The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) would like to remind you that individuals who are eligible to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and employment authorization may submit their renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration date on their current Form I-797, Notice of Approval, and on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

While processing times can vary, filing as early as possible will minimize the possibility that the current period of DACA and employment authorization will expire before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates the renewal request. USCIS’ published goal is to process DACA renewal and related employment authorization requests within 120 days. If you file after the recommended filing period (meaning less than 120 days before your current period of DACA expires), there is an increased possibility that your current period of DACA and employment authorization will expire before you receive a decision on your renewal request.

To check current USCIS case processing times, please visit the agency’s Check Case Processing Times web page. Please note that USCIS has said that in accordance with longstanding policy, there is no expedited processing for deferred action, including deferred action under DACA.

More Information

For more information on DACA, please visit the USCIS Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Frequently Asked Questions web pages.

The CIS Ombudsman is committed to meeting with stakeholders and USCIS to address concerns related to DACA. Additional updates on this topic will be shared by the CIS Ombudsman as appropriate. For more information on our office, please visit our website.

Helpful Resources

CIS Ombudsman’s Homepage

CIS Ombudsman’s Annual Report to Congress

Contact the CIS Ombudsman

Immigration Resources

Frequently Asked Questions