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DACA

What Is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain individuals who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, and is subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is the use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines may request consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and may be eligible for employment authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding DACA.

Frequently Asked Questions: DACA and Your Workplace Rights

 

DACA Renewal

If your initial two-year grant of consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is expiring on or before March 5, 2018, you may request a renewal. How to request a renewal.

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 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.

In addition, Services for Undocumented Students provides financlal support for DACA renewals. Submit a Student Success Funds form. 

 

When to Renew

It is recommended you submit your DACA renewal 120-150 days before your EAD expires. Check out this helpful DACA Renewal Calculator for assistance.

 

How to Renew

  • Complete and sign Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

    • Use the most recent version of Form I-821D on our website or USCIS will reject your form.

  • Complete and sign Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • Complete and sign Form I-765W Worksheet
  • Review the step-by-step guidelines for completing the DACA renewal application.
  • Pay filing fees 

 

Additional Documents

Do not submit any additional documents at the time you request renewal unless:

  • You have new documents involving removal proceedings or criminal history that you did not already submit to USCIS in a previously approved DACA request.

USCIS may request additional documents or statements to verify information provided in support of requests for renewal of DACA. We may contact other government agencies, education institutions, employers, or other entities in order to verify information. 

If you knowingly and willfully provide materially false information on Form I-821D, you will be committing a felony punishable by a fine or up to five years in prison, or both (see 18 U.S.C. Section 1001.) In addition, you may be placed into removal proceedings.

 

If your current period of DACA expires before you receive a renewal:

You will:

Unless you:

Accrue unlawful presence for any time between the periods of deferred action

Were under 18 years of age at the time you submitted your renewal request

Not be authorized to work in the United States regardless of your age at the time of filing

Receive a new Employment Authorization Document from USCIS

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