Lawmakers Urge DACA Holders to Renew Early Amid Renewals Push

Lawmakers and federal immigration agencies are urging current DACA recipients to file renewals early. The reason is simple: DACA is operating under active litigation, and processing delays can create gaps in protection and work authorization. Current recipients can still request renewals, even while the courts limit USCIS from granting first-time DACA requests.

This guide explains how to renew DACA through USCIS using Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and the related forms most renewal applicants must file.

⏱️ Renewal Timing (USCIS guidance): USCIS “strongly encourage[s]” DACA recipients to file 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before expiration, to reduce the risk of a gap in protection and work authorization. (USCIS DACA page: DACA)

Quick reference: DACA renewal forms at a glance (as of December 2025)

💰 Current Fee (as of Dec 2025): DACA renewal filing is $555 online or $605 paper. Verify at uscis.gov/fees before paying. Wrong fees can cause rejection.

Who should file Form I-821D for a DACA renewal

You should generally file a DACA renewal package if:

• You currently have DACA, or you had DACA and it expired recently.
• You want to renew both:
• Deferred action, and
• Your EAD (work permit), which is tied to DACA.

USCIS can accept renewal requests while DACA remains in litigation. Many applicants are filing early because court orders can change quickly. Delays can also affect employment.

Eligibility requirements for DACA renewals (practical checklist)

USCIS reviews renewals case-by-case. In practice, you should be prepared to show you still merit deferred action. Common eligibility points include:

• You previously received DACA approval.
• You are requesting renewal within the recommended window, when possible.
• You have not left the U.S. on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole, or otherwise created eligibility issues.
• You have no new disqualifying criminal history, including:
• A felony conviction,
• A significant misdemeanor, or
• Three or more misdemeanors (not occurring on the same date and not arising from the same incident).
• You are not considered a public safety or national security concern.

If you have any arrest, charge, or conviction since your last approval, speak to a qualified immigration attorney before filing. Small cases can still trigger a denial or an RFE.

Step-by-step: How to file a DACA renewal with USCIS

Step 1: Confirm your expiration date and target filing window

1. Look at your Form I-797 DACA approval notice and your EAD card.
2. Count back 150 to 120 days from the expiration date.
3. Plan to file inside that window when possible.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Filing too late. If your EAD expires before approval, your employer may have to remove you from payroll.

Step 2: Choose online filing or paper filing

• Online filing is often faster and reduces mail risks. File through my.uscis.gov.
• Paper filing is still available, but follow the updated payment rules described below.

Step 3: Prepare the required forms (renewal package)

Most DACA renewal applicants file these three items together:

1. Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
2. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
3. Form I-765WS, Worksheet (economic need worksheet)

Use the latest edition of each form from https://www.uscis.gov/forms. Do not use old editions.

Step 4: Pay the correct fee using an accepted payment method

As of late 2025, USCIS changed how it accepts payments for DACA renewals.

• If filing online, you pay electronically in your USCIS account.
• If filing by mail, follow the payment rules in the Form I-821D instructions.

The reported policy change in 2025 is that USCIS stopped accepting paper-based payments for DACA renewals. Fees must be paid by credit card using Form G-1450 or by ACH using Form G-1650. Always confirm current instructions on the USCIS form page before mailing.

Step 5: Assemble supporting documents

USCIS does not require every renewal applicant to resend every document from the first filing. Many renewals can be approved with minimal documents. You should still include items that prevent delays, especially if anything changed.

Step 6: Submit and track your case

1. After filing, USCIS issues a receipt notice in your online account or by mail.
2. You may receive a biometrics appointment notice, if required.
3. Track your case at my.uscis.gov.

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), respond by the deadline. Late responses can lead to denial.

Required supporting documents for a DACA renewal (what to include)

USCIS requirements can vary by case history. Include what fits your situation. These are the most common renewal documents:

• Include translations for any document not in English.
• The translator must certify the translation is complete and accurate.

Where to file Form I-821D (DACA renewal)

• Online: File through my.uscis.gov.
• By mail: Use the lockbox address listed in the Form I-821D “Where to File” section in the USCIS instructions. Addresses can change.

USCIS posts the official form page here: https://www.uscis.gov/I-821D.

Processing times for DACA renewals (what to expect)

DACA renewal processing times are USCIS estimates and can change quickly. Timing depends on filing volume, security checks, and whether USCIS issues an RFE.

• Late 2025 reporting indicates some renewals are taking about 2.5–3 months.
• Check the official USCIS tool: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
• Expect longer timelines if:
• You move and do not update your address,
• USCIS needs biometrics,
• You have a criminal history issue,
• USCIS issues an RFE.

⏱️ Processing Time: Check current estimates at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ (as of December 2025). Times vary by form category and workload. No timeline is guaranteed.

Common mistakes that cause delays or rejections

1. Filing outside the recommended 120–150 day window. Late filing increases EAD gap risk.
2. Paying the wrong fee or using a payment type USCIS no longer accepts for DACA renewals.
3. Leaving blanks in key form fields. Use “N/A” or “None” when appropriate.
4. Inconsistent names and addresses across forms. Match your legal name and use the same address format.
5. Not disclosing arrests or charges. USCIS checks fingerprints and records.
6. Missing court dispositions. USCIS often pauses cases without final outcomes.
7. Not updating your address after you move. File Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card online through USCIS.

DACA litigation and renewal urgency: why filing early matters in 2025

A series of court rulings has kept DACA in a high-risk posture. The Fifth Circuit ruling in January 2025 found the DACA Final Rule unlawful, while allowing current recipients to continue renewing under a stay. This structure keeps renewals open, but it increases uncertainty for future access and timing.

Many lawmakers are urging renewals because work authorization gaps can trigger immediate job loss. Insurance and state benefit rules can also change quickly. Early filing is a practical step you control.

Next steps (file correctly and protect your timeline)

1. Confirm your DACA and EAD expiration dates, then plan to file 120–150 days before expiration.
2. Download Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS from https://www.uscis.gov/I-821D and https://www.uscis.gov/forms.
3. Verify the current fee and accepted payment method at https://www.uscis.gov/fees before paying.
4. File online at my.uscis.gov or mail to the lockbox address listed in the form instructions.
5. Track your case and messages in your USCIS account. Respond quickly to any biometrics notice or RFE.

📋 Official Resources: Download forms at https://www.uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at https://www.uscis.gov.