportunities after a layoff," or "was dedicated to caring for a family member."]. I have included [mention any supporting documents, e.g., letters from family members, proof of job searching] to corroborate this explanation.
Despite this temporary interruption, I have consistently met the educational and employment requirements for DACA renewal since then. I am committed to continuing my contributions to the United States. All other required renewal documents are included with this submission.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my DACA renewal application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Explaining a Minor Criminal Incident (if applicable and advised by legal counsel)
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal Application for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Explanation of Incident
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my application for the renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am submitting this letter to provide context regarding a minor legal incident that occurred on [Date of Incident]. I was involved in [Briefly and factually describe the incident, e.g., "a traffic violation for speeding," or "a misdemeanor charge for jaywalking"]. I have pleaded [Guilty/Not Guilty/No Contest] and the matter was resolved on [Date of Resolution] with [Describe the resolution, e.g., "a fine," or "community service," or "a warning"]. I have attached a certified copy of the court disposition [or other relevant documentation] for your review.
I take full responsibility for my actions and have learned from this experience. I have maintained a clean record since this incident and remain committed to upholding the laws of the United States. I believe I continue to meet the eligibility requirements for DACA renewal.
Thank you for your careful review of my application and this explanation.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample - Renewing after a lapse in status (only if advised by legal counsel)
Date:
USCIS
Attn: DACA Renewal
P.O. Box [Your City's USCIS Lockbox Address]
Phoenix, AZ 85027-4000
Subject: DACA Renewal Application for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number] - Explanation of Previous Lapse in Status
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter as part of my application for renewal of my Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. My name is [Your Full Name], and my A-Number is [Your A-Number].
I am writing to explain a period where my DACA status was not actively renewed between [Start Date of Lapse] and [End Date of Lapse]. During this time, I [Clearly and concisely explain the reason for the lapse. This is extremely important and should ideally be discussed with an immigration attorney beforehand. Examples: "faced unexpected financial hardship that prevented me from gathering the renewal fees and documents," or "experienced a severe personal health crisis that impacted my ability to submit my application on time."].
I understand the importance of maintaining continuous DACA status and deeply regret any inconvenience this lapse may have caused. I have since taken steps to ensure my eligibility and have meticulously gathered all required documentation for this renewal. I have attached [mention any supporting documents that explain the lapse and your subsequent efforts to renew].
I am committed to re-establishing my DACA status and continuing my life and contributions in the United States. I am hopeful for your favorable consideration of my renewal application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
So there you have it! A DACA Renewal Cover Letter Sample isn't just a piece of paper; it's your opportunity to communicate effectively with USCIS and ensure your application is as strong as possible. Remember to tailor these examples to your own situation, be honest and clear in your explanations, and always double-check that you've included all the necessary documents. Good luck with your renewal!