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DACA renewals and what is still possible in 2026
Renewals for existing recipients, plus an honest read on new filings.
Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Short answer
DACA renewals are still being accepted and approved for people who already have it; first-time applications can be filed but are not being granted while the litigation continues. File a renewal 120 to 150 days before expiry so your work permit does not lapse.
Keep your DACA work permit current without a gap.
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a type of immigration relief under President Obama that was made available to young people who came to the United States as children and who met certain requirements. USCIS began accepting DACA applications on August 15, 2012. DACA was available to those who are in removal proceedings or have received final removal orders, as well as those who have never been in removal proceedings.
On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take appropriate action to preserve and fortify DACA, consistent with applicable law.
In compliance with an order of a United States District Court, and effective Dec. 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is:
Accepting first-time requests for consideration of deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) based on the terms of the DACA policy in effect prior to Sept. 5, 2017, and in accordance with the Court's Dec. 4, 2020, order
Who can apply for DACA?
You may request DACA if you:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:
- You were in illegal immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or
- Any lawful immigration or parole status you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, and expired on June 15, 2012, or still in effect;
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
As of June 28, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still accepting DACA renewal applications from anyone who has previously had DACA.
Who can renew?
You may request a renewal if you met the initial DACA guidelines and you:
Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole; Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request was approved; Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
When to renew?
You should submit your renewal request about 120 days or 4 months before your current period of deferred action expires. If you submit your request more than 150 days or 5 months before the expiration date, USCIS may reject your renewal application, with instructions to resubmit it closer to the expiration date.
If your DACA expired within one year, you could still be eligible for renewal. It is important to speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Who qualifies?
You already hold DACA
Renewals are the reliable route today.
Your DACA has not been expired more than a year
Longer than that and you must file as an initial request.
You have no disqualifying criminal record
Felonies, significant misdemeanours or three or more misdemeanours disqualify.
You have been continuously present in the U.S.
Trips abroad without advance parole can break this.
Schedule a case evaluation
Tell us your situation. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case.
Schedule Free Case EvaluationWe reply within 1 business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Four questions. Nothing you answer is stored or sent to us.
What does the process look like?
Confirm eligibility and timing
Same week
We check your grant history, record and expiry date.
Prepare and file the renewal
1 to 2 weeks
Forms, fee and evidence of continuous presence.
Biometrics if requested
4 to 8 weeks
Not always required on renewals.
Approval and new work permit
3 to 8 months
Two more years of work authorization.
How long does it take?
Most DACA renewals are decided in 3 to 8 months. Filing 120 to 150 days before expiry is what keeps your work permit continuous.
What does it cost?
Flat fee for the renewal.
Renewals are priced as a simple flat fee. If your case involves an arrest, a long absence or an expired grant, we quote it separately because it takes real work.
Government filing fees are set by the agencies and are not part of our fee.
Frequently asked questions
You can file, but initial requests are not being granted while the court case continues. We will tell you honestly whether filing is worth it in your situation.
Contact
Tell us about your case
Send us the basics and we'll reply within one business day in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- We reply within one business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp.
- Attorney input is part of our case evaluation process from the start. The information you share is carefully reviewed with an attorney.
Take the Next Step Today
Whether you need help with a visa, a green card, or deportation defense, we're ready to help.
Reach out to our trusted immigration law attorneys in Coral Springs and South Florida.