DACA Renewal in Santa Ana: Maintaining Your Deferred Action Status
Keeping your DACA protection and work authorization current
Quick Answer
DACA recipients must renew their status every two years to maintain protection from deportation and work authorization. Santa Ana has one of the largest DACA populations in California, and timely renewal is essential to avoid gaps in status.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Santa Ana and Orange County are home to thousands of DACA recipients who came to the United States as children. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance for Dreamers who need to renew their DACA status and maintain their work authorization.
Understanding DACA
What DACA Provides:
• Protection from deportation (deferred action)
• Work authorization (EAD)
• Social Security number
• Valid for 2 years, renewable
What DACA Does NOT Provide:
• Lawful immigration status
• Path to citizenship (by itself)
• Ability to sponsor family members
• Travel authorization (without advance parole)
Current DACA Status (2026)
Program Status:
• DACA renewals continue to be accepted
• New (first-time) applications currently blocked
• Program faces ongoing legal challenges
• Renew promptly to maintain protection
What This Means:
• If you have DACA, you can renew
• If you never had DACA, cannot currently apply
• Monitor news for program changes
• Keep renewal status current
When to Renew DACA
| Timing | Recommendation | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 150-120 days before expiration | Ideal time to submit | Low risk |
| 120-90 days before | Still good, submit soon | Low-medium risk |
| 90-60 days before | Submit immediately | Medium risk |
| Under 60 days | Urgent - may have gap | High risk |
| After expiration | Still renew, but gap in status | Very high risk |
DACA Renewal Forms and Fees
Required Forms:
• Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action)
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Form I-765WS (Worksheet)
Fees (2026):
• Total: $410 (includes biometrics)
• No fee waiver available
• Pay by check, money order, or credit card
Biometrics:
• Appointment scheduled after filing
• Fingerprints and photo taken
• Required for processing
Required Documentation
- •Copy of previous EAD (front and back)
- •Copy of previous I-821D approval notice
- •Passport-style photos (if required)
- •Government-issued ID
- •Evidence of continuous residence (if requested)
- •Evidence of education or military service (if requested)
- •Any legal name change documents
The Renewal Process
1. Prepare Application:
• Complete all forms accurately
• Gather supporting documents
• Prepare filing fee
2. Submit Application:
• Mail to correct USCIS lockbox
• Use trackable mail service
• Keep copies of everything
3. After Filing:
• Receive receipt notice (I-797C)
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Wait for approval
4. Receive New EAD:
• Card mailed upon approval
• Valid for 2 years from previous expiration
Common Renewal Issues
- •Filing too late (under 150 days before expiration)
- •Incorrect fee amount
- •Missing signatures on forms
- •Wrong lockbox address
- •Not including copies of previous EAD
- •Address changes not updated with USCIS
- •Missing biometrics appointment
- •Criminal arrests or convictions since last renewal
Criminal Issues and DACA
Automatic Bars:
• Felony conviction
• Significant misdemeanor
• Three or more misdemeanors
What to Do:
• Disclose all arrests and convictions
• Provide court records and dispositions
• Consult immigration attorney before filing if you have criminal history
Important: Even arrests without convictions should be reported and documented.
If Your DACA Expires
Expired DACA:
• Deferred action ends
• Work authorization ends
• Can still file renewal (if eligible)
• May have gap in status
Gap Period:
• Cannot work legally during gap
• Not protected from deportation during gap
• Once renewed, protection and work authorization resume
Avoid Gaps: File early to ensure continuous coverage.
DACA and Future Immigration Options
DACA Does Not:
• Provide path to green card by itself
• Allow you to adjust status (generally)
• Create 'lawful status' for adjustment purposes
Possible Future Paths:
• Marriage to U.S. citizen (may require leaving U.S. + waiver)
• Legislative change (Dreamer legislation if passed)
• Other visa categories if you qualify
Advance Parole: In some periods, DACA recipients could request advance parole for travel, which created lawful entry for adjustment purposes. Check current availability.
Why Santa Ana Dreamers Choose Us
• We prepare complete renewal applications
• Arabic-speaking staff explain the process clearly
• We monitor filing timelines to avoid gaps
• We address criminal history concerns
• We advise on long-term immigration options
• We stay updated on DACA program changes
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How early should I file my DACA renewal?
A: USCIS recommends filing 150-120 days (about 5-4 months) before your current DACA expires. This gives enough time for processing and helps avoid gaps in your status and work authorization. Don't wait until the last minute.
Q:Can I still work if my DACA renewal is pending but my EAD expired?
A: No, once your EAD expires, you cannot work until you receive your new EAD, even if your renewal is pending. This is why filing early is so important - to avoid any gap in work authorization.
Q:I got a traffic ticket. Do I need to report it?
A: Minor traffic infractions (like speeding tickets) that aren't classified as misdemeanors generally don't need to be reported. However, DUI, driving without a license, and other traffic-related misdemeanors must be reported. When in doubt, consult an attorney.
Q:My DACA expired 6 months ago. Can I still renew?
A: Yes, you can still file for renewal even if your DACA has expired, as long as you previously had DACA. However, you will have a gap in status during the time it was expired, and you cannot work or have protection during that gap.
Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with DACA?
A: Not automatically. DACA alone does not authorize international travel. In the past, some DACA recipients could apply for advance parole for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. Check current USCIS policy, as this has changed over time.
Q:What if Congress passes a Dreamer bill?
A: If legislation passes providing a path to legal status or citizenship for Dreamers, you would need to follow the requirements of that new law. Keep your DACA current in the meantime, as continuous DACA status may be beneficial under any future legislation.
Need to Renew Your DACA?
If your DACA is expiring within the next 150 days, contact us to start your renewal process. We'll help ensure your application is complete and filed on time.