Government & Regulatory/Immigration & Citizenship

Get Your DACA Status Reinstated

Critical UrgencyStatus: lapsed

Having your DACA status lapse is incredibly stressful and scary, especially with deportation concerns. The good news is that options exist to regain protection, though the path depends on how long it's been expired. You're not alone in this - thousands of DACA recipients face similar situations.

Best Case
4-6 months for renewal if pending
Typical
6-12 months for new applications
Worst Case
12-18 months or denial if ineligible
Est. Cost
$495-2000
DifficultyVery Difficult

DACA reinstatement involves complex immigration law, strict deadlines, and high stakes. Processing delays are common and options become limited after certain time periods.

Why This Happens

Filed renewal too late (less than 150 days before expiration)

very common

USCIS processing delays mean applications filed closer to expiration date may not be processed in time

USCIS processing delays even with timely filing

common

Even applications filed 150+ days early can experience processing delays leading to lapses

Application was rejected due to incomplete documentation

common

Missing documents, incorrect fees, or form errors can cause rejection and subsequent lapse

Failed to file renewal due to lack of awareness or resources

occasional

Some recipients miss renewal deadlines due to address changes, financial constraints, or lack of information

🎯What To Do Right Now

  1. 1

    Check case status online immediately

    Visit uscis.gov/checkstatus and enter your receipt number to see current application status

    ~5 minutes
  2. 2

    Stop working if employment authorized only through DACA

    Once DACA expires, work authorization ends. Notify employer immediately to avoid unlawful presence issues

    ~Same day
  3. 3

    Gather all previous DACA documentation

    Collect all prior DACA approvals, applications, and supporting documents for potential new filing

    ~2-4 hours
  4. 4

    Determine if renewal vs new application is needed

    If expired over 1 year, you cannot renew and must file new initial DACA application with higher requirements

    ~1 hour research

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