Is Your DACA Renewal Taking Too Long? 3 Steps You Can Take
Updated: 1 day ago
If your DACA renewal has been pending for months, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. You can ask USCIS to speed up your case, ask for a status update, or get your U.S. Representative’s office to step in.
Below, we explain each option, what to have ready, and what to do if your DACA expires while you wait.
Why DACA renewals are taking longer in 2026
For years, most DACA renewals were approved in a few weeks. That has changed. As of October 2026, USCIS’s processing time tool shows that 80% of DACA renewals are decided within about 7 months. That means 1 in 5 cases take even longer. To learn how to check processing times, watch here:
Staffing changes and increased security vetting may be contributing to the delays. Some people are still getting processed in a few weeks, but the average is 7 months so renewing on time is important.
DACA renewal taking too long? Before you act, check your case:
Check your status online with your receipt number or in your USCIS online account.
Look for any notice you may have missed, such as a biometrics appointment or a Request for Evidence (RFE). An unanswered RFE can result in a denial.
Make sure USCIS has your current address. If you moved, file Form AR-11.
Have your work permit card and receipt date handy. You will need them for every step below.
Step 1: Submit an expedite request
If your case involves severe financial loss, an urgent humanitarian situation, or another emergency, you may ask USCIS to process it faster. Examples include a letter from your employer confirming you will lose your job if your work permit expires, bills or other proof of financial hardship, or medical records showing a serious health need.
USCIS decides expedite requests case by case. They want proof, not just an explanation, so send documents with your request. You can request an expedite by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
Step 2: File a case inquiry
If your DACA renewal is taking too long, you can submit an "outside normal processing time" inquiry online at the USCIS website or by calling the Contact Center. Have these ready:
Your receipt number
Your A-number
Your full name and date of birth
Save the confirmation number USCIS gives you. If you need help from your Representative later, they will ask for it.
Step 3: Contact your Congressional Representative
If the delay continues, your U.S. Representative's office can send a formal inquiry to USCIS on your behalf. This sometimes gets a stuck case moving.
Find your Representative at house.gov using your zip code. To learn how to find your find your representative watch my video here.
Contact their office and ask for help with a "federal agency case" or "casework."
Fill out their privacy release form so they can speak with USCIS about your case.
Send a copy of your receipt notice and your inquiry confirmation number.
Contacting your Representative does not hurt your case. It is a normal service their offices provide. Please note that some representatives will want to see that step 1 or step 2 was done already.
What if your DACA expires while you wait?
When your DACA and work permit expire:
You can’t work until your renewal is approved. Your employer may have to take you off the schedule until you show a valid card.
You lose deferred action protection until your renewal is approved. If you’re 18 or older, you may start building up “unlawful presence,” which can cause problems for future immigration options.
This is also a good time to ask a bigger question: Is DACA your only option? Some DACA recipients qualify for a green card, especially those married to a U.S. citizen. Whether you qualify depends on things like how you entered the U.S. and whether you’ve ever traveled with advance parole. A green card would end the renewal cycle for good.
How to avoid delays next time
Processing times change constantly. Right now, many DACA renewals are taking about 7 months, but times change each month:
Set a reminder on your calendar app 10 months before your DACA expires to review the current USCIS processing times. Here is a step by step guide on how to review the current processing times.
Set a second reminder 8 months before your expiration to check them again and decide when to file.
Double check every form and include all supporting documents.
Respond to any USCIS notice right away.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a DACA renewal take in 2026? As of October 2026, USCIS reports that 80% of DACA renewals are decided within about 7 months. The other 20% take longer.
Can I keep working while my renewal is pending? Only while your current work permit is valid. Once it expires, you must stop working until your renewal is approved.
Will a case inquiry slow down my case? No. An inquiry only asks USCIS to review the status of your case.
When should I talk to an attorney about my DACA renewal? If you received an RFE, your DACA card expired, you have any criminal history, or you want to explore a green card.
Could you qualify for a green card instead?
For over 19 years, Alena Ray Conrad has helped immigrant families across the U.S. find a more stable path forward. In a consultation, an attorney will review your history and tell you if you qualify and what your next steps are. Book your 1 to 1 case strategy consultation here.
Related resources
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Do you have a family member who can petition you? Check the documents required for a family petition here.
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This is for general information purposes only. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced immigration attorney. Our office is in Carson, California, and because immigration law is federal, we help families across the United States.
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