US Visa
DACA Renewal Guide
How to renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and maintain work authorisation.
What is it?
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a federal policy that protects certain undocumented individuals who came to the US as children from deportation and provides them with a 2-year renewable work permit (EAD). DACA does not provide a path to permanent residence or citizenship but does grant 'lawful presence' for the duration of the grant. As of 2024, DACA is subject to ongoing litigation — recipients should monitor legal developments closely.
Who needs it?
Current DACA recipients whose DACA and EAD are approaching expiration. Initial DACA applications are not currently being accepted for new applicants (only renewals). Recipients must continue to meet eligibility criteria: continuous US residence since June 15, 2007, age under 31 on June 15, 2012, no disqualifying criminal history.
Required Documents
- Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form I-765WS (Worksheet)
- Filing fees: $495 (I-821D is free, I-765 is $495)
- Copy of current EAD (front and back)
- Two passport-style photos
- Copy of any government-issued ID
- Evidence of continuous US residence (if requested)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing too late — USCIS recommends filing 150–180 days (5–6 months) before expiration
- Felony or significant misdemeanour convictions since last grant can disqualify renewal
- Travelling outside the US without advance parole — causes automatic termination of DACA
- Submitting incorrect filing fee or outdated form version
- Not keeping copies of all submitted documents
Approval Tips
- File 5–6 months before your current DACA and EAD expire — processing takes 4–6 months
- Monitor USCIS case status online and respond to any RFE within the deadline
- Do not travel internationally without approved advance parole — it terminates DACA
- Keep your address updated with USCIS using Form AR-11
- Monitor litigation updates from organisations like NILC, ACLU, and USCIS.gov — policy can change
- Consult a nonprofit immigration legal services provider for free or low-cost assistance