Your DACA expires in four months.
The news frequently discusses court cases. You are unsure about what to do.
DACA renewal extends your deportation protection and work permit for two more years. Courts allow renewals to continue even during ongoing lawsuits.
In this guide, we will cover who qualifies, the filing process, fees, and timing, what courts decided recently, and mistakes to avoid.
Who Can Renew DACA in 2025?
You must already have DACA to qualify for renewal. First-time applicants can’t be approved right now due to existing court orders.
You must have lived continuously in the U.S. with no felonies and misdemeanors since your last approval. You can’t threaten national security or public safety.
Renewing DACA eligibility is more straightforward than the initial application. You don’t have to prove school enrollment or military service again. Those requirements only apply the first time.
In 2025, courts took a different stance on renewals. On January 17, the Fifth Circuit ruled that USCIS could continue processing renewal applications but not new ones. Current recipients can therefore keep their status and renew as usual.
How to Renew DACA Step by Step
Here’s what you actually need to do.
Step 1: Complete Required Forms
File Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization. Include Form I-765 Worksheet if filing I-765.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect proof of identity, like your passport or birth certificate. Include your previous DACA approval notice (Form I-797). Provide evidence of continuous presence, such as school records, pay stubs, utility bills, or medical records. Add any documents showing you meet eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Choose Filing Method
File online through your USCIS account or mail paper forms to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Online filing is faster and easier to track.
Step 4: Pay Fees
The total fee is $555 if filed online or $605 if filed by mail as of 2025. Pay by credit card using Form G-1450, by ACH using Form G-1650, or request a fee exemption using Form G-1651 if eligible.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics
USCIS schedules biometric appointments within 30-60 days. You will need to bring a valid photo ID, because they take fingerprints and photos.
Step 6: Wait for Decision
USCIS processes most renewals within 120 days. Check your case status online using your receipt number. You’ll receive your new Employment Authorization Document if approved.
Timing, Fees, and Processing Expectations
USCIS says file 120 to 150 days before expiration. That’s four to five months ahead of schedule. This prevents gaps if processing runs slowly.
Don’t file earlier than 150 days. It won’t help, and don’t file later than 120 days- that’s too risky.
Processing speed varies. The timeline for DACA renewal was one month, on average, in fiscal 2023, and under two months in early 2024. By mid-2025, some offices took 2.5 to 3 months because of backlogs.
Online filing costs $555, and Mail costs $605. Fee exemptions work for minors under 18 whose family earns below 400% of poverty level.
Track your case at USCIS.gov by using your receipt number. Turn on text alerts for updates.
2025 Court Updates & What They Mean for Renewals
Courts still fight about DACA because judges disagree abouti t’s legality, but renewals continue to be processed.
On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that parts of the DACA Final Rule violate federal immigration law. However, the court maintained the stay, allowing current DACA recipients to renew.
The Fifth Circuit limited its injunction to Texas. If the decision takes full effect, Texas residents might lose work authorization under DACA but keep deportation protection. The district court hasn’t implemented this yet.
On March 11, 2025, the Fifth Circuit issued its mandate returning the case to the district court. Judge Hanen must now modify his order to reflect the appellate decision.
Practical meaning for you: renewals are being processed nationwide. Current DACA recipients in all states should renew on schedule. Nothing changes immediately, even for residents of Texas.
Risks, Common Issues, and How to Reduce Them
Filing late can cause serious issues. If your DACA expires before your renewal is approved, you temporarily lose work authorization and deportation protection.
Missing documents can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case by weeks or even months. Always include everything USCIS requires the first time.
A criminal record can block renewals. Even minor arrests may raise red flags. If you’ve ever been arrested, speak with an immigration lawyer before submitting your application.
Traveling after your DACA expires ends your protection permanently unless you have approved advance parole. Never leave the country after expiration without it.
Avoid these risks by filing early, keeping copies of all documents, responding quickly to USCIS requests, and updating your address whenever you move.
If your application is denied, contact an attorney right away. You only have 30 days to file a motion asking USCIS to review the decision.
Staying Ready: DACA Renewal in Uncertain Times
File your DACA renewal in the right window and track its progress online. Save copies of receipts and approvals.
Watch for court news from USCIS, immigrant groups, and legal organizations. Lawsuits continue, and the rules can change fast.
Filing early protects you if courts suddenly change things.
If you need personalized help or have further questions, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com. You can ask your questions free and have experienced immigration attorneys answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for DACA for the first time in 2025?
USCIS can receive new applications but cannot approve them due to court orders. New applications remain pending, while current recipients can still renew as usual
How early should I file my DACA renewal?
File 120 to 150 days before yours expires. That’s four to five months.
What happens if my renewal is denied?
You lose protection and work authorization. You can file a motion within 30 days asking USCIS to reconsider. Get an attorney immediately to figure out why they denied you.
Will my EAD stay valid while renewal is pending?
Your current work permit stays good until the date printed on it. If it expires before approval comes, you can’t work until they approve the renewal.
Can I travel while my renewal is pending or after it expires?
Don’t travel after DACA expires without advance parole. Leaving ends your DACA. If yours is still valid, apply for advance parole before going anywhere.
