DREAM Act Portal Forum - OFFICIAL: Life After DACA Approval Q&A

If you would like to suggest the addition of anything to this thread, please send me a pm.

FAQ

DACA does not confer any immigration status upon beneficiaries. You are not a Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or Visa Holder.

You are protected from deportation and allowed to work once your I-821D and I-765 are approved.

My I-821D and I-765 have been approved. What now?
Obtain a Driver's License/State ID.

Apply for your Social Security Number and card.

Start looking for a job.

Get back into college or start going to college.

Build your credit.

How do I obtain a Driver's License?
Please read the Summarized Driver's License Requirements Thread. There is a chart available with each state's license requirements. If you would like more in-depth information, please visit the Driver's Services/Department of Motor Vehicles website for your respective state.

How do I apply for a SSN?
Once you have received your EAD, you will need to find your local SSA Office via the Social Security Administration Website. You must bring with you one of the following along with your EAD to prove your identity:
Foreign Birth Certficate

Foreign passport

U.S. Driver's License

U.S. State-issued identification card

School record showing age or date of birth

School identification card

Copy of medical record

You must carry your EAD and proof of identity to apply for your SSN.
If you have any more questions about obtaining your SSN, then post in SSA, SSN and wait times thread. You can get a print out from the SSA office you go to that has your number and says your card is being processed.

How do I start looking for a job?
You can put a resume together that showcases your skills, previous experience and anything that would be relevant to your job search. You can apply for most jobs online if you have trouble getting around. If you have no experience, then you will need to apply for entry level positions that require little to no experience. Check out websites like Indeed and Monster for job leads. For salary information, check out Glassdoor.

Read this article on your workplace rights as a DACA beneficiary in the workplace.

If you land a job, but are worried about the background check or have had your job offered rescinded due to lack of information on the background check, read this thread on how to correct issues with Lexis Nexus.

How do I attend college?
Start by looking at the States that give US in-state tuition thread and the College, Yes We Can thread. Both are old, but it gives you an idea of which states have undocu-friendly institutions and which ones don't.

I've already gone to college. What now?
Check out this article Life After College written especially for undocumented students by Iliana Perez at E4FC.

Contact someone in admissions at the university or college you are interested in applying to and let them know you have work authorization, etc. Talk about scholarships, what tuition rate you'll be required to pay and anything else you can think of that relates to your own situation.

How do I build credit?
Several DREAMers here have recommended the Capital One Secured Card as a great starter card. Charge small items, pay the balance off on time and in full and you'll start to see your score increase.

What do I do with my ITIN after getting my SSN?
I recommend reading through this thread about what steps to take. It also includes information on contacting the credit bureaus and transferring your established credit to your SSN.

Can I travel?
Yes, you are able to travel domestically with your valid State-issued Identification Card or Driver's License. Read more about travel to U.S. Territories after DACA approval here.

If you need to leave the country, you will need to apply for Advance Parole.

Quote:

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: You cannot apply for advance parole while your request for deferred action is still pending. If you leave the United States while your request for consideration of deferred action is pending, your deferred action request will be denied.

Once your request for consideration of deferred action is approved, you may file Form I-131 to request advance parole to travel outside of the United States. If you travel outside the United States without first receiving advance parole, USCIS will automatically terminate your deferred action. Form I-131 must be submitted with your Form I-797 approval notice and a letter that explains your compelling need to travel. Send Form I-131 with the required evidence to

USCIS
P.O. Box 5757
Chicago, IL 60680-5757.

For information about filing for advance parole, read Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Travel Documents.

What do I do about my car insurance?
Of course you need to make sure you meet the legal requirements regarding insuring your vehicle before hitting the road. However, it has come to my attention that many folks were able to get insurance without having a valid license. Remember to report your new valid license to your insurance company.

Contributors: freshh., msaccountant, FlyinAgainstTheWind, Sunshine15,maxsenger, arcane and various other DAP members who have gone through the process and shared their knowledge/experiences.

If you would like anything added to the thread, please send me a pm. :D