№ 01 — daca renewals

Protect the future you've already built.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has allowed thousands of Dreamers to live and work in the United States.

Although new initial applications are currently not being accepted, many existing recipients may still renew their protection and employment authorization.

№ 02 — understanding daca

What is DACA?

DACA was created in 2012. It provides protection from deportation for eligible individuals who arrived in the United States as children, and it allows eligible recipients to obtain Employment Authorization.

Due to ongoing legal developments, USCIS currently renews existing DACA protections but generally does not process new first-time applications.

Important
At this time, DACA is generally limited to renewals for individuals who already received the benefit.
№ 03 — who may qualify?

Who may qualify for DACA renewal?

Renewal eligibility depends on your prior DACA status and on the requirements USCIS currently applies. These are the factors that generally matter most.

01

Previous DACA Approval

Previously received DACA protection.
02

Age Requirement

Originally met the age requirements established by the program.
03

Arrival Before Age 16

Entered the United States before turning sixteen.
04

Continuous Residence

Maintained the required residence in the United States.
05

Physical Presence

Met the physical presence requirements established under DACA.
06

Educational Requirement

Currently in school, graduated, obtained a GED, or otherwise met educational requirements.
07

Good Conduct

No disqualifying criminal convictions or security concerns.
08

Renewal Eligibility

Continue meeting USCIS renewal requirements.
Eligibility depends on your individual immigration history and current federal guidance. A consultation is the best way to determine whether you qualify.
№ 04 — enewal process

How the renewal process works.

Five careful steps, from reviewing your prior DACA history to continuing your protection.

I

Case Review

We review your prior DACA history and current eligibility.
II

Prepare the Renewal

We complete Form I-821D and organize supporting documentation.
III

Submit to USCIS

The renewal application is filed correctly and on time.
IV

Application Review

USCIS reviews the application and supporting evidence.
V

Protection Continues

If approved, DACA protection and Employment Authorization continue under current USCIS rules.
№ 05 — how we help

Helping protect the opportunities you've earned.

Careful preparation reduces delays and avoidable mistakes — and with renewals, timing matters. Here is what we handle on your behalf.

01
Review your DACA renewal eligibility.
02
Prepare Form I-821D accurately.
03
Organize supporting documentation.
04
Assist with Employment Authorization renewal.
05
Monitor your USCIS case.
06
Guide you throughout every stage of the renewal.
№ 06 — frequently asked questions

Questions we hear often.

Q.

Can I apply for DACA for the first time?

A.
Generally, no. Because of ongoing litigation, USCIS currently does not process new initial DACA applications. Our firm primarily assists existing recipients with renewals. If you have never held DACA, we can review your situation and discuss whether other immigration options may be available to you.
Q.

Can I renew my DACA?

A.
Many recipients remain eligible to renew if they continue to meet USCIS requirements — including maintaining the required residence and having no disqualifying criminal or security issues. Renewal eligibility depends on your individual history, which we review before filing.
Q.

Does DACA include a work permit?

A.
DACA itself is a form of deferred action, but eligible recipients may also obtain Employment Authorization, which allows them to work lawfully in the United States. Employment Authorization is tied to your DACA period, so it is renewed alongside your protection.
Q.

What happens if my DACA expires?

A.
If DACA lapses, both your protection from removal and your work authorization may end, which can affect employment and other parts of daily life. This is why filing a renewal within the window USCIS recommends is so important — timing is one of the most consequential parts of the process.
Q.

How long does a renewal take?

A.
Processing times are set by USCIS and vary depending on current workloads and your specific circumstances. We cannot promise a particular timeframe, which is exactly why we prepare complete, accurate renewals and file as early as the rules allow.
Q.

Can GWP determine whether I qualify?

A.
Yes. Every case is reviewed individually. We examine your prior DACA approval, your immigration history, and current federal guidance, then advise honestly on whether renewal appears available to you and how best to proceed.
The life you've built here matters —

Keep moving forward with confidence.

If you’ve previously received DACA protection, renewing your benefits on time can help you continue living and working in the United States with greater peace of mind.

Our attorneys will carefully review your eligibility, prepare your renewal, and guide you through every step of the process.