Administrative process · USCIS

DACA Renewal in Orlando

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an administrative measure that offers temporary protection from removal and allows those who qualify to request work authorization. It is not a permanent immigration status or an automatic path to a green card: it is a discretionary, temporary benefit governed by federal law and by judicial and administrative decisions. Precisely because of this legal nature, the benefit must be renewed periodically, and each renewal is reviewed by USCIS under the rules in effect at the time of the request.

Who should renew and when

Renewal is intended for those who are already DACA recipients and need to keep their protection and work permit active. In general, it applies to:

Current recipients whose DACA period and whose EAD (work permit) are approaching expiration
People who maintain eligibility and have not engaged in anything that could jeopardize the benefit
Those who want to avoid gaps between the expiration of the current benefit and the new grant

USCIS recommends starting the renewal well ahead of the expiration date, to reduce the risk of being left without protection and without work authorization while the new request is under review. The recommended window and the strategy depend on your specific case, assessed at the consultation.

How the process works, step by step

In general terms, the renewal tends to follow these stages:

Review of eligibility and of the expiration date of the current benefit and EAD
Assembling the renewal request, which includes the DACA-specific forms, Form I-765 (work permit), and the supplemental information form (worksheet)
Filing the package with USCIS along with the applicable fees
Biometrics notice (fingerprints and photo), when required
Review by USCIS and, if granted, issuance of the renewal and the new work authorization card

Documents commonly required

Identity document and proof of the prior DACA grant
Current work permit (EAD) card
Records that may be relevant to the case, such as any contact with authorities since the last grant
Documents that help demonstrate continuous presence in the United States, as advised for the case

DACA's rules have already gone through several judicial and administrative changes, and the program may be affected by new decisions. Letting the benefit expire, renewing late, or providing inconsistent information can create a gap in the work permit, loss of protection from removal, and future complications. In addition, any contact with the criminal system since the last grant must be evaluated carefully, because it may affect eligibility. In immigration, a mistake has real legal consequences.

What to expect during the process

DACA renewal is an administrative process before USCIS, with no court hearing. After filing, you receive official communications, such as the receipt notice and, when applicable, the biometrics appointment. There may be a request for clarification or additional documents before the decision.

We do not promise timelines, because the review time depends on the workload of USCIS and the legal landscape of the program. What we do is track the progress, explain each notice, and act within the recommended windows, so that your protection and your work authorization have the smallest possible chance of being interrupted.

How Without Borders handles your case

Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Your renewal is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to act in administrative processes before USCIS and DHS, and not by attorneys of the organization. We review your eligibility, organize the renewal request with the I-765, control the deadlines, and monitor the legal landscape of the program. All services are provided in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with a focus on keeping your benefit active without gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I renew DACA?

It is best to start the renewal well before the benefit and the EAD expire, within the window recommended by USCIS, to avoid being left without a work permit and without protection. We assess your date and the best strategy at the consultation.

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

Travel requires specific authorization, advance parole (Form I-131), and careful analysis. Leaving the country without that authorization poses a serious risk to the benefit and to re-entry. Talk to us before planning any trip.

Can DACA become a green card?

DACA itself is temporary and does not grant lawful permanent residence on its own. Depending on your history and family ties, other immigration paths may exist. We review your full case to identify the options.

I had contact with the police since the last renewal, does that affect it?

It can affect it. Any arrest, citation, or conviction since the last grant must be evaluated carefully before filing, because it may impact eligibility. Bring all the documentation to the consultation.

What happens if my DACA expires before the new approval?

A gap can mean temporary loss of protection and work authorization. That is why renewing early is so important. If you are near expiration or already expired, seek guidance urgently.

Do I need to renew the work permit separately?

No. In a DACA renewal, the work permit request (I-765) is filed together, in the same package. We make sure both pieces are filed in an integrated way.

Related services

Let's renew your DACA on time

Service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with a DOJ Accredited Representative.

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Informational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.