Who this is for
- People who currently have DACA or whose DACA expired recently.
- Recipients who have continuously lived in the U.S. since their most recent DACA approval.
- Recipients who have not left the U.S. since their last approval without advance parole.
- Recipients who have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors, and who do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
- People whose DACA expired a long time ago may be treated as initial requesters — an attorney can confirm how USCIS would view their case.
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| I-821D | Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | The DACA request itself, filed as a renewal by current or recent recipients. |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Filed with the I-821D to renew the DACA-based work permit. |
| I-765WS | Form I-765 Worksheet | A short financial worksheet DACA requesters submit with the I-765. |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Used by current DACA recipients to request advance parole for permitted travel purposes. |
Step by step
- Check your expiration dateUSCIS generally recommends filing a renewal between 150 and 120 days before your current DACA and work permit expire.
- Check the current DACA statusReview the USCIS DACA page for any court-ordered changes, especially if you live in Texas or your DACA has lapsed.
- Complete Forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765WSFill out all three forms together, answering every question about criminal history, travel and residence since your last approval.
- Include required documents and feesAdd copies of your current EAD and any new documents, such as court records, plus the required filing fees.
- Attend biometricsUSCIS usually schedules a fingerprint and photo appointment so it can run updated background checks.
- Receive a decisionIf approved, you receive a new approval notice and a new work permit. Track your case with the receipt number in the meantime.
Documents usually requested
- Copy of your current or most recent EAD (front and back)
- Copy of your most recent DACA approval notice
- Two passport-style photos
- Government-issued ID, if your appearance or name has changed
- Court records and final dispositions for any arrests or charges since your last approval
- Advance parole document and travel records, if you traveled since your last approval
- Legal name change documents, if applicable
- Completed Form I-765WS
How long it takes
Timing depends on when you file, background checks, biometrics scheduling and any court-ordered changes to the program. Check current estimates on the USCIS processing times page and file renewals early.
Government filing fees
DACA renewals involve filing fees for Form I-765 and Form I-821D (which covers biometrics), and fee exemptions are very limited. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts on the USCIS fee schedule (uscis.gov/g-1055).
Working and traveling while you wait
You can keep working only while your DACA-based EAD is valid, so filing on time matters to avoid a gap. Travel abroad generally requires advance parole approved before you leave, and leaving without it can end your DACA.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing too late, which can leave a gap in work authorization and deferred action.
- Filing too early, outside the window USCIS recommends.
- Leaving the U.S. without advance parole, which can terminate DACA.
- Not disclosing arrests or charges since the last approval, or not including final court dispositions.
- Relying on social media rumors about the program instead of the official USCIS DACA page.
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still renew my DACA in 2026?
Yes, as of the latest official information, USCIS continues to accept and process DACA renewal requests and related work permits. The program is still subject to federal court litigation, so this could change. Always check the USCIS DACA page before filing.
Is USCIS accepting new (first-time) DACA applications?
USCIS has generally been accepting but not approving first-time DACA requests because of a federal court order in the Texas v. United States case. A 2025 appeals court decision sent the case back to the trial court, and how the program will be implemented going forward, especially in Texas, was still being decided. Check the official USCIS DACA page for current guidance.
Does the court case affect DACA recipients in Texas differently?
It may. A January 2025 appeals court decision focused on Texas and on the work authorization part of DACA, and the trial court was asked to decide how to carry that out. Current recipients in Texas should watch the USCIS DACA page closely and may want to speak with an attorney.
What if my DACA already expired?
If your DACA expired recently, USCIS generally lets you file a renewal request. If it has been expired for more than a year, USCIS usually treats the filing as an initial request, which may not be approved under the current court order. An attorney can help you understand your options.
Can DACA recipients travel outside the U.S.?
Only with advance parole approved before leaving, and generally only for purposes such as humanitarian, educational or employment reasons. Travel without advance parole usually ends DACA. Even with advance parole, reentry is decided by a border officer, so many people speak with an attorney before traveling.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.