A Helpful Guide for DACA Renewal

More than 600,000 people have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and had their lives positively impacted by the temporary status and work permit. DACA recipients need to remember to apply for DACA renewal before their work permit expires. It’s always best to begin the renewal process early. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently shared the following information to ensure that the DACA renewal application process goes smoothly for everyone.

Follow these steps to properly fill out your DACA renewal:

• File on time. Submit your renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration date listed on your current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document.
• Correctly submit all required forms and fees. USCIS will reject your renewal request unless you properly submit all of the following:
  • Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • Form I-765 Worksheet
  • Required fees of $465
• Avoid processing delays. Be sure to submit:
  • Any new documents and information related to removal proceedings or criminal history that you have not already submitted to USCIS in a previously approved DACA request
  • Proof of advance parole if you have traveled outside the United States since you filed your last DACA request that was approved
  • Proof of any legal name change
• Respond to Requests for Evidence. USCIS may deny your renewal request if you do not respond to a Request for Evidence in a timely manner.

USCIS is mailing renewal reminder notices to DACA recipients 180 days before the expiration date of their current period of deferred action to ensure sufficient time to prepare renewal requests. For further instructions, go to the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals page.

You may submit an inquiry about the status of your renewal request after it has been pending for more than 105 days. To submit an inquiry online, please visit egov.uscis.gov/e-request or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833).

Use these helpful steps and reminders to ensure that your DACA renewal process goes smoothly, you avoid delays, and you receive your work permit on time.