DACA Renewal in 2026: Can You Still Renew DACA?

If you currently have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you may still renew your protection and work authorization in 2026. However, renewal applications are receiving closer review from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), especially when applicants have prior immigration filings, criminal history, or inconsistent records.

DACA Renewal in 2026: Can You Still Renew DACA?

At Elizabeth Rosario Law, our licensed immigration attorneys help DACA recipients understand the renewal process, avoid common mistakes, and protect their immigration status.

Is DACA Renewal on Hold in 2026?

No. Current DACA recipients can still renew DACA in 2026.

Although federal court cases continue, USCIS still accepts and processes DACA renewal applications for people who already received DACA in the past.

At this time:

• Existing recipients can renew DACA

• Work authorization may still be extended for two years

• Initial DACA applications remain blocked

Can DACA Recipients Still Renew?

Yes. Existing recipients may continue submitting renewal applications and receiving work authorization extensions when approved.

Many applicants worry because of ongoing litigation involving the DACA program, including cases connected to Texas and Judge Hanen. At this time, current recipients still maintain access to the renewal process.

Can I Renew DACA in Texas?

Yes. Current DACA recipients living in Texas may still renew their DACA status.

Although Texas remains involved in ongoing federal litigation, courts currently allow USCIS to continue processing renewal applications for existing recipients.

Can I Renew DACA After It Expires?

Yes — but timing matters. If your DACA expired less than one year ago, USCIS usually treats the case as a standard renewal application.

If your DACA expired more than one year ago, USCIS may treat the filing as an initial DACA application, which courts currently block from approval.

Because processing delays are common, immigration attorneys generally recommend filing 120 to 150 days before your expiration date.

Is DACA Renewal Faster Online?

Not necessarily.

Some applicants receive faster updates through online USCIS accounts, but online filing does not guarantee quicker approval. Delays still happen because USCIS reviews each case individually. Applicants with prior immigration filings, criminal history, or missing documents may experience longer processing times.

What Forms Are Needed for DACA Renewal?

Most renewal applications include:

• Form I-821D

• Form I-765

• Form I-765WS

Applicants must also submit supporting documents and filing fee payments when required by USCIS.

Most applicants need:

• current and expired work permits,

• passport-style photos,

• supporting identity documents,

• immigration records,

• and completed USCIS forms.

USCIS may also compare:

• prior asylum filings,

• prior marriage petitions,

• border interviews,

• tax records,

• social media activity,

• and previous immigration statements.

Because immigration services closely compare records, inconsistencies may create serious problems for your case.

What Is the DACA Renewal Fee in 2026?

The DACA renewal filing fee may change depending on USCIS fee updates. Before filing, always verify the current USCIS filing fee requirements and submission method.

Why Are DACA Renewals Taking So Long in 2026?

Many applicants report slower DACA renewal processing times in 2026 because USCIS now performs stricter case reviews and background checks.

Additional delays may happen because of:

• missing supporting documents,

• increased renewal volume,

• requests for evidence,

• or administrative backlogs.

Current processing times vary widely depending on the applicant’s history and the reviewing service center.

What Happens If DACA Renewal Is Denied?

A DACA renewal denial may immediately end your work authorization and deferred action protections.

Depending on the situation, a license immigration attorneys may review whether:

• USCIS made a legal mistake,

• evidence was overlooked,

• or alternative immigration options exist.

Criminal Issues That May Affect DACA Renewal

USCIS reviews fingerprints and criminal records during every DACA renewal application.

Certain criminal issues may lead to denial, including:

• felony convictions,

• DUI offenses,

• domestic violence charges,

• drug-related offenses,

• firearm violations,

• or multiple misdemeanor convictions.

Even dismissed charges or prior arrests may trigger additional review. Before filing, it is important to speak with a licensed immigration attorney if you have:

• arrests,

• prior immigration filings,

• inconsistent records,

• or prior denials.

Can DACA Lead to a Green Card?

DACA itself does not directly provide a green card or citizenship. However, some DACA recipients may qualify for permanent residency through:

• marriage to a U.S. citizen,

• employer sponsorship,

• VAWA petitions,

• U-Visas,

• T-Visas,

• or asylum-based cases.

Eligibility depends on your immigration history, manner of entry, and supporting evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About DACA in 2026

Can I renew DACA after it expires?

Yes. If your DACA protection expired less than one year ago, you can file as a standard renewal. If it has been more than one year, USCIS treats your case as an initial application — which federal courts currently block from approval. Filing within the one-year window is critical.

Will a DUI disqualify my DACA renewal?

In nearly every case, yes. USCIS classifies any DUI or OWI as a "significant misdemeanor," even if your state treats it as a minor infraction. A single DUI conviction is almost always grounds for denial — speak with an attorney before filing.

Can I renew DACA in Texas in 2026?

Yes. Despite the ongoing Texas v. United States litigation under Judge Hanen, the current court stay allows existing DACA recipients in Texas to continue renewing their full benefits. Only first-time initial applications remain blocked nationwide.

How long does DACA renewal take in 2026?

USCIS targets 120 days, but real-world processing in 2026 frequently runs longer due to backlogs and stricter background-check reviews. File at least 150 days before your expiration date to avoid an employment gap.

Can DACA lead to a green card?

Not directly. DACA itself does not create a path to permanent residency. However, many DACA holders qualify for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen (with advance parole), employer sponsorship, U-Visa or T-Visa, VAWA self-petition, or asylum. Each path has strict requirements — a free case evaluation can identify which one fits your situation.

What should I do if my DACA renewal is denied?

You generally cannot appeal a DACA denial, but you can request reconsideration if USCIS misapplied the criminal guidelines or overlooked evidence. Stop working immediately, do not leave the U.S., and consult an immigration attorney within 30 days to evaluate motion-to-reopen and alternative-status options.

Speak With a Licensed Immigration Attorney

DACA renewals are becoming more heavily reviewed by immigration authorities. Filing incomplete forms, inconsistent evidence, or incorrect information may place your immigration status at risk.

At Elizabeth Rosario Law, our licensed immigration attorneys help DACA recipients:

• prepare renewal applications,

• review criminal history,

• analyze prior immigration filings,

• and explore long-term immigration options.

If your DACA expiration date is approaching, it may be important to review your case before filing.

Don't Wait — Protect Your DACA Status

Call us at (855) 627-2292 or schedule your free case evaluation today.