U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on January 13, 2018 that it is once again accepting applications to renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
This announcement affects ONLY those who were previously granted DACA status. At this time, USCIS is not accepting new applications from individuals who have never had DACA.
USCIS will not accept or approve requests for Advance Parole from current DACA recipients.
Special notice for individuals whose DACA expired before September 5, 2016, or was terminated at any time: Previously, you could not renew DACA if more than one year had passed since your last DACA period expired. However, under this recent decision, USCIS will allow you to submit a new initial application for DACA. Just like the first time you applied for DACA, you will have to submit documents to prove your eligibility, including evidence that you continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2007.
We do not know how long USCIS will be accepting applications, so if you would like to apply to renew your DACA, do so immediately! If you’re not sure if you can renew your DACA, or if you’ve had any arrests or criminal issues, it is very important to consult with an immigration attorney.
There is a scholarship available for DACA applicants who cannot afford the $495 filing fee. To qualify, you must fill out an online application, found here: http://lc4daca.org/