DHS Announces DACA Renewal Process

The first Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approvals will begin to expire in September 2014.  To avoid a lapse in the period of deferral and employment authorization, individuals must file renewal requests before the expiration of their current period of DACA.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages requestors to submit their renewal requests approximately 120 days (four months) before their current periods of deferred action expire.

On June 5, 2014, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the process for individuals to renew enrollment in DACA.  USCIS has updated the related form to allow individuals previously enrolled in DACA to renew their deferral for a period of two years.  As of June 5, USCIS has begun accepting renewal requests.

USCIS will also continue to accept requests for DACA from individuals who have not previously sought to access the program.  As of April 2014, more than 560,000 people have enrolled in DACA.  Those who have not continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, are ineligible for DACA.

Individuals may request DACA renewal if they continue to meet the initial criteria and:

• Did not depart the United States on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole; 
• Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their most recent DACA request that was approved; and 
• 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.

Enrollees may begin the renewal process by filing the new version of Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization; and the I-765 Worksheet.  There is a $465 filing and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee for filing the I-765.  As with an initial request, USCIS will conduct a background check when processing DACA renewals.

For more information, see:

• USCIS will host national and local DACA informational sessions.  For information on DACA engagements.  Additional information will be forthcoming.  Local engagement listings.  
• USCIS’s announcement.  
• To learn more about the renewal process or requesting initial consideration of DACA.  
• The new I-821D.  
• Initial guidelines for DACA are available in the 2012 memorandum (PDF).