DACA Renewals
It is recommended that you submit your DACA renewal application at least 150 to 120 days before the expiration of your current DACA and employment authorization. This timeline helps ensure that there is enough time for USCIS to process your application and avoid any lapses in your DACA status and work authorization.
To apply for a DACA renewal, you need to submit Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-765WS (Worksheet to establish your economic need for employment authorization). Make sure you use the most recent versions of these forms, which can be found on the USCIS website.
For a DACA renewal, you generally do not need to submit as much documentation as you did for your initial DACA application. However, you should provide any new documents related to removal proceedings or criminal history that have not been previously submitted. Additionally, if there have been any significant changes in your personal information or circumstances since your last DACA application, you may need to provide supporting documentation.
The total filing fee for a DACA renewal application is $495, which includes a $410 fee for the Form I-765 and an $85 biometric services fee. You must submit this payment with your application, and it is generally non-refundable. In some cases, fee exemptions may be available for applicants who can demonstrate significant financial hardship.
If your DACA renewal application is denied, you will lose the protection from deportation and work authorization provided by DACA. It’s important to note that USCIS may refer your case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they believe you pose a threat to public safety or national security. If your renewal is denied, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to explore other potential options for maintaining your lawful presence in the United States.
Traveling outside the U.S. while your DACA renewal is pending is generally not recommended. To travel internationally, DACA recipients need to apply for advance parole using Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). However, USCIS is no longer granting advance parole to DACA recipients, making international travel risky. If you leave the country without proper authorization, your DACA renewal application may be considered abandoned, and you could face difficulties re-entering the United States.
If your current DACA expires before your renewal application is approved, you will lose your protection from deportation and work authorization. This could potentially impact your employment and daily life. However, once your renewal application is approved, your DACA status and work authorization will be reinstated. To minimize the risk of a lapse in your status, it is crucial to submit your renewal application well in advance of your expiration date.
It depends on the specifics of your situation. Certain criminal convictions or involvement in gang activity can make you ineligible for DACA renewal. If you have had any encounters with law enforcement since your initial DACA approval, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney before submitting your renewal application. They can help you assess your eligibility and guide you on how to proceed.
Yes, you can still apply for DACA renewal even if your current DACA has expired. However, you should submit your renewal application as soon as possible to minimize the time you spend without DACA protection and work authorization. Keep in mind that if your DACA has been expired for more than a year, you will need to submit a new initial DACA application rather than a renewal.
While your renewal application is pending, you are not considered to be in unlawful presence. However, your work authorization will expire with your current DACA, which could impact your employment. Once your renewal application is approved, your DACA status and work authorization will be reinstated.
Yes, you can change your address while your DACA renewal application is pending. You should promptly notify USCIS of any address changes by submitting a Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) online or by mail. It is essential to keep your contact information up to date with USCIS to ensure you receive important notices and updates regarding your application.
If your DACA renewal is approved, your new DACA status and work authorization will generally be valid for two years from the date of approval.
Unfortunately, there is no formal appeal process for denied DACA renewal applications. However, if you believe your application was denied due to an administrative error or mistake, you can submit a request for a review of your case to USCIS. Additionally, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your situation and explore any other potential options for maintaining your lawful presence in the United States.
To be eligible for DACA renewal, you must have continuously resided in the United States since your last DACA approval. If you have traveled outside the U.S. without advance parole or have had significant gaps in your physical presence, you may not meet the continuous residence requirement. It’s important to consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate your specific situation and determine if you’re still eligible for renewal.
Yes, you should provide any updates to your contact information or personal circumstances in your renewal application. This includes changes in your address, phone number, email, employment, or family situation. Ensuring that your renewal application is accurate and up-to-date can help facilitate a smoother and more efficient processing of your request.