Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a special program created by President Obama in 2012 through Executive Order that provides temporary authorization for undocumented persons who arrived as children to the U.S. to remain in the U.S. It defers the action of removing them from the U.S. for a specific period.

During this time, they may study and work in the U.S. One must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.CIS) for DACA and under current policy, DACA can be renewed every two years.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Came to the U.S. before the age of 16
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, to the present
• Physically present on June 15, 2012
• Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012 or lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
• Are currently in school, have graduated high school/obtained a GED certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the U.S.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

*Adapted from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website

If you’re a DACA student and have questions about the application process, please contact admissions. If you have questions about your application, please contact Julie Norman at jfnorman@vcu.edu.

When you’re ready to apply, visit the Apply page.

In order to qualify for federal financial aid, a student must be a U.S Citizen or eligible non-citizen. Virginians who are nonimmigrants, undocumented, have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or are otherwise ineligible to file the FAFSA and would like to be considered for state financial aid should submit the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application, which can be found online at schev.edu. Students should complete the VASA application every year by the February 1 priority consideration deadline for the upcoming school year.

The VASA application provides access to state and to some institutional financial aid programs only. The VASA application does not provide access to federal student aid.The VASA allows students who cannot complete the FAFSA to complete an application for state funding.  Students must meet domicile or Tuition Equity Provision requirements to apply. For answers to some frequently asked questions about the VASA, download this PDF from SCHEV.