The process to renew DACA is essential to maintain the program’s benefits. Learn how to submit this process, the fees, and tips to help you complete it faster.
Life offers multiple paths, and we can never be certain of what the future holds. This is the reality for millions of migrant families who arrived in the United States decades ago, seeking better opportunities and betting everything on the American Dream.
What is the current situation for DACA renewals?
Unfortunately, without legal status in the country, they face ongoing issues like fear of deportation and little to no access to basic services.
In response to this challenge, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created in 2012. The program has been highly successful, offering benefits to nearly a million dreamers.
Some resources now available to dreamers in 2-year increments include:
- Deportation protection
- Work authorization
- Social Security Number
- Advance Parole to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S.
What is the current situation for DACA renewals?
In June 2021, a Texas judge ruled the program’s policy illegal. This decision restricted initial requests, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues processing renewal applications.
Anyone approved for DACA before July 16, 2021, can renew their status by meeting the following requirements.
Requirements to renew DACA:
- Submit Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, online.
- Do not leave the United States without Advance Parole after August 15, 2012.
- Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. since the last approved DACA petition.
- Have no felony convictions, significant misdemeanors, or three or more minor offenses. You must not pose a threat to national or public safety.
USCIS recommends submitting the renewal between 120 and 150 days before the permit expires. Stay alert. If you don’t receive a response within 105 days of submission, contact USCIS to check your application status.
If you miss the recommended timeframe, you can still renew DACA within one year of its expiration under the same process. However, if you exceed this deadline, you will lose your rights and need to file an initial request. This could put your immigration status at risk due to the current situation.
USCIS fees to renew DACA
The total cost for this documentation is $605 USD. Pay close attention to every detail on Form I-821D to avoid mistakes. Fees are non-refundable if you make an error.
Ready to move forward? We offer support for renewals and Advanced Parole (travel permits) soon. But if you decide a marriage visa is the right path for you and your partner, we’re here to help. If you need support to prepare your Green Card application through marriage, start here.
