DACA Renewal

Who Can Apply for DACA Renewal?

You can apply to renew your DACA if you currently have DACA, if you previously had DACA but it’s expired, or if you had DACA and it was terminated.

You are still eligible for DACA renewal even if:

  • You are now over 31. You cannot age out of the program.
  • You have graduated or are studying at a different school or program.

When to Apply for DACA Renewal?

Apply at least 150 days before your DACA and work permit expire. However, USCIS is now accepting applications more than 150 days prior to the expiration date, so you can apply as early as you want to. If you apply for renewal in this time range, you should receive an approval notice and new work permit before your current one expires.

It is important to apply for renewal on time to avoid losing protection from deportation, being without valid work authorization, and accruing unlawful presence once your Deferred Action relief expires.

As there are ongoing lawsuits around DACA, there is some uncertainty about what will happen to DACA in the end. For now, DACA renewals are being accepted and the case will be heard by the Ninth Circuit. Please reach out for legal help at clare@alohaimmigration.com for advice about your particular case and the latest developments.

What’s the Process?

  1. Get Help:
    • If you’re a UH system student, we encourage you to make an appointment with Clare Hanusz at Aloha Immigration (clare@alohaimmigration.com) to discuss possible travel or other immigration issues. It is particularly important to speak with a lawyer if your DACA was terminated in the past or you have been arrested since your last renewal. We may also be able to help you with the $495 application fee.
  2. Calculate When to Apply for Renewal: Submit your application at least 150 days (5 months) before your DACA and work permit expire. We do not recommend filing it any later than four months in advance.
  3. Complete Applications:
    • Form I-821D – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Indicate this is a renewal application and only complete sections required for renewal applicants. Provide updated information in those sections.
    • Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (EAD). Indicate the application is for a renewal EAD (work permit). List your current status as “DACA recipient,” and for question 16 the eligibility category is (C)(33).
    • Form I-765WS – Worksheet. Briefly explain your economic need to work.
  4. Submit Applications: Include two passport photos, copy of current work permit and fee. The fee is $495.00. Pay using a check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Mailing address for California residents:
    USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
    P.O. Box 20700
    Phoenix, Arizona 85036-0700
  5. Schedule Appointment: You will receive a receipt by mail and a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment notice.
  6. Final Steps: After being fingerprinted, you will receive either a letter asking for additional information (called a Request for Evidence) or a final decision.

What Do I Include in the Renewal Application?

Information:

Your renewal application is an update to your initial application. Update your address, any travel you did under advance parole, any arrests or criminal issues that took place since your initial application, and any contact with immigration authorities or the immigration court since your first application.

Make sure that the information in your renewal application is consistent with your initial DACA application. If you need a copy of your initial application, you can request one by filing Form G-639 with USCIS. If your address has changed, include the new address on the application and complete a change of address with USCIS, which you must complete any time your address changes.

Documentation:

You do not need to submit or re-submit any documentation with your renewal application — just a copy of your work permit.

The exception is if there has been a change since your initial application regarding your Immigration Record (your case is pending in immigration court, you were detained by immigration authorities, etc.), or your Criminal Record (you were arrested, detained, and/or convicted of a crime). If either of these apply to you, consult an attorney, make sure your application reflects this new information, and submit evidence that this change in your situation does not impact your DACA eligibility (for example, the court disposition regarding a criminal case or an immigration judge’s order closing your case).

Where Can I Get More Information?