Don't Let Your Work Permit Expire; Follow These DACA Renewal Tips

June 5, 2015 -- Some people wait too long to request DACA renewal or do not correctly submit all the required forms and fees. As a result, their Employment Authorization Documents may expire before USCIS can finish processing their requests for DACA renewal.

You can lessen the chance that this may happen if you:

• File on time. Submit your renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration date listed on your current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document.
• Correctly submit all required forms and fees. USCIS will reject your renewal request unless you properly submit:
  • Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals;
  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization;
  • Form I-765 Worksheet; and
  • Required fees of $465
• Avoid processing delays. Be sure to submit:
  • Any new documents and information related to removal proceedings or criminal history that you have not already submitted to USCIS in a previously approved DACA request,
  • Proof of advance parole if you have traveled outside the United States since you filed your last DACA request that was approved; and
  • Proof of any legal name change.
• Respond to Requests for Evidence. USCIS may deny your renewal request if you do not respond to a Request for Evidence in a timely manner.

Since March 27, 2015, USCIS has been mailing renewal reminder notices to DACA recipients 180 days before the expiration date of their current period of deferred action. Previously, these reminder notices were mailed 100 days in advance. The earlier notices are intended to ensure that DACA recipients are reminded before the start of the recommended renewal period and have sufficient time to prepare their renewal requests.

USCIS’ current goal is to process DACA renewal requests within 120 days. You may submit an inquiry about the status of your renewal request after it has been pending more than 105 days.