Introduction
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been a lifeline for many individuals who arrived in the United States as children. As of December 2025, understanding the renewal process is crucial to maintain your status and work authorization. This article provides a comprehensive guide on DACA renewal for eligible Dreamers.
Current Status of DACA
As of January 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision regarding the DACA Final Rule. Pursuant to the court’s order, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACA regulations at 8 CFR 236.22 and 236.23. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests but will not process initial DACA requests at this time. Current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated. (uscis.gov)
Renewal Eligibility
To be eligible for DACA renewal in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012.
- Continuous Residence: You have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
- Education or Military Service: You are currently in school, have graduated, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces.
- Criminal History: You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors.
- Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
- Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
- Form I-765WS: Worksheet for Application for Employment Authorization.
- Online Filing: Create a USCIS online account to submit your forms electronically. This method allows you to track your case, respond to requests for evidence, and communicate with USCIS through your online account. (uscis.gov)
- Paper Filing: If you choose to file by mail, ensure you use the most recent versions of the forms and include the appropriate fees. Note that starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders as payment for DACA renewals. You may continue filing on paper and submit either Form G-1650 (ACH debit payments) or Form G-1450 (credit card payments). (nwirp.org)
- Advance Parole: Advance Parole remains available for current DACA recipients under specific conditions—humanitarian, educational, or employment-related travel. (lawponce.com)
- Automatic EAD Extension: The automatic 540-day extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has ended. Starting October 30, 2025, DHS and USCIS removed the temporary 540-day extension period that had applied to EAD renewals under multiple categories, including DACA (C33). This means renewal applicants will no longer receive automatic extensions of work authorization beyond the current expiration date. (lawponce.com)
- Filing Window: Submit renewal requests 120-150 days before current DACA expiration.
- Filing Fees: $555 for online filing; $605 for paper filing as of 2025.
- Biometrics Appointment: Scheduled within 30-60 days of application receipt.
- Processing Times: USCIS aims for 120-day processing; actual times may vary.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2025/01/17/2025/01/17/uscis-continues-to-accept-and-process-daca-renewal-requests
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 2024/05/13/renew-your-daca-early-possible
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, 2025/10/28/uscis-changes-payment-methods-for-daca-renewals
- Immigrant Justice, 2025/01/17/uscis-continues-to-accept-and-process-daca-renewal-requests
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2024/04/01/uscis-announces-increase-in-form-i-765-filing-fee
- DACA Renewal
- Dreamers
- Immigration Law
- USCIS
- Employment Authorization
- Biometrics Appointment
- Advance Parole
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2025/01/17/2025/01/17/uscis-continues-to-accept-and-process-daca-renewal-requests
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 2024/05/13/renew-your-daca-early-possible
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, 2025/10/28/uscis-changes-payment-methods-for-daca-renewals
- Immigrant Justice, 2025/01/17/uscis-continues-to-accept-and-process-daca-renewal-requests
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2024/04/01/uscis-announces-increase-in-form-i-765-filing-fee
Renewal Process
1. Timing Your Renewal
USCIS recommends submitting your DACA renewal request between 120 and 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date on your current DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Filing within this window reduces the risk that your current DACA and EAD will expire before USCIS makes a decision on your renewal request. (uscis.gov)
2. Required Forms
You will need to submit the following forms:
As of April 1, 2024, the Form I-765 filing fee increased to $520 if you file the paper form and $470 if you file online. The Form I-821D filing fee remains $85. If filing a paper form, include separate checks or money orders for the Form I-765 and Form I-821D filing fees. (dhs.gov)
3. Filing Methods
4. Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment within 30-60 days of receiving your renewal application. You will need to bring a valid photo ID, as they will take your fingerprints and photograph. (blog.immigrationquestion.com)
5. Processing Times
USCIS aims to process DACA renewal requests within 120 days. However, processing times can vary, and some applicants have reported waiting longer. To minimize the risk of your current DACA and EAD expiring before a decision is made, file your renewal request as early as possible within the recommended timeframe. (dhs.gov)
Important Considerations
Conclusion
Maintaining your DACA status in 2025 requires careful attention to the renewal process. By understanding the current guidelines, preparing your application accurately, and submitting it within the recommended timeframe, you can help ensure a smooth renewal experience. Stay informed about any policy changes and consult with legal experts if you have specific concerns.
Key Facts
Sources
Tags
Subcategory
Immigration Law
Readability Level
College