Introduction
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program continues to provide temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible individuals who arrived in the United States as children. As of January 2026, understanding the renewal process is crucial to maintain these benefits. This guide outlines the requirements and steps for DACA renewal in 2025.
Eligibility for DACA Renewal
To be eligible for DACA renewal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Current DACA Status: You must have an existing DACA approval that is either still valid or expired less than a year ago.
- Continuous Residence: You should have resided continuously in the U.S. since your last DACA approval.
- No Significant Criminal Convictions: You must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors.
- Age Requirement: You must have been under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012, and have arrived in the U.S. before reaching 16 years of age.
- Form I-821D: Application for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
- Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
- Form I-765WS: Worksheet for Application for Employment Authorization.
- Filing Fee: As of April 2024, the total fee is $555 for online applications and $605 for paper applications. (nwirp.org)
- Proof of Identity: A copy of your most recent Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-style photos.
- Evidence of Continuous Residence: Documents such as school records, medical records, or employment records that show your continuous presence in the U.S.
- Complete the Forms: Accurately fill out Forms I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS.
- Pay the Filing Fee: Ensure payment is made electronically using Form G-1450 (credit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH bank payment). (nwirp.org)
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your EAD copy, photographs, and evidence of continuous residence.
- Submit Your Application:
- Receive Confirmation: After submission, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS.
- Payment Method Change: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders for DACA submissions. Payments must be made electronically using Form G-1450 (credit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH bank payment). (nwirp.org)
- End of Automatic EAD Extension: The temporary 540-day extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has ended. Renewal applicants should file as early as USCIS allows to avoid employment authorization gaps. (lawponce.com)
- Filing Fee: $555 for online applications and $605 for paper applications as of April 2024.
- Processing Time: Typically 2 to 6 months.
- Payment Method Change: Electronic payments required starting October 28, 2025.
- Automatic EAD Extension Ended: No more 540-day automatic extensions for EADs.
- Texas Residents: Potential changes in DACA status affecting lawful presence and employment authorization.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2024/2025. (uscis.gov)
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, 2025. (nwirp.org)
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center, December 2025. (ilrc.org)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2024. (uscis.gov)
- Texas Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, September 2025. (txilc.org)
Required Forms and Documentation
To initiate the DACA renewal process, prepare the following forms and documents:
Filing Process
Follow these steps to submit your DACA renewal application:
– Online Filing: Create an account on the USCIS website and submit your application electronically.
– Paper Filing: Mail your application to the appropriate USCIS address.
Processing Times
USCIS aims to process DACA renewal applications within 2 to 6 months. (uscis.gov) To avoid potential gaps in employment authorization, it is recommended to apply for renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires. (ilrc.org)
Important Updates for 2025
Special Considerations for Texas Residents
As of September 30, 2025, DACA recipients in Texas may face changes in their status. If the partial stay is lifted, Texas DACA renewal applicants would receive only deferred enforcement action and no employment authorization. This change could affect lawful presence and may lead to the accrual of unlawful presence, potentially triggering 3-year or 10-year bars if you leave the U.S. (txilc.org)
Conclusion
Renewing your DACA status in 2025 requires careful attention to eligibility criteria, timely submission of required forms and fees, and awareness of recent policy changes. Staying informed and proactive will help ensure the continuation of your protection and work authorization in the United States.