Renew Your DACA
UPDATE, MAY 18, 2023: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED
If you already have DACA but it is going to expire soon, you may renew it if you meet the following criteria:
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Meet the initial 2012 DACA guidelines
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Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
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Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
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Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Please note:
If you file after your most recent DACA period expired, but within one year after its expiration, you may submit a request to renew your DACA. If you are filing more than one year after your most recent period of DACA expired, you may still request DACA by submitting a new initial request.
If you received a 1 year work permit, your protections are automatically extended to two years. USCIS has been ordered to provide evidence of the extension, but at this moment that information has not been provided.
If you are a DACA recipient that has had interaction with law enforcement or ICE you should consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ accredited representative prior to submitting a renewal application.
WHEN TO RENEW DACA
USCIS recommends that DACA recipients should file renewal’s between 150-120 days from expiration. Filing before the 150 days will cause USCIS to reject DACA renewal applications.
HOW TO RENEW
Contact one of our partner organizations or a trusted attorney to schedule an appointment and start the process!
Organizations Currently Processing DACA Initials & Renewals:
YWCA- Elgin
Address:
220 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL 60120
Phone:
8477427930
Step By Step DACA Renewal Guide
With Guidance from “How To Easily Renew Your DACA” created by United We Dream
The following information will help you prepare your filing, but should not be considered as legal advice and should not replace legal advice from an attorney or certified representative. Everyone’s case is different, which is why we strongly urge you to consider seeking out assistance from a local non-profit organizations that provide free to low cost legal assistance.
1. Find a renewal clinic, accredited representative, or immigration attorney who can assist you with your filing.
2. Find your previous renewal filing and use it as a guide as you complete your new renewal filing. You can cross-reference your old and new filings to ensure the information is consistent.
3. Make sure to download the correct and most current DACA request and work permit forms directly from USCIS. If a form is out of date, USCIS may reject your filing.
You will need to download and complete the following forms:
4. Accurately fill out all forms. Remember to read all instructions on the forms thoroughly, and to double check your responses with the responses you included in your previous renewal filing so that the information is consistent. It is recommended that you fill out the forms digitally to make sure all information is readable. If you are filling them out by hand, make sure you write clearly with a black pen.
5. Create a cover letter. A cover letter includes a checklist of the items in the filing to help the USCIS officer easily see what they are about to review. Check out UWD’s cover letter template as a starting point.
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Get your passport photo taken to include with the I-765 form, you will need two passport photos.
6. Purchase your money order from your local U.S. Post Office or bank—we strongly advise using a money order because USCIS does not accept cash. The money order should be for $495 and made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (do not use abbreviations like “DHS”). The $495 covers the biometric (fingerprint) and processing fees.
7. Photocopy your entire filing, including your money order and all supporting documentation, as well as any receipt for mailing your filing, and keep the copy in a safe place.
8. Package and send your DACA renewal filing. We recommend that your renewal packet be in the following order to make it easier for review:
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$495 Money Order
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Cover Letter
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Completed Form G-1145
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Completed Form I-821D
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Completed Form I-765
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Two passport photos- taken within 30 days of your filing
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Copy of the front and back of your currently employment authorization document
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Completed Form I-765WS
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Copies of any supporting documentation.
Where should you send your renewal request?
For the state of Illinois
If you are sending via U.S Postal Services (USPS):
USCIS Chicago Lockbox Facility
USCIS
P.O. Box 5757
Chicago, IL 60680-5757
If you are sending via FedEx, UPS, etc:
USCIS
Attn: DACA
131 S. Dearborn – 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Where you should your file depends on your location. USCIS has a quick reference guide on where to send your renewal request based on your location.
Tip: Do not staple your request together. This makes it harder for the review process and your filing could even be rejected by USCIS. Instead, use paper clips.
Tip: We also strongly advise that you mail using priority shipping that includes a tracking number. The USPS’ Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes are perfect for this.
After reviewing and double-checking your renewal filing for accuracy, and ideally upon final review by an attorney or legal representative, you are ready to send.
**IF you were arrested between your last DACA grant and now, you MUST go see an attorney before submitting your filing.**
Renewing your DACA? Here's our comprehensive page-by-page walkthrough of the renewal application: https://www.ilrc.org/how-to-complete-a-daca-renewal
Want a printable guide? Download our DACA Initials Guide here: https://www.ilrc.org/daca-initial-app-guide
More info: https://ilrc.org/daca