On June 5, 2014, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced the process for individuals to renew enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program.  As a part of that process, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) created an updated form to allow individuals previously enrolled in DACA, to renew their application.  Individuals enrolled in DACA are permitted to remain in the United States and apply for employment authorization for a period of two years.

The first DACA approvals will begin to expire in September 2014. To avoid a lapse in the period of deferral and employment authorization, individuals must file renewal requests before the expiration of their current period of DACA.  USCIS encourages requestors to submit their renewal request approximately 120 days (four months) before their current period of deferred action expires.  Individuals may request DACA renewal if they continue to meet the initial criteria and these additional guidelines:

• Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
• Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their 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.

The renewal process begins by filing the new version of Form I-821D “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” Form I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization,” and the I-765 Worksheet. There is a filing and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee associated with Form I-765 totaling $465.00.  As with an initial request, USCIS will conduct a background check when processing DACA renewals.