Renew DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

TITLE: Renew DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

WHAT IT IS:

Form I-821D is a request for USCIS to renew your existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Deferred action means the government decides not to remove you from the U.S. for a set time. If approved, you are protected from deportation and can apply for a work permit.

WHO NEEDS IT:

This guide is for people who already have DACA and need to renew it. According to current court orders, USCIS is only processing renewal requests for individuals who received their initial DACA status before July 16, 2021. If you are a first-time applicant, USCIS will accept your form but will not process it at this time.

HOW TO FILE:

You must submit three forms together as one package:

1. Form I-821D (this form, the DACA renewal request).

2. Form I-765 (the application for a work permit, also called an Employment Authorization Document or EAD).

3. Form I-765WS (a worksheet for the work permit application).

You can file online. The official page provides a video to show you how to file Form I-821D and Form I-765 online. If you file on paper by mail instead, the correct mailing address depends on the state where you live. You must check the “Filing Addresses for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” page on the USCIS website for the right location.

FEES:

(check the official fee schedule on the USCIS page)

CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:

The edition date for this form is 01/20/25. USCIS strongly recommends you submit your complete renewal request 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date printed on your current DACA approval notice (Form I-797). Filing earlier than 150 days will not give you a faster decision.

COMMON MISTAKES:

- Using an old edition of the form. If you print and mail it, check that the edition date "01/20/25" is visible on every page and that all pages are from the same edition. Missing or mixed pages can cause rejection.

- Filing too late. To avoid a gap in your DACA status, send your renewal no later than 120 days before you expire.

- Forgetting to sign your form. Always check the signature lines.

WHERE TO GET THE FORM:

Go to the official USCIS website and search for "I-821D" to download the current form and instructions.

SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d

DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.