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DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a program that offers protection from deportation and work authorization to individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet certain qualifications. Since DACA doesn’t grant permanent legal status, recipients have to renew their status regularly to stay protected and keep their ability to work and reside legally in the U.S. It is important to keep up with your DACA and make sure you are renewing in time to avoid any legal or job issues. In this blog, we’ll explain the DACA renewal process, making it easier to ensure your status is renewed without any problems.
When to Renew Your DACA
Your DACA status will expire two years after the date it was approved. The expiration date is listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or approval notice. It is important to keep track of this date so you can plan accordingly when to start the renewal process. A recommended timeframe to start renewing is 120 to 150 days before it expires to ensure there won’t be any gaps or periods where you won’t have DACA. If you miss this renewal window and your DACA expires, you could lose both your protection from deportation and your work authorization.
Steps to Renew Your DACA
1. Gather Your Required Documents
Before you start your DACA renewal, you’ll need to grab a few important documents:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): This is your current work permit and has your DACA expiration date.
- Prior DACA Approval Notices: These are the letters you received when your DACA was approved or renewed previously.
2. Complete Form I-821D
The first form you will need to fill out to renew your DACA is Form I-821D, the DACA application form. Make sure you fill this out completely and accurately with updated information. Double-check for common errors, like leaving parts of the form blank or missing signatures. Even small mistakes can cause delays, so make sure you double-check it before sending it in.
3. Complete Form I-765
The second form you will need to complete is Form I-765, this is the form that renews your work authorization. This will allow you to continue working legally while under DACA protection. Similar to the previous form, make sure you are filling this form out to the best of your ability and that everything lines up with what you wrote on Form I-821D.
4. Submit Forms and Pay the Fees
Once your forms are filled out completely, it’s time to submit them. The renewal fee is $495, which covers both the DACA and biometrics fees. You can send your application online through the USCIS website or by mail.
Processing Times and What to Expect
After you submit your DACA renewal, it usually takes 2 to 4 months for the USCIS to process your application. However, processing times can vary depending on how many applications are being handled and other factors. To stay on top of things, create an online account with USCIS. This lets you track your application status, get updates, and see if they need any additional info from you. Checking it regularly is a good way to catch any issues early and make sure everything’s moving along.
Stay Ahead: Timely DACA Renewal
Renewing your DACA status on time is essential for maintaining U.S. residency status and work authorization. It is important to be aware of when your DACA will expire in order to plan accordingly and start the renewal process.
If you have questions or need assistance with your DACA renewal process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The immigration attorneys at CoxEsq, P.C. are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for expert legal guidance tailored to your situation.