In 2012, then-President Barack Obama’s administration created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows certain people who came to the United States as children to obtain renewable work authorization, driver’s licenses, and protection from deportation and removal. Although the eligibility requirements may appear straightforward, there is a lot of misinformation about who can, and cannot, apply, especially concerning the educational requirements.

You might qualify for DACA protections and work authorization if you:

1. Were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012;

2. Came to the U.S. before turning 16;

3. Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007;

4. Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing for DACA;

5. Did not have lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012;

6. Are currently enrolled in school, or graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, obtained a GED certificate, or were honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces or coast guard; and

7. Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors except certain traffic violations, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Traveling with DACA Advance Parole can allow you to study or work abroad, visit elderly or sick relatives abroad, and potentially open a pathway to lawful permanent residence (green card). If you currently have DACA, or are applying to renew DACA, please review your options for traveling abroad on our Travel Authorization Page.