DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DACA protects from deportation people who arrived in the U.S. as children and grants renewable work authorization. We help with timely renewals and, when the law allows, first-time applications.
Need to renew DACA or evaluate options?
Answer 4 questions. We evaluate your case in 5 minutes. Your information is 100% confidential.
What is DACA?
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program created in 2012 that protects from deportation people who arrived in the U.S. as minors and grew up here. DACA grants two main protections: (1) Deferred action — a formal promise from immigration not to start deportation during the valid period, and (2) Work permit (EAD) — a document that lets you work legally. DACA is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration. It is not a path to residency or citizenship: it is a renewable temporary protection.
Basic requirements for DACA
Original requirements to qualify for DACA include:
⚠ Current program status: DACA has been in continuous legal dispute since 2017. Currently renewals are working, while acceptance of first-time applications has been blocked at various points. Status can change; in consultation we verify what can be filed today in your case.
How DACA renewal works
Confirm expiration date
Ideally file the renewal 4 to 5 months before current DACA expires. Filing late can leave you without work permission.
Confirm no new disqualifying conditions
We review for new convictions, unauthorized absences, or other events that could affect renewal.
File the renewal package
We file Forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765WS with corresponding documentation.
Biometrics
Immigration calls you for updated fingerprints.
Approval and new EAD
If approved, you receive a new EAD card valid for 2 more years.
How long does it take?
Typical times for renewals:
- Renewal processing: 4 to 6 months.
- That's why we recommend filing 4 to 5 months before expiration.
- If you file too early (more than 5 months ahead), immigration may reject the application.
How much does representation cost?
After evaluating your circumstances, we will explain the recommended legal strategy, total fees, and available payment-plan options. Final cost may vary with complex conditions (background to analyze, absences to evaluate, etc.). We give you clear numbers in the consultation.
What if I never had DACA?
If you never applied for DACA but believe you meet the original requirements, evaluate your case in consultation. Although first-time acceptance has been limited, we want your case ready to file when the law allows. We also evaluate whether your situation qualifies for more stable paths than DACA: marriage to a citizen, U Visa if you were a crime victim, asylum if you qualify, or other options that may give a more solid long-term path.
Frequently asked questions
Need to renew your DACA or evaluate your options?
Evaluate your case in a free, confidential consultation. We tell you what can be filed today and what other immigration paths you have.
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