DACA & Work Permit Lawyer for Minors in Tampa, Florida

DACA & Work Permits for Immigrant Youth: What You Need to Know

If you came to the U.S. as a child and have no legal status, you may be eligible for DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This program protects young immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S.

While DACA doesn’t provide permanent residency or a green card, it offers a renewable form of protection, a work permit, and a path toward building a more stable future.

DACA is a federal program that offers:

• Protection from deportation (deferred action)

• A renewable 2-year work permit

• Access to a Social Security number and many state benefits (like a driver’s license)

It’s available to certain undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet specific educational and background requirements.

🛑 Important: USCIS is currently only accepting DACA renewals — not new applications — due to ongoing federal court challenges. We monitor legal developments closely and can notify you when new applications reopen.

Who Can Apply For the DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may be available to certain individuals who came to the United States as children and meet specific eligibility requirements established by U.S. immigration authorities. While new initial DACA applications are currently affected by federal court rulings, USCIS continues to process renewals for eligible individuals. Understanding whether you qualify is an important first step when speaking with an immigration lawyer for DACA.

To qualify, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

• Arrived in the United States before age 16
• Have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007
• Were under age 31 on June 15, 2012
• Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time of applying
• Had no lawful immigration status as of June 15, 2012
• Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Have not been convicted of certain serious criminal offenses

How to Apply for DACA?

Applying for a DACA renewal involves submitting several forms and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Many applicants ask, “do i need a immigration lawyer to file DACA?” While it is possible to submit the renewal yourself, working with a lawyer for DACA can help ensure the forms are completed correctly, the documentation is organized properly, and the application is filed on time.

For Renewals:

• File Form I-821D (DACA), Form I-765 (work permit), and Form I-765WS (worksheet)
• Submit supporting documents
• Pay the current fee (currently $495)
• Attend a biometrics appointment
• Wait for your renewal approval and new EAD (work permit)

We recommend filing your DACA renewal 120–150 days before expiration to avoid any gaps in protection or work authorization.

What Are the Benefits of DACA in USA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides temporary protection and opportunities for certain individuals who came to the United States as children. While DACA does not provide permanent legal status, it can offer important stability by allowing eligible individuals to live and work in the country while maintaining protection from deportation during the approved period.

DACA gives young immigrants the chance to:

• Work legally and pursue careers
• Drive lawfully and access public services
• Live without fear of deportation
• Plan for the future while remaining active members of their communities

It is not a permanent immigration status, but it can provide an important step toward stability and future opportunities.

How Salomon Numa Can Help You With DACA Application?

Preparing and renewing a DACA application requires careful attention to deadlines, documentation, and USCIS requirements. Even small errors in paperwork or missing information can delay a renewal or lead to additional requests from immigration authorities. Working with an immigration lawyer for DACA can help ensure that your application is prepared correctly and submitted on time.

Even small mistakes in your application can delay your protection or lead to denials. We help:

• Track your renewal deadlines
• Prepare accurate paperwork
• Respond to requests for evidence (RFEs)
• Update documents if your name, school, or address has changed