Don't Miss Your DACA Deadline: Renew Like a Pro
Why You Need to Know About DACA Renewal Right Now
A DACA renewal lawyer helps Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients maintain their work authorization and protection from deportation by ensuring renewal applications are filed correctly and on time. With ongoing legal uncertainties and policy changes, professional legal guidance is essential for protecting your status.
Quick Answer: What a DACA Renewal Lawyer Does
Reviews your eligibility - Confirms you meet all renewal requirements before filing.
Prepares your application - Completes Forms I-821D and I-765 accurately to avoid rejections.
Manages deadlines - Files 120-150 days before expiration to prevent lapses in status.
Handles complications - Addresses criminal records, travel issues, or expired DACA (over 1 year).
Responds to USCIS - Manages Requests for Evidence and biometrics appointments.
Protects your rights - Helps you steer policy changes and legal challenges affecting DACA.
Your DACA status is temporary and doesn't renew automatically. Missing your deadline can have serious consequences. As of 2025, USCIS continues to accept renewal requests, but filing fees have increased to $555 (online) or $605 (paper). Critically, if your DACA expired more than a year ago, your renewal is treated as an initial request—which USCIS currently accepts but does not process due to court orders.
The stakes are high. Without valid DACA, you lose your work authorization and begin accumulating "unlawful presence," which complicates future attempts to obtain permanent legal status.
With ongoing litigation and potential policy shifts, many immigration attorneys urge DACA recipients to renew as soon as eligible. The legal landscape is uncertain, and being in the USCIS processing queue is better than waiting on the sidelines.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your DACA—when to file, what forms you need, how much it costs, and when a DACA renewal lawyer is critical to maintaining your status.
Understanding DACA: What It Is and Who It Helps
Let's start with a quick overview of DACA and the individuals it supports.
What is DACA and who are DREAMers?
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program established in 2012. It followed the failure of the DREAM Act in Congress and allows certain individuals who came to the U.S. as children to receive deferred action from deportation and a work permit.
DACA does not grant legal status or a path to citizenship. It provides temporary protection and the ability to work legally. Immigrants eligible for DACA are often called DREAMers, reflecting their aspirations and the legislative efforts that inspired the program. They were brought to the U.S. as children and consider it their home.
What are the eligibility requirements for DACA?
To be eligible for DACA, individuals must meet strict criteria. For initial requests (which are not currently being processed for new applicants), the requirements include:
Being under 31 as of June 15, 2012.
Arriving in the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
Continuously residing in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
Being physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of your request.
Having no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012.
Being in school, having a high school diploma or GED, or being an honorably discharged veteran.
Not having been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and not posing a threat to national security or public safety.
For DACA renewal, you must have met the initial guidelines and:
Not departed the U.S. on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole.
Continuously resided in the U.S. since your last DACA approval.
Maintained a clean criminal record as per the guidelines.
What are the benefits of DACA?
The benefits of DACA are significant and include:
Protection from Deportation: Deferred action means the government agrees not to pursue your removal for a set period.
Work Authorization: An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows you to work legally, opening doors to better jobs.
Driver's License: In many states, DACA recipients can obtain a driver's license.
Stops Accrual of Unlawful Presence: This is crucial, as too much unlawful presence can bar you from future immigration benefits.
Access to Opportunities: DACA allows recipients to pursue higher education and professional careers.
These benefits are temporary, typically granted for two years, which makes timely renewals essential.
Mastering the DACA Renewal Process
Renewing your DACA is manageable if you break it down into clear steps. Precision and timeliness are key, whether you file online or by mail.
When should DACA recipients renew their applications?
USCIS strongly recommends submitting your DACA renewal application 120 to 150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire. Filing too early can lead to rejection, while filing too late risks a lapse in your status and work authorization. A lapse could mean losing your job and accumulating unlawful presence. The National Immigration Law Center offers a helpful DACA Renewal Calculator to find your ideal filing window.
Some recipients consider renewing earlier, but this is a personal decision best made in consultation with a DACA renewal lawyer.
What are the risks of not renewing DACA on time?
The consequences of a late renewal can be severe:
Loss of Work Authorization: Your EAD will expire, making it illegal to work.
Accumulation of Unlawful Presence: This can trigger 3- or 10-year bars to re-entry if you leave the U.S., harming future immigration prospects.
Risk of Deportation: Without DACA, you are no longer protected from removal proceedings.
Renewal Complications: If your DACA is expired for over a year, your application is treated as an initial request, which USCIS is not currently processing due to court orders.
What are the differences between online and mail-in DACA renewal processes?
You have two options for submitting your renewal. Here’s a comparison:
Online DACA Renewal
Process: File Forms I-821D and I-765 through a USCIS online account.
Cost: $555 (includes a $50 discount).
Payment: A single electronic payment.
Tracking: Easily track your case status online.
Note: You must print, complete, and upload the Form I-765WS worksheet separately.
Mail-in DACA Renewal
Process: Download and complete paper versions of Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS.
Cost: $605.
Payment: After October 28, 2025, USCIS will require electronic payments via Form G-1650 or Form G-1450. Before then, separate checks or money orders are accepted.
Mailing: Use a cover letter template and send your package via priority mail with tracking to the correct USCIS address.
Regardless of the method, ensure all information is accurate and consistent with previous filings.
The Critical Role of a DACA Renewal Lawyer
Navigating DACA renewal, especially with a shifting legal landscape, often requires more than just filling out forms. A seasoned DACA renewal lawyer is an indispensable ally.
How can a DACA renewal lawyer assist with the renewal process?
A lawyer from Guerra Bravo Law Firm offers comprehensive support. We don't just process paperwork; we provide peace of mind by:
Reviewing Eligibility: We conduct a thorough review to confirm you still meet all DACA requirements.
Completing Forms Accurately: We carefully prepare Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS to prevent errors that cause delays or rejections.
Managing Deadlines: We help you file within the crucial 120-150 day window to avoid a lapse in status.
Addressing Complications: We strategize the best approach if you have a criminal history, have traveled abroad, or your DACA has expired.
Responding to USCIS: We guide you through Requests for Evidence (RFE) and biometrics appointments.
Navigating Legal Changes: We keep you informed about litigation and policy shifts, adjusting your strategy as needed.
What are the potential pitfalls in DACA renewal?
A DACA renewal lawyer is crucial for mitigating common risks:
Criminal History: Even minor arrests can affect eligibility. A lawyer assesses your record, determines its impact, and helps gather court documents to present your case properly. Consulting an attorney is critical if you have any history with law enforcement.
Changes in Personal Information: Failing to report a new address or name can cause you to miss important USCIS correspondence. A lawyer ensures all forms are current and advises on proper update procedures.
Incorrect Documentation: Missing or outdated forms can lead to rejection. We verify that all paperwork is current, complete, and supported by necessary evidence, like new passport photos.
Missed Deadlines: Filing too early or too late can result in rejection or a status lapse. We help establish a clear timeline for timely submission.
Accurate documentation is the backbone of a successful renewal. We recommend keeping a copy of your previous application to ensure consistency. Our team cross-references new filings with old ones, identifies information gaps, and organizes your package for a smooth review by USCIS.
DACA's Legal Landscape: Challenges, Uncertainties, and Pathways
The DACA program has always existed under a cloud of uncertainty. Understanding this dynamic environment is crucial for any recipient.
What are the current legal challenges and uncertainties surrounding DACA?
DACA's legal status has been turbulent, particularly since a 2021 Southern District of Texas ruling declared the program illegal. Subsequent rulings, including a January 2025 decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, have added complexity.
Key Legal Takeaways:
Initial Requests Halted: USCIS accepts initial DACA requests but will not adjudicate them while the court order remains in effect. New applications are stuck in limbo.
Renewals Continue (For Now): USCIS continues to accept and process renewal requests for individuals whose DACA has not expired or expired within one year. Current DACA recipients can still renew.
Ongoing Litigation: The Fifth Circuit found parts of the DACA rule unlawful but kept a stay in place for current recipients. The case is back in lower courts, making the future uncertain.
These uncertainties underscore the importance of renewing as soon as you are eligible. Being in the USCIS processing queue is better than waiting to see what happens.
Can DACA recipients get a Green Card or U.S. Citizenship through DACA alone?
No, DACA alone does not offer a direct path to a Green Card or U.S. Citizenship. It is a temporary form of deferred action.
However, DACA can indirectly help. By stopping the accrual of "unlawful presence," it can be a significant advantage if other avenues for permanent residency become available, such as through family or employment sponsorship. For example, a DACA recipient who marries a U.S. citizen and has obtained advance parole for a lawful re-entry may have a smoother path to adjusting their status. This is a complex area, and we strongly advise consulting with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer to explore your options.
How do criminal convictions affect DACA eligibility and renewal?
Criminal convictions are a serious barrier. USCIS has clear guidelines on disqualifying offenses:
Felonies: Any felony conviction is disqualifying.
Significant Misdemeanors: Includes offenses like domestic violence, DUI, sexual abuse, or drug trafficking. A single conviction can lead to disqualification.
Multiple Misdemeanors: Three or more non-significant misdemeanors are also disqualifying.
If you have any criminal history, you must consult with a DACA renewal lawyer before filing. We can assess the offense, its impact on your eligibility, and advise on the best way to proceed.
Financials and Filing: Costs, Assistance, and Submission Methods
Understanding the costs and submission methods is key to a smooth DACA renewal process.
What are the costs associated with DACA renewal, and are there resources for financial assistance?
As of April 1, 2024, DACA renewal fees have increased. The total cost depends on your filing method.
Current DACA Renewal Fees:
Electronic Filing (Online): $555
$470 for Form I-765 (Work Permit)
$85 for Form I-821D (DACA Renewal)
Paper Filing (Mail-in): $605
$520 for Form I-765
$85 for Form I-821D
Payment Methods: For paper filing, USCIS will require electronic payments via Form G-1650 (ACH) or Form G-1450 (credit card) starting October 28, 2025. Until then, checks or money orders are accepted.
Resources for Financial Assistance: If the fees are a barrier, several resources may help:
Local Non-Profits: Organizations often provide free or low-cost legal aid and financial help. Use the Informed Immigrant DACA help map or Legal Service Directory to find local support.
Mexican Consulates: May offer assistance to DACA recipients of Mexican origin.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe host campaigns for DACA renewal fees.
Community Support: Consider asking family and friends for help. A template here can help you craft a request.
Employer Assistance: Some employers may cover renewal costs.
Dedicated Funds: Programs like United We Dream's DACA renewal fund and Mission Asset Fund's DACA Fee Assistance Program are designed to help with fees.
A DACA renewal lawyer can also connect you with financial assistance resources in our community.
Finding Your Legal Advocate: Qualified Lawyers and Comprehensive Strategies
In the intricate world of immigration law, choosing the right legal partner is paramount. A qualified DACA renewal lawyer can make all the difference.
How can one find a qualified and reputable DACA renewal lawyer?
Finding the right representation in the Rio Grande Valley is a crucial step. Look for:
Immigration Law Specialization: Seek lawyers who focus exclusively on US Immigration Law, like our firm.
DACA Experience: Ensure the lawyer has a strong track record with DACA renewals.
Reputation: Look for positive client testimonials and a strong professional standing.
Accreditation: Verify the lawyer is licensed. Beware of unlicensed "immigration consultants."
Local Knowledge: For those in McAllen, Brownsville, and surrounding areas, a lawyer familiar with the local immigration landscape is invaluable. Attorney Iris Guerra Bravo brings over 14 years of insider experience with ICE and DHS, offering unique, battle-tested strategies to our clients.
What services beyond DACA renewal does a top-tier immigration law firm offer?
A comprehensive firm like Guerra Bravo Law Firm offers a wide array of services, including:
Green Cards (Family and Employment-based)
U.S. Citizenship Application Assistance and Naturalization Interview prep
Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
Removal Defense and Asylum
Family Immigration Petitions
Advance Parole for DACA recipients
U-Visas, T-Visas, and VAWA petitions
We are proud to serve the Spanish-speaking community as Abogados de Migración throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
How does a comprehensive legal strategy benefit DACA recipients?
A comprehensive strategy looks at your entire immigration picture. It involves:
A Custom Approach: We develop an individualized plan that considers your unique background and goals.
Proactive Problem Solving: With Iris Guerra Bravo's insider experience, we anticipate and address potential issues before they become problems.
Long-Term Planning: We discuss potential pathways to more permanent status, helping you prepare for future opportunities.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have an experienced team advocating for your best interests reduces the stress of the immigration journey.
The role of a DACA renewal lawyer extends beyond legal technicalities; it's about changing lives. At Guerra Bravo Law Firm, our personal connection to the immigrant experience fuels our compassionate and committed approach. Our mission is to empower you to take control of your future by providing expert legal advice custom to your unique circumstances.
Staying Informed and Preparing for the Future
The DACA landscape is dynamic, and staying informed is your best defense against uncertainty.
How can individuals prepare for potential changes in DACA policy?
Preparation is key to navigating the unpredictable nature of DACA:
Stay Informed: Regularly check official USCIS announcements and reliable immigration news sources, like email updates about DACA and issues affecting immigrant youth.
Consult Legal Counsel: Schedule periodic check-ins with your DACA renewal lawyer to discuss any changes in your situation or the legal environment.
Maintain Records: Keep meticulous records of all DACA applications, approvals, EADs, and travel documents.
Explore Other Options: Discuss with your attorney if you might be eligible for other immigration pathways.
Advocate: Engage with advocacy organizations and contact your Senator or Representative.
What are the latest updates and news regarding DACA litigation and policy changes?
Here is a summary of the latest updates:
Initial DACA Requests: USCIS continues to accept initial requests but is not adjudicating them due to court orders. Applications from those whose DACA expired over a year ago are treated as initial requests and will not be processed.
DACA Renewals: USCIS is still accepting and processing renewal requests for those whose DACA has not expired or expired within one year.
Fifth Circuit Ruling (January 2025): The court found parts of the DACA rule unlawful but kept a stay in place, allowing renewals to continue for now while the case proceeds in lower courts.
Advance Parole: USCIS continues to process advance parole for current DACA recipients, per its latest guidance. However, new fees may apply in the future. It is crucial to consult a lawyer before traveling, as risks may be heightened in the current political climate.
Payment Changes (October 2025): As of October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders for DACA renewals. Electronic payments will be required for all filings.
We at Guerra Bravo Law Firm are committed to staying abreast of these changes to provide you with the most current and effective legal advice.
Moving Forward: Take Control of Your Immigration Journey
The journey through immigration law, particularly with DACA, is a testament to your resilience. We know it can be filled with uncertainty, but you don't have to steer it alone.
Trust us at Guerra Bravo Law Firm to be your advocates. Our mission is to empower DACA recipients to take control of their future by providing expert legal advice custom to their unique circumstances. With our deep understanding of US Immigration Law and attorney Iris Guerra Bravo's invaluable insider experience with ICE and DHS, we are uniquely positioned to offer battle-tested, individualized legal strategies for even the most complex cases in the Rio Grande Valley.
Whether you need assistance with your DACA renewal, are exploring options for US Citizenship Claims, require Citizenship Application Assistance, or need robust Removal Defense, our team is here to guide you. We are not just your lawyers; we are your compassionate partners, dedicated to helping you achieve your American Dream.
Don't let deadlines or legal complexities stand in your way. Contact Guerra Bravo Law Firm today for a consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you.
