Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is program that protects undocumented immigrants, also called DREAMers, who came to the U.S. as children. It provides individuals with protection from deportation as well as work authorization. As of the date of this blog, although USCIS is accepting initial DACA applications, it is not able to adjudicate them due to pending litigation. It is important to note that if you currently have DACA you should renew it before it expires and definitely within the year it expires, if not, you will be treated as an initial applicant which USCIS cannot adjudicate.
USCIS recently reminded DACA recipients to submit their renewal applications 150 to 120 days before its expiration to allow for sufficient time for USCIS to be able to adjudicate the filing before the expiration date of your work permit. To make it easier to determine when you should renew, the National Immigration Law Center has a free calculator that will give you the exact dates once you plug in when your DACA expires.
What do you need to do to renew your DACA?
While renewal requests can be made by submitting a paper form, you can also file renewal requests online. With an online application, immigrants can track their progress. Remember that the new USCIS fees became effective on April 1, 2024.
Renewing your DACA is essential to continue receiving deferred action. If you need to renew your DACA, you do not need to do it alone. You can seek legal guidance to help you through the renewal process.