It has been our pleasure to represent so many successful “Dreamer” applicants. If you are one of the many young people who have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, (DACA), keep an eye on the expiration date on your Work Authorization Card to be sure you apply for a renewal in time.
- You may request a renewal if you:
- Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
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.
You should submit your renewal request 120 days (4 months) before your current period of deferred action will expire. If you submit your request more than 150 days (5 months) before your current period expires, USCIS may reject it and return it to you with instructions to resubmit it closer to the expiration date.
We will not need any new documentation at this time unless you have new information regarding removal proceedings or criminal history that you did not already submit to USCIS in your previously approved DACA request.
If your current period of DACA expires before you receive a renewal and you are over the age of 18, you will accrue unlawful presence for any time between the periods of authorized deferred action. It is therefore extremely important to renew your deferred action on time (at least four months before your current card expires). You will also not be authorized to work if your card expires regardless of your age.
We at Gardner and Mendoza are happy to assist you with your renewal. Please make an appointment six months prior to the expiration of your work authorization card so that we are able to file your request for renewal on time.