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DACA, a federal immigration program, allows certain undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children to remain in the country for renewable two-year periods. If you are a recipient of DACA, renewing your status means more than just filling out paperwork, it is vital for your ability to live and work legally in the United States. Timely preparation and strong documentation can significantly improve your chances of a successful renewal. Don’t wait until the last minute! Start gathering your evidence early and seek professional assistance by contacting a trusted immigration lawyer.

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Know DACA Renewal Criteria

Renewing DACA status is required every two years and preparing a complete and accurate application is critical to avoiding any gaps in your status and the serious consequences that can come with them.  Before collecting your documentation, it’s important to confirm that you are still eligible for DACA.  According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may renew if:

  • You have not left the U.S. without advance parole since August 15, 2012
  • You have resided continuously in the United States since your most recent DACA approval
  • You have not been convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors

If you meet these criteria, you may begin preparing your renewal application. If you have any doubts or questions, contact an immigration attorney at CoxEsq, PC.

Gather the Required Forms

The forms required for a DACA renewal include the same documents that were required with the initial application.  These include:

  • Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
  • Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
  • Form I-765WS: Worksheet 
  • Filing fees: $495 

You must also include a copy of your current EAD card and passport. You will also need proof of continuous residence is the U.S.

Collect Evidence of Continuous Residence

One of the most essential parts of your application is proving that you have lived in the U.S. continuously since your last DACA approval. The best way to do this is by collecting documentation that spans the entire period since your last approval notice. Strong evidence of proof of residence includes:

  • Lease agreements 
  • Utility bills 
  • Pay stubs or employment records
  • Bank statements
  • Taxes
  • School records or report cards
  • Receipts from purchases with your name and U.S. address

Remember, having more documentation is always better than not having enough.  

Start Early and Stay Organized

USCIS recommends submitting your DACA renewal application 120 to 150 days before your current status expires. While that’s the submission window, the preparation process should begin much earlier. Gathering two years’ worth of documents can take time. By staying organized throughout your DACA period, such as maintaining a dedicated file for bills, school letters, and pay stubs as you go along, you can avoid last-minute stress and make your renewal much smoother.

What Happens If I Miss My Renewal Period?

Even if your DACA status has expired, you may still be eligible to renew if it’s been less than one year since expiration. However, if more than a year has passed, you will be considered a new applicant, and under the current policy, new DACA applications are being accepted, but are not being processed. In this case, you could lose all the protections DACA offers, including work authorization and protection from deportation.

The Value of Legal Help

Given the complex and evolving nature of immigration law, working with a knowledgeable immigration attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. An attorney can:

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  • Review your documents to ensure completeness and accuracy
  • Help you avoid errors that could delay or jeopardize your renewal
  • Identify potential risks if you have criminal charges or immigration issues in your past
  • Keep you informed of legal updates that may affect your eligibility

Always make sure you an immigration attorney review your application prior to submission.

Contact CoxESQ, PC Immigration Law Firm For Help To Renew Your DACA Status

At CoxESQ, PC, we understand the importance of protecting your DACA status and the right to pursue the American dream. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you navigate every step of the DACA renewal process with clarity and care. Your future deserves skilled and personalized guidance.  Contact us today to learn how we can support you through the renewal process, in additional to all your immigration needs.