Understanding the DACA Renewal Process: Essential Information for 2024 Applicants

Introduction

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been a pivotal avenue for many individuals who arrived in the United States as children without legal status. As of January 2026, understanding the DACA renewal process is crucial for maintaining your status and work authorization. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the DACA renewal process for 2024 applicants.

Eligibility Criteria for DACA Renewal

To be eligible for DACA renewal, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Continuous Residence: Have continuously resided in the U.S. since your last DACA approval.
No Significant Criminal History: Not have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors.
No Threat to National Security or Public Safety: Not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
No Unauthorized Travel: Not have departed the U.S. on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole.

It’s important to note that if you file after your most recent DACA period expired, but within one year of its expiration, you may submit a request to renew your DACA. If you are filing beyond one year after your most recent period of DACA expired, you may still request DACA by submitting a new initial request. (uscis.gov)

Recommended Filing Timeline

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that applicants submit their DACA renewal requests between 150 and 120 days (approximately 5 to 4 months) before the expiration date of their current DACA approval notice (Form I-797) and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Filing within this timeframe reduces the risk of a lapse in your DACA status and work authorization. (dhs.gov)

Required Forms and Documentation

When preparing your DACA renewal application, ensure you include the following:

Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
Form I-765WS: Worksheet.
Filing Fee: As of April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form I-765 is $470 if filed online and $520 if filed on paper. The Form I-821D filing fee remains $85. (dhs.gov)
Payment Method: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders for DACA renewals. Payments must be made online or via credit card (Form G-1450) or ACH transaction (Form G-1650). (nwirp.org)
Additional Documents: If you have new documents involving removal proceedings or criminal history that you did not already submit to USCIS in a previously approved DACA request, include them with your renewal application. (uscis.gov)

Processing Times and Potential Delays

USCIS aims to process DACA renewal requests within 120 days. However, processing times can vary, and some applicants have reported delays exceeding five months. To mitigate the risk of a lapse in your DACA status and work authorization, it’s advisable to file your renewal application as early as possible within the recommended timeframe. (kelly.senate.gov)

Steps to Take if Your DACA Renewal Is Delayed

If your DACA renewal application is delayed beyond the expected processing time, consider the following steps:

Contact USCIS: Reach out to the USCIS Contact Center or send a message through your USCIS online account inbox to inquire about the status of your application.
Consult an Accredited Representative or Attorney: Seek guidance from an accredited representative or attorney to discuss the benefits and risks of applying for DACA renewal and to explore potential remedies for delays. (nilc.org)

Additional Considerations

Advance Parole: If you have previously obtained Advance Parole and traveled outside the U.S., include a copy of your Advance Parole approval and I-94 with your renewal application.
Social Security Number (SSN): If you received an SSN through DACA, it remains valid throughout your life, regardless of the program’s status. (health.ucdavis.edu)

Conclusion

Staying informed about the DACA renewal process is essential for maintaining your status and work authorization in the United States. By adhering to the recommended filing timelines, ensuring all required forms and documentation are accurately completed, and proactively addressing any delays, you can navigate the renewal process more effectively.

Key Facts

Filing Timeline: Submit renewal applications 150 to 120 days before current DACA expiration.
Filing Fees: Form I-765 fee is $470 (online) or $520 (paper); Form I-821D fee is $85.
Payment Methods: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS accepts payments via credit card (Form G-1450) or ACH transaction (Form G-1650); paper checks and money orders are no longer accepted.
Processing Times: USCIS aims to process renewals within 120 days; delays may occur.
Advance Parole: Include copies of Advance Parole approval and I-94 if applicable.

Sources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 2024/2025. (uscis.gov)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 2024. (dhs.gov)
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), 2024. (nwirp.org)
Senator Mark Kelly’s Office, 2024. (kelly.senate.gov)
National Immigration Law Center (NILC), 2024. (nilc.org)
UC Davis Center for Regional Change, 2024. (health.ucdavis.edu)

Readability Level

This article is written at a 10th-grade reading level to ensure accessibility for a broad audience.

Subcategory

Immigration Services

Recent Developments in DACA Renewal Process:

Federal government could resume taking DACA applications for permits to live and work in U.S., Published on Wednesday, October 01
La Administración Trump planea admitir nuevas solicitudes para DACA, Published on Wednesday, October 01
Appeals court rules against Obama-era policy to shield immigrants who came to US as young children, Published on Friday, January 17