Contents · 39 sections
- What Is DACA Status?
- What Is the Current DACA Status in October 2026?
- Where Can You Check DACA Status Online?
- Two Receipt Numbers: Form I-821D and Form I-765
- Checking a DACA Case in Your USCIS Online Account
- Can You Get a DACA Case Update by Phone?
- DACA Case Status Sequence: From Receipt to Approval
- What Do DACA Status Messages Mean?
- How Are DACA Renewals Processed Right Now?
- Are Initial DACA Requests Being Approved?
- DACA Court Timeline: Key Dates
- Who Is Covered by the Texas Partial Stay?
- DACA Renewal: When to File
- DACA Renewal: How to File Step by Step
- DACA Deferred Action Renewal Checklist You Can Copy
- Which Form Editions Do DACA Renewals Need?
- What Evidence Does a DACA Renewal Need?
- Biometrics for DACA Renewals
- What If Your DACA Has Already Expired?
- DACA Work Permit (Category (c)(33))
- Does the End of the 540-Day EAD Extension Affect DACA?
- DACA Renewal Fee (Summary)
- How Do H.R. 1 Fees Affect DACA?
- Change of Address for DACA Recipients
- How Do You Update Your Address During a Pending DACA Case?
- DACA Processing Time (Summary)
- What If Your DACA Renewal Is Delayed?
- Responding to a DACA Request for Evidence
- What Happens If a DACA Renewal Is Denied?
- Can DACA Recipients Travel Abroad?
- DACA and Your Social Security Number
- Can DACA Lead to a Green Card or Citizenship?
- Protecting Your DACA Records and Notices
- Avoiding DACA Scams and Notario Fraud
- When Should DACA Recipients Get Legal Help?
- Where to Find Free or Low-Cost DACA Legal Help
- How to Stay Updated on DACA Changes
- DACA Status vs Other Temporary Protections
- Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer
Your DACA status shows whether USCIS has received, reviewed or approved your deferred action request. Check it by entering the receipt number from your Form I-797C at egov.uscis.gov. As of October 2026, USCIS says: DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed. Check both receipts: one for Form I-821D and one for Form I-765.
At a glance
| Program status (Oct. 2026) | DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed |
| Request form | Form I-821D, edition 01/20/25 |
| Work permit form | Form I-765, edition 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order) |
| Check a case | Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov |
| Legal help | Use an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative |
What Is DACA Status?
DACA status means you hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a temporary, renewable decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to pursue removal. It is not lawful permanent residence. It usually comes with a work permit. The phrase also means the online status of a DACA request.
Deferred action is not a visa or green card
Deferred action postpones removal for a set period. It does not create a path to a green card or citizenship by itself. Recipients renew it before it ends, along with the matching Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Two meanings in one search
People searching "DACA status" usually want one of two things: where the program stands today, or where their own request sits. This page answers both. Other forms are listed in our uscis forms hub.
What Is the Current DACA Status in October 2026?
As of October 2026, USCIS states: DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed. That position follows a January 17, 2025 Fifth Circuit decision. Renewals therefore move forward, while first-time requests sit in a queue. The situation is still in litigation and can change.
What "accepted but not processed" means
USCIS takes in the initial request and issues a receipt, but it does not decide it. The case stays pending until a court order or policy change allows USCIS to act. Talk to a lawyer before paying for an initial filing.
What USCIS has not announced
USCIS pages show no 2025 or 2026 update explaining how the Fifth Circuit ruling is being carried out in every state, including any Texas-specific work authorization rules. Check the official DACA litigation page before relying on any summary, including ours.
Where Can You Check DACA Status Online?
To check your DACA status online, find the receipt number on your Form I-797C notice and enter it at Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov. The format is 3 letters + 10 digits (13 characters), e.g. EAC2512345678; leave out dashes. The tool is free and shows the most recent action on that receipt.
Step by step
- Open the receipt notice for your Form I-821D.
- Type the receipt number into Case Status Online.
- Repeat for the Form I-765 receipt.
- Note the date of each update.
If the number does not work
Retype it by hand and check for letter "O" vs zero. New receipts can take a little time to appear. Our uscis receipt number guide explains formats and where to find a lost number.
Two Receipt Numbers: Form I-821D and Form I-765
A DACA filing creates two USCIS cases. Form I-821D asks for deferred action, and Form I-765 asks for the work permit under category (c)(33). Each gets its own I-797C receipt number, so a full DACA status check means looking up both.
Why both matter
The I-821D decision controls your deferred action. The I-765 decision controls the EAD card. Usually both are approved close together, but the card updates may lag a little behind the deferred action approval.
Keeping the numbers straight
Write "I-821D" or "I-765" on each notice in pencil. Store the two together. When you ask USCIS about your DACA status, say which receipt you mean. Scan both notices to one folder on your phone, so you can read either number aloud on a call or at a job interview.
Checking a DACA Case in Your USCIS Online Account
A USCIS online account lets you follow a DACA case over time. As of October 2026, USCIS lists these features: Free USCIS online account: case status updates, notices, link paper-filed cases. Paper-filed DACA cases can be linked to the account with the access code on the Account Access Notice.
Benefits for DACA recipients
- Digital copies of approval notices you may need for jobs or school
- A history of every update on both receipts
- A place to update your address
- Secure messages and a clear record of when each notice was issued
Account number vs receipt number
Your account has its own number, separate from your receipts. Our uscis online account number guide explains which number is used where. Case Status Online and the Contact Center ask for the receipt number, not the account number.
Can You Get a DACA Case Update by Phone?
Yes. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833). An automated system can read case updates, and live agents handle questions. Live calls and chat: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Have your receipt numbers and A-Number ready.
When calling makes sense
Call when a notice never arrived, when your case is past the posted processing time, or when the online status and your mail do not match. For a simple DACA status check, the online tool is faster.
Finding the right line
There is no separate DACA hotline at USCIS. Our daca phone number and uscis contact number page explains the phone menu options and the online assistant. From abroad, call 212-620-3418 (callers outside the U.S.).
DACA Case Status Sequence: From Receipt to Approval
Most DACA renewals follow the same order on both receipts: Case Was Received, a biometrics notice if needed, review, approval, then card production and mailing for the work permit. Knowing the order helps you spot a stalled case early. The I-821D usually stops at approval, while the I-765 goes on to card steps.
DACA status sequence table
Read each row across: the two middle columns show what each receipt usually says at that step.
| Step | I-821D (deferred action) | I-765 (work permit) | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case Was Received | Case Was Received | Save both I-797C notices |
| 2 | Biometrics notice, if scheduled | Same appointment | Attend with ID |
| 3 | Case Is Being Actively Reviewed | Case Is Being Actively Reviewed | Watch mail and account |
| 4 | Case Was Approved | Case Was Approved | Read the I-797 approval |
| 5 | (No card) | New Card Is Being Produced | Confirm your address |
| 6 | (No card) | Card Was Mailed To Me | Track the delivery |
If one receipt moves ahead and the other stays behind for weeks, check your account for a notice tied to the slower one.
Initial requests look different
An initial request shows "Case Was Received" and then usually stops there while USCIS is not processing initial requests. That is expected under current policy, not a sign of a lost file.
What Do DACA Status Messages Mean?
DACA status messages are the standard USCIS phrases used for every form. "Case Was Received" means USCIS accepted the filing, "Case Was Approved" means a favorable decision, and card messages refer only to the I-765 work permit. The wording is identical across forms.
Messages before a decision
- Case was received: the packet passed intake.
- Case is being actively reviewed: an officer is working on it, though more steps may follow.
- Request for evidence was sent: USCIS mailed a notice asking for documents; the deadline is printed on it.
Messages after a decision
The case was approved update means your renewal was granted. On the I-765 receipt, new card is being produced and then card was mailed to me follow. Approval on the I-821D alone does not mean the card is on its way.
How Are DACA Renewals Processed Right Now?
As of October 2026, USCIS accepts and processes DACA renewals and the work permit requests filed with them. Current recipients can keep renewing before their grant ends. A Sept. 13, 2023 Texas court partial stay protects people who first received DACA before July 16, 2021.
Who counts as a renewal
A renewal is a request from someone who already holds DACA and is asking to extend it. If your DACA lapsed some time ago, USCIS may treat your request as an initial one. Ask an attorney which type applies before you file.
What renewal processing looks like
USCIS reviews the I-821D and I-765 together. Many cases include a new biometrics appointment. Some receive a request for evidence. Once approved, you get a new approval notice and a new EAD card.
Are Initial DACA Requests Being Approved?
No. As of October 2026, USCIS accepts initial DACA requests but does not process them, so none are being approved. This follows the January 17, 2025 Fifth Circuit decision. Anyone thinking of filing an initial request should first get advice from an immigration attorney.
Should you file an initial request now?
Filing secures a place in line, but the fee is paid and the case stays pending with no decision. Your personal information also goes to USCIS. Those trade-offs depend on your situation, which is why legal advice matters here.
Watching for change
If a court order or DHS policy later allows initial processing, USCIS will post it on its DACA pages. Do not rely on social media posts or paid "DACA news" services for this.
DACA Court Timeline: Key Dates
DACA's current rules come from a series of court rulings, mostly from Texas federal courts and the Fifth Circuit. The key dates are July 16, 2021, September 13, 2023 and January 17, 2025. Each shaped who can renew and why initial requests are on hold.
The dates in plain English
The table pairs each court date with what it means for renewals and first-time requests today.
| Date | What happened | Effect today |
|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2021 | Cutoff date later used by the partial stay | People first granted before it are covered |
| Sept. 13, 2023 | S.D. Texas decision with a partial stay | Renewals continue for covered recipients |
| Jan. 17, 2025 | Fifth Circuit decision | USCIS processes renewals, holds initial requests |
| Oct. 2026 | Current USCIS practice | DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed |
The takeaway: whether you were first granted DACA before July 16, 2021 is the date that matters most for renewals.
Why we do not predict outcomes
Court cases about DACA are ongoing. We describe what USCIS says it is doing on a given date. We do not forecast rulings. For a view on how a ruling affects you, talk to an attorney.
Who Is Covered by the Texas Partial Stay?
The September 13, 2023 Southern District of Texas partial stay covers people who first received DACA before July 16, 2021. For them, renewals continue. USCIS has not posted a 2025 or 2026 update explaining any Texas-specific rule on work authorization, so check the litigation page.
If you live in Texas
Some third-party sources discuss Texas-only changes to DACA work permits. As of October 2026, we could not confirm any such rule on uscis.gov. Ask a Texas immigration attorney or accredited representative before acting on those reports.
If you first got DACA after July 16, 2021
Your situation may differ. Do not assume a renewal works the same way. Get individual legal advice before you file anything. Bring your first approval notice to the meeting, since its date shows which group you fall into.
DACA Renewal: When to File
USCIS recommends a set window: File your DACA renewal 120-150 days before it expires. The official DACA page also says filing earlier than that window will not get a faster decision. Count from the expiration date on your I-797 approval notice.
Find your expiration date
Look at the validity dates on your most recent I-797 approval notice for Form I-821D, and on your EAD card. Count back from the earlier one. Put a reminder in your calendar.
Why late filing is risky
If your deferred action expires before the renewal is approved, you may lose work permission and protection for a time. With the old automatic EAD extension gone for most renewals, timing matters more than before.
DACA Renewal: How to File Step by Step
To file a DACA deferred action renewal, complete Form I-821D and Form I-765 with the I-765WS worksheet, attach copies of your current EAD and photos, pay the fee, and submit. Both forms go in one packet. USCIS then mails two receipt notices.
The steps
- Download the current editions from uscis.gov.
- Fill in Form I-821D and mark it as a renewal.
- Complete Form I-765 under category (c)(33) and the I-765WS worksheet.
- Add photos, copies of your EAD and any required documents.
- Pay the fee and submit as the instructions say.
Filing tips
Answer every question, even if the answer is "none". Use your name exactly as on prior DACA documents. If something changed, such as an arrest, stop and talk to an attorney before you send the packet.
DACA Deferred Action Renewal Checklist You Can Copy
This checklist covers the items DACA renewals most often lack. Copy it into a note, tick each line as you go, and photocopy the finished packet before sending it. A missing signature or wrong edition can send the packet back.
The checklist
- Form I-821D, edition 01/20/25, marked as renewal
- Form I-765, edition 08/21/25, category (c)(33)
- Form I-765WS worksheet showing economic need
- Two identical passport-style photos
- Copy of your current EAD, front and back
- Documents about any new arrest or court case, if any
- Payment for both forms
- Every form signed
- A full copy kept for yourself
Keep proof of sending
Save the mailing receipt or the online confirmation page. Note the date. It helps if you ever need to show you filed on time. Keep the tracking number until both receipts arrive and the Received Date matches your records.
Which Form Editions Do DACA Renewals Need?
As of October 2026, Form I-821D uses edition 01/20/25, and Form I-765 must be the 08/21/25 edition. USCIS says: 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order). Using another edition of either form can lead to rejection.
How to confirm
Look at the edition date in the footer of every page. Download fresh copies from uscis.gov the week you file, rather than using a copy from your last renewal. Check the I-821D and the I-765 separately, because a current edition on one form does not cover the other.
Why the I-765 edition changed
A Sept. 14, 2026 court order stopped USCIS from using a newer I-765 edition. The details are in our work permit guide, which explains how the rule affects every EAD category.
What Evidence Does a DACA Renewal Need?
A DACA renewal needs less evidence than an initial request. You generally include copies of your current EAD, photos, the I-765WS worksheet, and records about any new arrests or court cases since your last approval. Follow the I-821D instructions for your situation.
When more evidence is needed
If you have new criminal history, travel outside the U.S. without advance parole, or a name change, the instructions may ask for extra documents. These issues can affect eligibility, so get legal help before you file.
What not to send
Do not send original documents unless asked. Send clear copies on standard letter-size paper. Keep the originals safe at home, because USCIS may not return them and you will need them for the next renewal.
Biometrics for DACA Renewals
Many DACA renewal applicants receive a biometrics appointment notice, where USCIS takes fingerprints and a photo. As of October 2026, USCIS lists: Biometrics included in most fees (separate $30 for TPS I-821 and some EOIR forms). Missing the appointment without rescheduling can delay or derail your renewal.
Preparing for the appointment
Bring the notice and a photo ID, such as your EAD or a passport. Arrive on time, and do not bring people who are not on the notice. Our biometrics appointment guide covers rescheduling and what to expect.
If no notice arrives
USCIS sometimes reuses earlier biometrics. If your case moves to review without a notice, that may be why. Check the DACA status in your online account to be sure you did not miss a letter.
What If Your DACA Has Already Expired?
If your DACA has already expired, you may still be able to file, but USCIS may treat the request as initial rather than a renewal, depending on how long ago it lapsed. Initial requests are not being processed now. Speak with an attorney before filing.
Short lapses
Some recently expired cases can still be filed as renewals. The I-821D instructions explain the rules. Read them closely and confirm with a legal professional.
| Your situation | Likely request type | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| DACA still valid | Renewal | File within the recommended window |
| DACA expired recently | Possibly renewal | Read the I-821D instructions, then ask a lawyer |
| DACA expired long ago | Possibly initial (on hold) | Get legal advice before paying |
| DACA was terminated | Depends on the reason | Get legal advice |
| Never had DACA | Initial (on hold) | Get legal advice before paying |
Longer lapses
A longer lapse may place you in the initial-request queue, which is currently on hold. That means paying the fee with no decision in sight. A lawyer can tell you whether filing now makes sense or whether waiting is safer.
DACA Work Permit (Category (c)(33))
A DACA work permit is an EAD issued under category (c)(33). You request it with Form I-765, filed together with Form I-821D. Its dates follow your deferred action grant, and it lets you work for any employer during that period.
Using the card
The EAD proves identity and work permission for employment checks. Many recipients also use it for a Social Security number and a state ID. Check the name, birth date and category on the card when it arrives.
Renewing the card
The card is renewed only through the DACA renewal. There is no separate EAD-only renewal for (c)(33). If the card is lost, a replacement I-765 is a separate filing; our Form I-765 guide explains replacements.
Does the End of the 540-Day EAD Extension Affect DACA?
Yes, for most DACA recipients. As of October 2026, USCIS states: Ended: renewals filed on or after Oct. 30, 2025 no longer get the up-to-540-day automatic extension (exceptions: TPS by law/Federal Register notice; STEM OPT 180 days). DACA is not one of the listed exceptions, so a pending renewal does not keep a (c)(33) card valid after it expires.
What to do about it
File early within the recommended window. Track both receipts. Tell your employer the date your card expires and when you filed, but do not expect them to accept an expired card.
Extensions granted earlier
USCIS says extensions already granted before October 30, 2025 are not affected. Our EAD automatic extension guide covers older notices. That rarely helps DACA, since (c)(33) was not on the list.
DACA Renewal Fee (Summary)
As of October 16, 2026, USCIS Form G-1055 lists the DACA renewal fee as I-821D $85 + I-765 $520 (paper) / $470 (online) = $605 paper / $555 online. The total covers Form I-821D and the (c)(33) Form I-765. Fees can change, so check the schedule the day you file.
Where to find full fee details
Payment methods, money orders and common fee mistakes are covered on our daca renewal fee page. The full schedule is Form G-1055, Edition 10/16/26. Download it from uscis.gov the week you file.
Paying the right amount
A wrong amount can lead to rejection. Pay for both forms: $85 for Form I-821D plus the I-765 fee. Online filing, where offered, costs less. USCIS notes: Fee waivers are possible for forms like I-90, I-751, I-765 (not DACA), N-400, N-565 and N-600.
How Do H.R. 1 Fees Affect DACA?
H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) added extra EAD fees for asylum applicants, TPS holders and parolees. As of October 16, 2026, the G-1055 lines used for the DACA total do not list an H.R. 1 add-on for the (c)(33) work permit.
Why people get confused
News coverage of H.R. 1 often talks about "work permit fees" in general. The add-ons apply only to the categories USCIS lists. Our work permit guide shows which categories pay extra.
Rechecking each year
H.R. 1 amounts change every year. Before each renewal, read the fee schedule again in case the list of affected categories changes. Also confirm the (c)(33) fee has not moved; a quick check takes minutes.
Change of Address for DACA Recipients
A change of address for DACA recipients is done through your USCIS online account, which lets you update contact information. Update it soon after you move, because DACA notices and the EAD card go to the address on file and mail forwarding often fails for USCIS mail.
What to include
List both receipt numbers, your A-Number and your new address. Keep the confirmation. If an attorney filed for you, tell them too, since they receive copies of notices. The legal rule: Report a new address to USCIS within 10 days of moving (INA 265).
More address help
Our uscis change of address guide covers paper filers and what to do if a notice was already sent to your old address. Update it before USCIS mails the card.
How Do You Update Your Address During a Pending DACA Case?
Update your address during a pending DACA case by signing in to your USCIS online account and changing your contact information, then checking that both the I-821D and I-765 cases show the new address. A missed biometrics notice or RFE can cause a denial.
If a notice went to the old address
Contact the USCIS Contact Center right away. Explain that you moved and give your receipt numbers. Ask whether a notice was sent and how to get a copy. Missed biometrics can delay the renewal.
If the card went to the old address
If the post office returns the card, the I-765 status will change. Follow the steps on our card returned page, and update your address before asking for a resend. Do not file a new I-765.
DACA Processing Time (Summary)
DACA renewal processing time varies by case. USCIS posts current estimates at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Compare your receipt date with the posted time for Form I-821D. We do not publish our own estimates, because the official tool is the only reliable source.
Using the tool
Pick Form I-821D and your office. The posted time shows how long most cases took recently. If your receipt date is older, you can ask USCIS about your case. For context: I-821D (DACA): median 4.1 months (USCIS data, Apr.-June 2026).
Why some cases take longer
Background checks, new criminal history, missing evidence and RFEs can all add time. A delay is not a denial. Check your mail and online account for any notice before assuming the case is stuck, and confirm USCIS has your current address.
What If Your DACA Renewal Is Delayed?
If your DACA renewal is delayed, compare your receipt date with the official processing time, check for unread notices, confirm your address, and contact USCIS if you are outside the posted time. Expedite requests are possible but only for specific urgent reasons.
Escalation options
- A case inquiry through the Contact Center
- An uscis expedite request, with evidence of urgency
- Help from the uscis ombudsman or your member of Congress
The Ombudsman has a rule: Use the Ombudsman only after contacting USCIS within 90 days and waiting at least 60 days.
If the status is frozen
A status that sits on one step for weeks is common. Our page on uscis case status not updating explains why the tool may lag. If you filed online, compare the DACA status in the public tool with the notices and case history in your USCIS online account.
Responding to a DACA Request for Evidence
A request for evidence (RFE) asks you to send more documents before USCIS decides your DACA renewal. It lists exactly what is missing and gives a deadline. Answer everything asked, in one response, before the deadline on the notice.
How to respond
Send the RFE notice back on top of your response. Organize documents in the order the RFE lists them. Keep a full copy. Our rfe meaning guide explains common RFE types.
When an RFE involves criminal history
If the RFE asks about arrests or court records, contact an attorney before you respond. Your answer can affect eligibility. Ask the court clerk for certified records of how each case ended, and do not send a personal explanation without review.
What Happens If a DACA Renewal Is Denied?
If a DACA renewal is denied, the I-821D denial notice explains why and lists any options USCIS offers. Your options may be narrow, and your work permit and protection may end. Speak with an immigration attorney quickly rather than refiling on your own.
Status messages after denial
The case was denied explainer covers the status message itself. The I-765 is usually denied too if the I-821D is denied. Watch both receipts so you know the date the work permit decision was made.
Next steps
Gather the denial notice and your full file. Our case denied options page explains general paths after a denial. Do not file a new request without legal advice. Stop work once your EAD is no longer valid.
Can DACA Recipients Travel Abroad?
DACA recipients cannot simply travel abroad and return. Travel requires advance parole, requested on Form I-131, and approval is not guaranteed. Leaving without it can end your DACA. Talk to an attorney before any international trip, even a short family emergency visit.
Advance parole basics
Advance parole is a travel document approved before you leave. Our advance parole guide explains the form. The parole fee rules are complex, so read the current G-1055 schedule closely.
Risks to weigh
Even with advance parole, re-entry is not guaranteed. Criminal history and pending court cases add risk. Get advice tailored to you. Carry your approved parole document and DACA approval notice when you return, and keep copies with someone at home.
DACA and Your Social Security Number
Many DACA recipients get a Social Security number after their first EAD is approved. The I-765 form includes questions that let USCIS share your information with the Social Security Administration, which can send a card without a separate application.
If the card does not arrive
Contact the Social Security Administration directly with your EAD. Wait a few weeks after the card arrives first. Keep your number private and never share it with unofficial DACA services.
Your A-Number
Your DACA documents also show your A-Number. Our daca number and alien number guide explains where it appears and how it differs from a receipt number. It stays the same for life.
Can DACA Lead to a Green Card or Citizenship?
DACA itself does not lead to a green card or citizenship. Some recipients qualify for a green card through another route, such as a family petition or employment. Each route has its own rules, and past entry or travel history can matter a lot.
Family-based options
A U.S. citizen spouse or adult child may file a Form I-130 petition. Our marriage green card guide covers spouse cases. Whether you can adjust inside the U.S. depends on your history.
After a green card
Green card holders later renew cards through our green card renewal process and may apply for citizenship. Our citizenship application guide explains that step. Keep your old DACA records for those later filings.
Protecting Your DACA Records and Notices
Keep every DACA approval notice, receipt, EAD copy and filing copy in one safe place. You will need them for renewals, jobs, school and any future immigration case. Scanned copies in your online account help, but paper copies matter too.
What to keep
- All I-797 notices for I-821D and I-765
- Copies of every EAD, front and back
- A full copy of each renewal packet
- Any court or arrest records- Any court or arrest records, with final dispositions
- Proof of any travel on advance parole
How long to keep them
Keep them permanently. Old notices often help prove continuous presence or past status in later cases. Store scans in two places, such as a cloud folder and a USB drive, so a move or lost phone does not erase them.
Avoiding DACA Scams and Notario Fraud
DACA recipients are frequent targets of scams. Common tricks include fake "DACA reopening" offers, people who claim inside connections, and "notarios" who are not lawyers. Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives may give legal advice. A notary public cannot, even one who advertises immigration services.
Warning signs
- Promises of guaranteed approval
- Requests to pay for blank government forms
- Fees paid to someone other than USCIS for status checks
- Pressure to sign forms you have not read or that contain false facts
Checking a notice
If a letter looks suspicious, learn how to verify a USCIS notice is genuine. Our uscis scam guide lists more warning signs. Real notices carry a receipt number you can check yourself.
When Should DACA Recipients Get Legal Help?
Get legal help before filing an initial request, after any arrest, after travel outside the U.S., after a long lapse, or after a denial. An immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative can review your case. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Questions to ask
Use the table to decide whether your situation calls for a lawyer before you file.
| Situation | Why it needs review | Who can help |
|---|---|---|
| Any arrest or charge since last approval | It can affect eligibility | Attorney |
| Travel abroad, with or without parole | Re-entry and eligibility risks | Attorney |
| Planning an initial request | Fee paid, no decision yet | Attorney or accredited representative |
| Possible family green card | Entry history can matter | Attorney |
If more than one row describes you, raise all of them at the same consultation.
Costs and planning
Legal fees vary widely. Our immigration lawyer cost guide explains common pricing so you can plan. Ask for a written fee agreement that lists what the price covers, such as the renewal packet, an RFE response or a consultation only, before you pay anything.
Where to Find Free or Low-Cost DACA Legal Help
Free or low-cost help is available from nonprofit organizations with DOJ-accredited representatives, law school clinics and some local bar associations. The Department of Justice keeps an official list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives. Check any provider against it before you hand over papers.
Finding a provider
Search the Justice Department's recognized organization list for your state. Ask local immigrant rights groups and schools. Many offer DACA renewal clinics. Renewal clinics fill quickly, so book soon.
Before you meet
Bring your notices, EAD copies, your last renewal packet and any court records. A prepared visit is shorter, costs less and lets the representative spot eligibility problems early, such as a lapse or an arrest.
How to Stay Updated on DACA Changes
Follow USCIS's official DACA and Form I-821D pages for changes. Because DACA is in active litigation, updates can come quickly. Rely on uscis.gov and your attorney rather than social media, and recheck the program's DACA status before each renewal.
Official places to watch
- USCIS Form I-821D page
- USCIS DACA page and litigation updates
- USCIS newsroom alerts
- The Federal Register for any DHS rule on DACA
- Notices posted in your own USCIS online account
Our updates
We recheck DACA facts against uscis.gov and date each change on this page. If something here conflicts with uscis.gov, follow uscis.gov. The review date at the top shows when we last checked.
DACA Status vs Other Temporary Protections
DACA is one of several temporary protections. TPS covers people from designated countries, a pending asylum case allows certain work permits, and parole allows temporary presence. Each uses a different form and EAD category, and some now pay H.R. 1 add-on fees.
Where each one is covered
Our tps status guide covers TPS, and our asylum status guide covers asylum. Some people qualify for more than one protection; if so, ask a lawyer which one to rely on, since each has its own fees, dates and risks.
Why the difference matters
Each protection has its own renewal rules and court cases. Do not assume a change to one applies to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I renew DACA?
As of October 2026, USCIS says: File your DACA renewal 120-150 days before it expires, counting back from the expiration date on your I-797 approval notice. Filing earlier will not get a faster decision. File early in that window to avoid a gap, since most EAD extensions have ended.
Does DACA still exist in 2026?
Yes, in a limited form. USCIS still processes renewals for current recipients, while it accepts first-time requests but does not decide them, so new applicants wait without an answer. The program is still in litigation, so check uscis.gov before you file.
Can I check DACA status without a receipt number?
The online tool needs a receipt number. Without one, sign in to your USCIS online account if the case is linked, ask your attorney, or call the USCIS Contact Center, which can find a case after verifying your identity.
Can I work while my DACA renewal is pending?
Only while your current EAD is still valid. Since October 30, 2025, most renewals no longer get an automatic EAD extension, and DACA is not an exception. If your card expires before approval, you generally cannot work until the new card arrives.
Will my DACA renewal be approved?
USCIS decides each renewal individually. Most renewals proceed when the recipient still meets the guidelines and files a complete packet, but new criminal history or travel issues can lead to denial. An attorney can review risks before you file.
Does DACA give me legal status?
No. DACA is deferred action, not lawful status. It protects you from removal for a period and allows a work permit, but it is not a visa, green card or path to citizenship by itself.
Sources
- USCIS: Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. www.uscis.gov/i-821d. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-of-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. www.uscis.gov/i-765. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Form G-1055, Fee Schedule. www.uscis.gov/g-1055. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Checking Your Case Status Online. www.uscis.gov/tools/checking-your-case-status-online. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Benefits of a USCIS Online Account. www.uscis.gov/file-online/benefits-of-a-uscis-online-account. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS Contact Center. www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Check Case Processing Times. egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: DACA page (updated 01/24/2025). www.uscis.gov/DACA. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, Edition 10/16/26. www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Automatic EAD Extension (updated 10/29/2025). www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/information-for-employers-and-employees/automatic-employment-authorization-document-ead-extension. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: Form I-912 page (updated 06/05/2026). www.uscis.gov/i-912. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS: How to Change Your Address (updated 08/04/2026); 8 U.S.C. 1305(a) (LII). www.uscis.gov/addresschange. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- USCIS Data Library: All USCIS Application and Petition Form Types, FY2026 Q3 (Apr. 1-June 30, 2026; queried 7/2026). www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/data/quarterly_all_forms_fy2026_q3_v1.xlsx. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- DHS CIS Ombudsman: How to Submit a Case Assistance Request (updated 04/13/2026). www.dhs.gov/case-assistance. Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.