SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Long Beach is home to one of the largest and most diverse immigrant communities in Southern California, with over 12,000 DACA-eligible individuals residing in Los Angeles County's coastal cities. As federal courts continue to shape the future of the DACA program in 2026, timely renewal remains essential for Dreamers who depend on work authorization and protection from deportation. SoCal Immigration Services provides dedicated DACA renewal assistance to Long Beach residents with full Arabic and English-language support.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Overview of DACA Renewal in Long Beach

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) continues to protect hundreds of thousands of Dreamers across the United States. In Long Beach, DACA recipients rely on their status for employment, driver's licenses, and protection from removal proceedings.

As of 2026, the DACA program remains open exclusively for renewals. USCIS is not accepting new first-time applications due to ongoing federal litigation. For current DACA holders in Long Beach, renewing on time is the single most important step to maintaining your protections.

SoCal Immigration Services has helped over 500 DACA recipients in Long Beach and surrounding communities successfully renew their status. Our team understands the urgency and complexity of every renewal case.

Eligibility Requirements for DACA Renewal

To qualify for DACA renewal in 2026, you must meet all of the following criteria:

•You currently have or previously had DACA status (no lapse longer than one year without filing)
•You have not departed the United States without advance parole since your last DACA approval
•You have continuously resided in the United States since your last DACA approval
•You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more non-significant misdemeanors
•You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
•You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the military
•You were physically present in the United States when you submitted your most recent DACA request

Required Documents for DACA Renewal

Gathering your documents before filing reduces errors and delays. You will need:

•Completed Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
•Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
•Completed Form I-765WS (Worksheet for economic necessity)
•Two passport-style photographs taken within the last 30 days
•Copy of your current or most recent Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — front and back
•Copy of your most recent I-797 Approval Notice
•Copy of a valid passport or government-issued photo ID
•Evidence of continuous U.S. residence since last approval (utility bills, school records, medical records)
•Filing fee of $555 (updated USCIS fee schedule for 2026) or approved fee waiver
•Any court dispositions if you have had contact with law enforcement since your last renewal

Step-by-Step DACA Renewal Filing Process

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth DACA renewal:

1
Begin 150 Days Before Expiration
USCIS recommends filing your renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire. Mark your calendar and start gathering documents early.
2
Complete All Required Forms
Fill out Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS accurately. Double-check every field — errors cause delays and can result in rejection.
3
Compile Supporting Evidence
Gather copies of your current EAD, I-797 notice, passport photos, and proof of continuous residence. Organize documents in the order specified by USCIS.
4
Pay the Filing Fee or Request a Waiver
The 2026 USCIS filing fee for DACA renewal is $555. If you cannot afford the fee, submit a fee waiver request with documentation of financial hardship.
5
Mail Your Application Package
Send your complete application to the designated USCIS lockbox facility via USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Keep copies of everything you send and use a trackable shipping method.
6
Receive Your Receipt Notice (I-797C)
USCIS will send a receipt notice confirming they received your application. This typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks of filing.
7
Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
You will receive a biometrics appointment notice for fingerprinting and photos at your nearest USCIS Application Support Center.
8
Receive Your New EAD and Approval
After processing, USCIS will mail your new Employment Authorization Document and I-797 approval notice, extending your DACA status for another two years.

Biometrics Appointment for Long Beach DACA Applicants

After USCIS receives your renewal application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. Long Beach residents are typically assigned to one of these Application Support Centers:

• USCIS Long Beach Field Office — 501 W. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
• USCIS Los Angeles ASC — 1177 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• USCIS Santa Ana Field Office — 34 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701

At your appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. Bring your biometrics appointment notice and a valid photo ID. Missing your biometrics appointment can result in denial of your renewal.

DACA Renewal Processing Times in 2026

Processing times for DACA renewals vary based on USCIS workload and the service center handling your case:

Processing Stage	Estimated Timeline	Notes
Receipt Notice (I-797C)	2-4 weeks after filing	Confirms USCIS received your application
Biometrics Appointment	3-6 weeks after receipt	Fingerprinting at local ASC
EAD Card Production	3-5 months from filing	New work permit mailed to you
Full DACA Approval (I-797)	3-6 months from filing	Extends DACA for 2 more years
Automatic EAD Extension	Up to 180 days	If filed on time and previous EAD not expired by more than 1 year

Advance Parole for DACA Recipients

Advance parole allows DACA recipients to travel outside the United States and return lawfully. This is a critical benefit that can open pathways to permanent residency for some Dreamers.

Key facts about advance parole in 2026:

• You must demonstrate a humanitarian, educational, or employment purpose for travel
• USCIS has full discretion to approve or deny advance parole requests
• File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with supporting evidence
• Processing times for advance parole average 3 to 8 months
• Returning to the U.S. with approved advance parole creates a lawful entry, which may satisfy the entry requirement for adjustment of status
• Traveling without advance parole terminates your DACA status immediately

WARNING: Advance parole travel decisions carry significant immigration consequences. Some DACA recipients who traveled with advance parole have been denied re-entry or faced complications. Always consult with our team before applying.

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Long Beach?

Serving Long Beach and all of Southern California, our team offers dedicated DACA renewal support:

•Over 500 successful DACA renewals processed for Long Beach area residents
•Arabic and English-speaking staff who understand the cultural needs of our community
•Complete application preparation — we review every form and document before filing
•Fee waiver assistance for qualifying applicants who cannot afford the $555 filing fee
•Biometrics appointment preparation and guidance
•Advance parole consultation for Dreamers exploring travel and future immigration pathways
•Free initial consultation to evaluate your renewal eligibility and timeline
•Coordination with immigration attorneys for complex cases involving criminal history or travel issues

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:When should I file my DACA renewal in Long Beach?

A: File your DACA renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire. Filing within this window ensures you qualify for the automatic EAD extension and avoids gaps in work authorization.

Q:How much does DACA renewal cost in 2026?

A: The USCIS filing fee for DACA renewal in 2026 is $555, which covers both Form I-821D and Form I-765. Fee waivers are available for applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship.

Q:Can I still work if my DACA renewal is pending?

A: If you filed your renewal on time before your EAD expired, you may qualify for an automatic extension of your work authorization for up to 180 days while USCIS processes your renewal. Keep your receipt notice as proof of pending status.

Q:What happens if I miss the DACA renewal deadline?

A: If your DACA status lapses, you lose work authorization and protection from deportation. You can still file a renewal, but USCIS has discretion to approve or deny late requests. Filing on time is always the safest approach.

Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with DACA?

A: Only with approved advance parole, and only for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. Traveling without advance parole terminates your DACA status immediately and creates serious re-entry risks.

Q:Do you provide DACA renewal services in Arabic?

A: Yes. Our entire team speaks fluent Arabic and English. We provide all consultations, form preparation, and document review in Arabic for Long Beach area DACA recipients and their families. Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Long Beach and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 10, 2026Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Protect Your DACA Status — Renew on Time

Do not let your DACA protection lapse. Our experienced Long Beach team guides you through every step of the renewal process in Arabic and English. Schedule your free consultation today.

Serving Long Beach and all of Southern California

Schedule Free DACA Consultation (714) 421-8872

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