If you’re one of the more than 530,000 people currently protected under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), you already know how crucial it is to stay on top of your renewal.
Over 94% of DACA recipients actively renew their status every two years. That’s good news. But here’s the twist: thousands of renewals get delayed, denied, or flat-out messed up because of completely avoidable mistakes.
Let’s not do that.
We’ll break down the five most common and most avoidable mistakes people make when renewing their DACA status.
1. Skipping Legal Help When You Need It
You might feel like a seasoned pro if you’ve renewed DACA once or twice already. But immigration policies change faster than fashion trends. And if you’ve had any run-ins with the law, left the U.S. without advance parole, or missed a renewal period in the past, things get a little tricky.
Many people hesitate to get legal help because of cost, but here’s the reality: messing up your application could cost you a lot more.
Get help if you:
- Have any new criminal charges (even minor ones).
- Took a trip outside the U.S.
- Missed your last renewal deadline.
- Aren’t sure if you still qualify for renewal.
Many nonprofits and legal clinics offer free or low-cost consultations. A quick chat with a DACA renewal immigration lawyer could mean the difference between smooth sailing and bureaucratic quicksand.
Don’t Forget to Save Proof
USCIS loses things. Shocking, right?
After submitting your DACA renewal, save everything:
- A copy of your full application packet.
- A mailing receiptfrom USPS or a delivery service.
- The USCIS receipt numberwhen you receive it.
If USCIS ever asks, “Did you even apply?” you want to be ready to say, “Yes, I did, here’s proof, timestamps, and maybe even a selfie.”
2. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Look, we all procrastinate. Some of us have gym memberships that haven’t seen action since the Obama administration. But when it comes to renewing DACA, procrastination can cost you more than sore muscles.
USCIS recommends submitting your DACA renewal request 120 to 150 days before your current status expires. That gives them enough time to process your application and send back a decision before your current DACA lapses.
Submit it too late, and you risk falling into legal limbo: no work permit, no protection from deportation, and potentially a serious case of panic.
What can go wrong:
- You could lose your job while waiting for renewal.
- You might face trouble re-enrolling in college or applying for financial aid.
- If your renewal is delayed, there’s no guarantee of protection during the lapse.
Set multiple reminders on your phone, scribble it on your fridge, or tattoo it on your forearm (okay, maybe not that last one). But whatever you do, don’t wait.
3. Sending an Incomplete Application
Imagine baking a cake and forgetting the eggs. That’s what USCIS sees when you forget to include a form or required document in your DACA renewal packet.
Your renewal includes two main forms:
- Form I-821D(Consideration of Deferred Action)
- Form I-765(Application for Employment Authorization)
- Plus Form I-765WS, the Worksheet that explains your economic need for work authorization.
You also need to include:
- The correct filing fee(currently $495).
- Two passport-style photos.
- Copies of your previous DACA approval notices.
One missing item can send your packet back to you like a rejected Tinder message. No explanation, no mercy.
Avoid the “Oops” factor:
- Double-check your packet.
- Use a checklist (USCIS offers one!).
- Ask a DACA renewal lawyer or a trusted immigration nonprofit to review it if you can.
4. Using Outdated Forms
USCIS updates its forms more often than your favorite coffee shop changes seasonal drinks. If you download the forms and let them sit on your desktop for three months before filling them out, bad move.
USCIS only accepts the most recent versions of its forms.
Here’s what to do:
- Go straight to uscis.gov and download the forms on the same day you plan to fill them out.
- Double-check the edition datein the form footer to match the date listed on the USCIS form page.
- If in doubt, toss it out (digitally) and get a fresh version.
5. Listing the Wrong Information or Forgetting to Update It
Life changes. You might move apartments, change jobs, switch email addresses, or finally decide to get a new phone number (about time). But if your application still lists your old info, that can delay or derail your renewal.
Common offenders:
- Old mailing address
- Expired passport or ID numbers
- Incorrect Social Security Number
- Phone number or email no longer in use
Fix it by:
- Filing a change of address (Form AR-11)as soon as you move.
- Updating your info beforesubmitting your renewal packet.
- Making sure all forms have consistent and current
This is your government profile, not your TikTok bio. Accuracy matters.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your DACA status doesn’t have to feel like filing taxes while blindfolded. Most of the mistakes people make fall into the “completely avoidable” category. Start early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
You’ve already done the hard part: navigating life under DACA with resilience and grace. Let’s not trip over paperwork. Keep your status safe, your permit current, and your plans moving forward.
And remember: you’ve got this.
