DACA Processing Times

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are experiencing longer processing times than usual. There are currently only two USCIS service centers handling all DACA renewals, and processing times vary among each center.

USCIS suggests that DACA recipients submit renewal applications at least 150 days before expiration date. We highly recommend doing this. This is particularly important because DACA work permission DOES NOT automatically extend if the extension is timely filed.

Steps to take if your DACA renewal is delayed:

1. Create a USCIS online account to track the status of your case or check case status. If you do not already have a USCIS account, you will receive an account creation notice at the start of your case. We highly recommend you create an USCIS account so you can track your case. An applicant has 90 days from the account notice to create your own USCIS account. You can create your account here.
2. Check case status 
   1. Enter the 13-character receipt number that is located on the top left side of your receipt notice for either your I-821D receipt notice (DACA application) or your I-765 receipt notice (employment authorization application)
3. Check processing times
   1. FORM. Select “I-821D | Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”
   2. Form Category: Select “Renewal”
   3. Field Office or Service Center: Enter the location where your case is currently being processed. This can be found at the bottom of your receipt notice where the address of the USCIS service center is listed. If it is a Nebraska address for example, then the case is pending at the Nebraska Service Center.
4. Submit an online inquiry or call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for an “info pass” to be able to speak to an officer.

Please note that you cannot submit an inquiry about the length of the processing times until your case falls well beyond their published times (unless you have a reason to request expedite processing, see below).

If your current DACA is expiring and you still have not received your new DACA card, you can contact USCIS before your case is outside of normal processing times and ask them to expedite the processing of your case. However, you have to meet one of the criteria for them to expedite your case. This process is discussed here. USCIS rarely expedites cases, but it is certainly worth a shot if you stand to lose your work permission.

If you are having issues with your DACA status, or need help with any other immigration issue, please contact us at 303-872-6985 or via our contact page here.