The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created as part of an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2012. When granted, DACA provides deferred action, including protection against deportation and access to a work permit. You must renew DACA to keep legal protections. Here, our DACA renewal attorney offers four tips that you can use to help ensure that your DACA renewal goes smoothly.
Four Tips to Help You with a DACA Renewal
1). Be Proactive: File Your DACA Renewal On Time
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is waiting too long to start the renewal process. The federal government can move slowly on processing issues. To avoid getting caught in the system, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that applicants initiate their DACA renewal between 150 days and 120 days of the expiration date listed on their current work authorization paperwork. By being proactive, you can avoid problems.
2). Make Sure that Your Application is Accurate and Complete
Make sure you submit a comprehensive, accurate DACA renewal application. Even a seemingly minor error can lead to your DACA renewal being delayed or denied. Among other things, people filing for a renewal of DACA should be prepared to submit:
- Form I-821D;
- Form I-765; and
- All required processing fees.
3). Provide New Information as Necessary
In some cases, your DACA renewal application will be the same as your initial application. There may be no material changes. However, in other cases, applicants will be required to provide supplemental documentation. If you are renewing DACA, you should be sure to provide any new documentation as necessary. As an example, imagine that you recently changed your legal name—either first name or last name. You must provide the proper legal name change paperwork along with your DACA renewal application.
4). Respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) Right Away
Did you receive an RFE in relation to your DACA application? If so, you must respond promptly. As our immigration lawyers have explained, a Request for Evidence (RFE) simply means that the government needs additional information or paperwork to complete the review of your DACA renewal application. It does not necessarily mean that your application is going to be denied. However, if you fail to respond to an RFE in a timely manner, USCIS can deny the DACA renewal. If you have any specific questions about an RFE, our DACA lawyers can help.
Call Our DACA Renewal Attorney for Immigration Guidance
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our immigration attorney has the skills and experience needed to guide you through the DACA renewal process. If you have any questions about the steps you need to take or the renewal process in general, we would be more than happy to help. Call us for a confidential consultation. We handle DACA renewals in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
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