How long does DACA renewal take?: A Comprehensive Guide

How long does DACA renewal take? Many beneficiaries of this program wonder how long it takes to renew this important document.

It is important to remember that DACA is one of the programs created to provide legal status to children and adolescent migrants in the United States who entered the country illegally.

Many of those benefiting from DACA arrived when they were just babies, and in some cases, they still lack documentation.

Therefore, many parents and adolescents benefiting from DACA constantly ask: How long does DACA renewal take?

Before anything else, we must understand what DACA means. DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) created during Barack Obama’s administration, and it includes migrant minors.

It is estimated that there were more than 530,000 active DACA beneficiaries as of December 31, 2023, according to federal data.

Of these, about 429,000 Mexicans benefit from DACA.

DACA beneficiaries often come from mixed-status households, including U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or undocumented family members.

If you want to learn more about U.S. immigration policies, check out the following article: What does ICE mean in immigration?

Table of Contents

Learning More About DACA

Before answering the question “How long does DACA renewal take?” we must understand the concept of this program.

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain individuals who came to the United States as children and who meet a series of criteria could request deferred action on their immigration status for a period of two years, subject to renewal.

These individuals are also eligible to apply for employment authorization.

Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. In this sense, deferred action does not confer legal status.

DACA beneficiaries, also known as Dreamers, have been a topic of discussion in recent administrations.

For some U.S. citizens, it is seen as a way to encourage immigration. In fact, some children cross the border and are at the mercy of federal authorities.

How long does DACA renewal take? ?

Now we can address the question: How long does DACA renewal take? ?

Despite the limitations and recent judicial events against the DACA program, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting and processing DACA renewal applications in 2023.

To apply for a DACA renewal, you must gather your previous DACA forms. In addition to completing the three forms required by USCIS, prepare your filing fee and submit your package.

If you are currently a DACA recipient, you can renew your DACA status and work permit with USCIS online or by mail. Renewing your DACA status and work permit costs $495.

As of March 2023, the processing time for DACA renewals is between 3 and 18 months. Therefore, the wait time is long, and there are certain considerations you should take into account.

How long does DACA renewal take?: Requirements

For the renewal of DACA, it is vital that you understand some requirements and have them on hand at the time of your application: How long does DACA renewal take?

To begin, gather your old DACA documents, the most current versions of the DACA forms, your passport photos, and the $495 application fee for your DACA renewal.

Find your most recent DACA documentation:

Use your previous documentation as a guide to complete your DACA renewal forms; if this is your first time renewing your status, you can use the documentation from your initial DACA application.

Gather and complete Forms I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS

If you use our free application to prepare your documentation, we will provide you with the forms you need.

If you choose not to use our application, you will need to download the most up-to-date DACA and work authorization forms from the USCIS website. You will need the following forms:

Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765WS: Worksheet for Form I-765
You can find more information about each of these important forms by reading our other articles:
You will need to include two passport photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. For convenience, some pharmacies, post offices, and FedEx and UPS stores will take passport photos for a small fee.
Pay the $495 filing fee

You will need to pay the $495 filing fee with a money order or credit card. The fees include $410 for your employment authorization and $85 for your biometrics appointment.

You can obtain a money order at most banks, post offices, and grocery stores.

The money order should be for exactly $495 and made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Do not use abbreviations like “DHS.” If you do, USCIS will reject your DACA application.

If you choose to pay by credit card, you must include the completed Form G-1450: Authorization for Credit Card Transactions along with your application documentation.

The Cover Letter for DACA

One of the most cumbersome elements for some is the cover letter, in which you explain to USCIS who you are, what you are requesting, and what items you have included in your application package.

After reviewing and double-checking your DACA renewal application package, it’s time to submit it.

If you are submitting your application online, simply follow the instructions in your myUSCIS account to submit your application.

If you are mailing your application, use the filing address guide on USCIS.gov to see where to send your renewal application.

The USCIS filing addresses vary depending on your location. If you do not send yours to the correct location, your application could be rejected.

It is important to make a copy of all documentation.

“New DACA applications are not being processed”

Immigration law is constantly changing, and DACA has been challenged in district courts all the way to the Supreme Court.

At this time, USCIS is not processing DACA status or EADs for applicants who are applying for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions About DACA Renewal:

Many questions surround us, and the question “How long does DACA renewal take?” becomes more significant, but we need to understand some fundamental details.

According to the official USCIS website, some recommendations include:

Your DACA renewal request should be submitted between 120 days and 150 days (four to five months) before the expiration date listed on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, from your DACA and EAD approval notice.

However, submitting your request more than 150 days before your current DACA expires will not result in a faster decision.

Although more complicated, if you submit your request more than a year after your most recent DACA period has expired, or if your most recent DACA grant was terminated at any time, you may still request DACA by submitting a new initial request.

On the other hand, if your previous DACA period expires before you receive a DACA renewal, you will accrue unlawful presence for any time that passes between the periods of deferred action unless you are under 18 years old at the time you submit your renewal request.

Remember that if you knowingly and willfully provide false information on your Form I-821D, you are committing a federal offense punishable by a fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, under 18 U.S.C. Section 1001.

It is important to know that any unauthorized travel outside the United States on or after August 15, 2012, will interrupt your continuous residence, and you will not be considered for deferred action under 8 CFR 236.21-236.25.

Regarding Selective Service or military service, most men between the ages of 18 and 25 who are U.S. residents are required to register for Selective Service.