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Bay Area DACA/Dreamer Legalization Grant Program

If you’re a DACA recipient or Dreamer navigating the high cost of immigration applications, you don’t have to do it alone.

The Bay Area DACA/Dreamer Legalization Grant Program offers up to $5,000 for legal and USCIS application fees, attorney fees, expert evaluations such as medical exams, interpreter services, and attorney fees.

PRE-APPLY NOW

HOW IT WORKS

The Bay Area DACA/Dreamer Legalization Grant Program offers up to $5,000 for legal and USCIS application fees, attorney fees, expert evaluations such as medical exams, interpreter services, and attorney fees.

  • If approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to request your grant payment. Funds are sent through a virtual card, which can be used right away for the allowable expenses in your immigration process.

  • You can request funds for past eligible expenses (reimbursement) or upcoming costs (upfront payment). Grant requests are typically processed within 10 business days.

  • You may request multiple grants over time until you reach the $5,000 maximum. Only one grant request can be in process at a time, and receipts are required for each request.

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1

Pre-application

Review and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you have, submit an online pre-application for the program.

STEP 2

APPLICATION

If you are eligible, you will receive an email inviting you to submit a full application. We may request more information if needed.

STEP 3

Payment

If approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to request your payment. Choose between a reimbursement or an upfront grant.

Eligibility 

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Be a DACA recipient or Dreamer (came to the U.S. prior to 21 years old and before 2022)

  • Have a current or prior connection to the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties)

  • Be working with a private attorney OR being referred by a nonprofit legal service provider

  • Be actively pursuing a pathway to lawful status, have confirmed your eligibility with a legal service provider, and are ready to proceed to the next stage in the immigration process

Explore Resources

Bay Area Dreamer Resource Finder can help you connect with free or low-cost legal, financial, and wellness support.

MIJA (My Immigration Journey) is a free app and platform created by the Mission Asset Fund (MAF) to help immigrants confidently navigate their legal and financial journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How much funding can I receive?

    You can receive up to $5,000 total in grant funds.

    You may request funds more than once until you reach the $5,000 limit, but only one grant request can be in process at a time. To be eligible for future grant requests, you must provide receipts for all previous grants.

    Funding is limited and not guaranteed.

  • What expenses does the grant cover?

    For individuals, the grant can help pay for:

    1. USCIS application fees (such as I-130, I-485, N-400, and related forms)
    2. Attorney fees for consultation and preparation of eligible applications
    3. Expert evaluations - psychological, medical, country conditions
    4. Medical exam for green card application
    5. Interpreter services for interviews or hearings

    Funds must be used only for the approved immigration-related expenses noted above.

  • Can I get reimbursed for past expenses?

    Yes. You may request reimbursement for eligible expenses paid on or after July 1, 2025, as long as you can provide proof of payment.

  • Can I receive funds for upcoming expenses?

    Yes. You can request upfront payment for upcoming eligible costs. If you do, you’ll need to submit receipts or proof of payment within 60 days of receiving the funds.

  • How will I receive my grant?

    Grant funds are sent by virtual card to your email. You can use the card right away for online payments, including the USCIS website. Virtual cards cannot be deposited into a bank account or exchanged for cash.

  • How can BADI partners request a reimbursement?

    NPOs in the BADI network can request reimbursement for approved clients using the [grant request form]. Reimbursable expenses fall into three categories:

    1. Expert evaluations — psychological, medical, or country-conditions assessments
    2. Medical exams — required for green card applications
    3. Interpreter services — for interviews or hearings
  • Who is eligible?

    This program is meant for people who have a clear path towards lawful status, are ready to use the grant funds within the next 6-12 months and have financial barriers that stop them from advancing in the immigration process. 

    You may qualify if you:

    • Are 18 or older
    • Are a DACA recipient or Dreamer (you came to the U.S. before age 21 and before 2021)
    • Have a current or past connection to the San Francisco Bay Area (living, working, or going to school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, or Yolo counties)
    • Be working with a private attorney or a participating Bay Area DACA Initiative nonprofit legal service provider
    • Be actively pursuing a pathway to lawful status, have confirmed your eligibility with a legal provider, and are ready to proceed to the next stage in the immigration process.
  • Can I apply if I need help with Advance Parole?

    Yes. You may be eligible for support with Advance Parole, especially if it helps open a clear path toward lawful status. Priority will be given to people who do not already have a legal entry.

  • Can I apply if I need help with a work permit or DACA renewal?

    Yes. You may be eligible for support with work permit renewals, including DACA renewals, if you’re actively working toward lawful status and need your renewal to continue moving forward on that path. Be sure to confirm your eligibility with your legal provider before applying.

  • What if I need help finding legal service provider?

    Having trusted legal support is an important part of your immigration journey. If you don’t already have an attorney or legal service provider, these free tools can help you find reputable immigration help near you:

    San Francisco Immigration Legal Help
    Find nonprofit legal organizations and immigration services in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
    https://www.sf.gov/get-immigration-legal-help

    Immi (by Immigration Advocates Network)
    A national, easy-to-use search tool that helps you find verified nonprofit immigration legal providers by zip code.
    https://www.immi.org/en/Info/get-legal-help