For many years, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals were relatively predictable. Many applicants were accustomed to receiving approvals within four to six weeks after filing their renewal applications. Because of that, many people developed the habit of waiting until just a few months before expiration to renew.
Unfortunately, that is no longer a safe strategy.
Across the country, many DACA recipients are now experiencing significant delays in the processing of renewal applications by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In many cases, renewals are taking six to seven months — and sometimes even longer. These delays are creating serious consequences for DACA recipients and their families.
Renew Your DACA 7 to 8 Months Before Expiration
Our office strongly encourages DACA recipients to file their renewal applications approximately seven to eight months before their current DACA and work permit expire. Waiting too long to renew can create major problems, including:
- Loss of employment authorization
- Suspension or termination from work
- Loss of driver’s license eligibility in some states
- Financial hardship
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Interruptions to career, school, or professional licensing opportunities
Many DACA recipients are now finding themselves in difficult situations because they relied on older processing timelines that no longer reflect current reality.
If you have questions about your DACA renewal, work permit expiration, or concerns about processing delays, the Law Office of Erika Rodriguez is available to help guide you through the process and prepare your renewal properly and on time.
Erika Rodríguez and Lilia Rodríguez provide immigration services throughout Southern California from their San Diego office, assisting with family immigration, visas, detention cases, deportation hearings, and more.
Consultations are $100 and can be scheduled online at erlawsd.setmore.com or by calling 619-289-8090. Please be cautious of scams and only communicate through the official website, official Facebook and Instagram pages, or the office phone number, as they only use one official number.
Processing Times Have Changed Dramatically
In prior years, it was common for DACA renewals to move quickly through the system. Many applicants expected approvals within one to two months.
Today, however, our office is seeing a very different pattern. USCIS processing backlogs and adjudication delays have caused renewal cases to remain pending for extended periods of time. As a result, individuals who wait until the last minute to renew are facing gaps in their employment authorization and DACA protection.
Unfortunately, many employers will not allow employees to continue working once their work permit expires — even if the renewal application has already been filed and remains pending.
This has resulted in many hardworking individuals unexpectedly losing jobs, missing work opportunities, or facing enormous uncertainty while waiting for USCIS to process their cases.
Do Not Assume Your Renewal Will Be Fast
One of the biggest mistakes DACA recipients can make right now is assuming that their renewal will be approved as quickly as it was in previous years.
Current processing trends show that applicants should plan far ahead and prepare for delays. Filing early is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unnecessary interruptions.
Important Reminder About Filing Early
USCIS generally accepts DACA renewal requests before expiration, and filing early may help avoid a lapse in work authorization. However, every case is different, and applicants should carefully review their eligibility and timing strategy with a qualified immigration attorney.
Protect Yourself and Your Future
DACA recipients have worked incredibly hard to build careers, support their families, pursue education, and contribute to their communities. Losing work authorization because of avoidable renewal delays can have devastating consequences.
If your DACA expires within the next year, now is the time to begin preparing your renewal packet.
Do not wait until the last minute – early preparation can make all the difference.
