When to renew DACA, and how long it takes
USCIS strongly encourages filing your DACA renewal between 120 and 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date on your current I-797 approval notice and work permit. That window is about avoiding a gap: time without DACA or permission to work.
Checked against USCIS guidance on September 22, 2026. The sources are listed at the end of this page.
6 steps · Checklist
Time your DACA renewal
The full list is at the end of the article.
Free · tick steps off on the web or in the app
Why 120 to 150 days
- Earlier than 150 days: USCIS accepts it, but it won’t be decided faster, and it can overlap your current DACA, so the renewal may run for less than a full 2 years from your current expiration date.
- Inside the window: the lowest risk that your DACA and work permit expire before a decision.
- Later than 120 days: more risk of a gap. If your DACA expires before the renewal is granted, you can’t work until a new work permit is issued, and you may accrue unlawful presence.
How long a renewal takes
USCIS says its current goal is to process DACA renewals within 120 days, which is why the window starts there. That is a goal, not a guarantee for a particular case. Check your case status with the receipt number, and USCIS lets you submit an inquiry online about the status of a renewal.
What happens after you file
- Receipt: USCIS mails a receipt notice. The status shows Case Was Received.
- Biometrics: USCIS sends an appointment notice for an Application Support Center. Missing it can lead to denial.
- Decision: if granted, a written notice, with the work permit arriving separately by mail. See New Card Is Being Produced.
- If denied: USCIS says there is no appeal and no motion to reopen or reconsider for a DACA denial. If you believe it was an administrative error, such as an RFE sent to the wrong address after you updated it, you can call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 to request a review.
6 steps · Checklist
Time your DACA renewal
Find the expiration date on your I-797 and work permit
Set a reminder for 150 days before it
File between 150 and 120 days before expiry
Keep your receipt notice
Attend biometrics when scheduled
Missing it can lead to denial.
Check your case status with the receipt number
Free, and yours to edit — tick items off on the web or in the MyCheck app.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I renew DACA?
USCIS recommends 120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires. It accepts earlier filings, but they aren’t decided faster and can overlap your current period, so the renewal may be shorter than 2 years from your expiration date.
How long does DACA renewal take?
USCIS says its current goal is to process DACA renewals within 120 days. Your case may take more or less; track it with your receipt number.
What if I file my DACA renewal late?
If you file less than 120 days before expiry, there is more risk your DACA and work permit expire before a decision. If they do, you can’t work until a new work permit is issued, and you may accrue unlawful presence.
Can I work while my DACA renewal is pending?
Yes, until your current work permit expires. If it expires before the renewal is granted, USCIS says you are not authorized to work until you receive a new one.
Can I appeal a DACA renewal denial?
No. USCIS says there is no administrative appeal or motion to reopen or reconsider. For an administrative error, you can request a review through the USCIS Contact Center.
More DACA renewal guides
- DACA renewal guide
- DACA Renewal Fee: What It Costs to Renew
- What Happens If Your DACA Expires Before Renewal
- How to File a DACA Renewal: Forms, Online and Mail
- DACA Advance Parole: Traveling Outside the U.S.
- What to Do If Your Case Status Hasn't Changed
- USCIS Biometrics Appointments: What to Expect, Step by Step
Sources
General information from USCIS guidance, not legal advice. MyCheck is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency and doesn’t file forms. DACA is subject to ongoing litigation: check the USCIS DACA page before you file, and talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative about your situation.
