[As of April 12, 2022] The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals can now be filed online.
Renewing your DACA by yourself can seem like a daunting task. The truth, however, is that in most cases you can easily renew your DACA from the comfort of your own home.
This page is a how-to on DACA renewals only for those who currently have DACA, or those whose DACA expired less than a year ago. If your DACA has expired for more than a year, your request is considered an initial request and will not be granted. Unfortunately, in 2021 Judge Hanen ruled that USCIS can no longer grant first time initial DACA applications, please see our updated DACA Guidance page for more information.
Step 1) Find Your Previous DACA Renewal Application
Having a copy of your previous DACA Renewal application will help you tremendously when starting to renew your DACA. This will give you a starting point and allow you to make sure that all the information you put on your renewal application remains consistent with your previous application.
Step 2) Create a Free USCIS Account Online
Once you have set up your online USCIS account, click on the myUSCIS to enter USCIS’s online portal. Next, under “My Account” on the top right corner you will see the option to “File a Form Online” this will let you select the form you want to file online.
You will need to complete the following forms on USCIS online portal:
- Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
You must also fill out Form I-765WS in paper and upload the completed copy to your online application. For a quick how-to on using a pdf scan up to upload documents click here.
Note: USCIS will present to Form I-765 for you to complete after you sign Form I-821D. This will allow you to submit both forms at the same time.
Step 3) Accurately fill out all your forms.
Use the copy of your previous DACA renewal application to guide you on how to fill out all fields on the forms. If you do not have a copy of your previous application, thoroughly read the instructions that come with the applications and fill it out to the best of your knowledge.
The online application will take you through the same fields that currently exist on the paper version of I-821D and I-765. Your application is saved automatically so you can always go back to it if you need more time.
Step 4) Pay the $495 Fee
Once you have completed and signed Form I-821D and Form I-765, you will need to pay the $495 fee from the online USCIS portal.
- $410 filing fee for Form I-765
- $85 biometric services fee
Note: When you file your DACA application online, you will be required to pay the $495 fee with either a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. Bank account withdrawals are also available when paying online. The system will automatically take you to the Department of Treasury site, pay.gov, to pay your fees online.
Like we said United We Dream has your back. If you or someone you know needs financial help in order to renew your DACA, check out United We Dream’s DACA Renewal Fund. On the other hand, if you want to help DACA Applicants renew their application, donate to the DACA Renewal Fund here.
Step 5) Upload Supporting Documents
It’s almost time to submit your application! After paying the application fee you will have an opportunity to upload certain supporting evidence and documents that you should provide with your renewal application.
Make a copy of your entire application before submitting to keep in your records.
After reviewing and double-checking your application for accuracy, you are ready to submit.
Step 6) Track Your Case Online
USCIS has started to request biometrics on some DACA applications. You may receive a notice scheduling you for a biometrics appointment at a USCIS office near you. Failure to show up to your appointment could result in denial of your renewal request but they can be rescheduled ahead of time by calling into USCIS.
Note: USCIS may waive the collection of certain biometrics at its discretion.
Keep an eye on your renewal! After you have submitted your form, you can track the status through your USCIS account.
Step 7) Let us know how it went.
Congrats on sending your application! Let us know how it went! United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led network that advocates to provide permanent relief for immigrants. By letting us know how your renewal process went, we will be able to better advocate for DACA recipients and our immigrant community.
Provide your feedback here: https://unitedwedream.org/already-renewed-your-daca-let-us-know-how-it-went/
