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The USCIS filing fee for a DACA renewal is currently $495. This fee covers both Form I-821D (Deferred Action) and Form I-765 (Employment Authorization). Payment must be made by check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.' Do not send cash. Always verify the current fee at USCIS.gov before submitting, as fees can change.

A complete DACA renewal package requires three USCIS forms: (1) Form I-821D — Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; (2) Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization; and (3) Form I-765WS — Worksheet (which calculates your income-to-poverty ratio). All three must be submitted together in a single package. DFT prepares all three forms as part of our DACA renewal service.

USCIS recommends submitting your renewal application 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before your current DACA period expires. Applying this early ensures your renewal is processed before your current protection ends. Do not wait until the last few weeks — late applications risk gaps in your employment authorization and deferred action status.

Yes — if your current DACA and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expire while your renewal is pending, you may still be authorized to work under an automatic extension rule if you filed on time and your case is still pending. Your I-797 receipt notice serves as proof. However, this is a nuanced area — check with a professional to confirm your specific situation and make sure your employer is aware.

No — DACA status alone does NOT allow international travel. Leaving the U.S. without first obtaining Advance Parole (Form I-131) can result in abandonment of your DACA and possible bars to re-entry. If you need to travel internationally for humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons, you must apply for and receive Advance Parole before departing. Contact us before making any international travel plans.

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice from USCIS asking for additional documentation or clarification before they can make a decision on your case. Receiving an RFE does not mean your application is denied — it means USCIS needs more information. You must respond within the deadline stated in the RFE (typically 87 or 90 days). Respond completely and on time. DFT Digital Multiservice provides RFE response guidance for clients whose cases we prepared.

If your DACA expires while your renewal is pending and you filed the renewal on time, you may still maintain certain protections under USCIS policy — but this is a complex and sensitive area. Do not travel internationally, do not stop working based on an expired EAD alone (check your receipt notice), and document everything carefully. If your previous DACA expired and you have a lapse in status, contact a professional immediately — do not attempt to navigate this situation on your own.

If you are renewing only your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) without a concurrent DACA renewal, the filing fee is currently $520. However, DACA recipients renew both I-821D and I-765 together for the combined fee of $495. Verify all fees at USCIS.gov before submitting, as USCIS updates these periodically.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a temporary protection from deportation — it is not a legal immigration status and does not provide a path to a Green Card or citizenship on its own. A Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residence) grants permanent authorization to live and work in the U.S. long-term, and may eventually lead to citizenship. DACA recipients must explore separate immigration pathways (such as family petitions or employer sponsorship) to potentially obtain a Green Card. Consult a licensed immigration attorney to discuss your individual options.