Can I still file Form I-821D for the first time?

USCIS continues to accept initial DACA applications but generally cannot approve them due to federal court rulings. USCIS explains that it will still process renewal requests. Applicants should review current guidance from USCIS because court decisions may affect how the agency processes DACA requests.

How long does a DACA renewal take?

USCIS processing times vary, but many DACA renewals take several months. USCIS recommends filing renewal requests 120–150 days before expiration. Filing early helps prevent gaps in work authorization and deferred action protection.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-821D?

Many applicants complete DACA renewals themselves. USCIS provides instructions for the form, and several organizations offer guidance. However, individuals with criminal history or complicated immigration situations often seek help from immigration attorneys or accredited representatives.

What documents do I need for Form I-821D?

USCIS typically requires evidence of identity, previous DACA approval, and continuous residence in the United States. Common documents include passports, school records, and previous approval notices. USCIS lists the acceptable evidence in the official Form I-821D instructions.

What happens if USCIS denies my DACA renewal?

If USCIS denies a DACA renewal request, your deferred action ends immediately and any related employment authorization becomes invalid on the denial date. Additionally, you may also begin accruing unlawful presence. Therefore, if you find yourself in this situation, speak to an immigration attorney about strategies to stay in the United States.

FORM I-821D GUIDE

Form I-821D: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Learn how to complete Form I-821D. Understand eligibility, document requirements, processing timelines, and how CitizenPath helps you file the DACA application confidently and avoid delays.

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Quick Navigation

Form I-821D Eligibility Requirements
Forms in a DACA Application Package
Form I-821D Filing Fee
Best Time to File Form I-821D
Processing Time & What Happens After You File
Common I-821D Mistakes
How CitizenPath Helps You File an I-821D Application Correctly

What is Form I-821D?

Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is the application used by certain undocumented immigrants to request work authorization and protection from deportation under the DACA program.

Deferred action does not grant lawful immigration status. However, it generally provides:

Protection from removal for a specific period
Eligibility to request a work permit
Authorization to remain in the United States temporarily

Applicants must file Form I-821D together with Forms I-765 and I-765WS in one single DACA application package.

Who Should Use Form I-821D

Form I-821D is primarily used by individuals who want to request DACA renewal. U.S. Citizeship and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently processes renewal requests, but it does not approve most new initial DACA applications due to federal court rulings.

People commonly file Form I-821D if they:

Previously received DACA approval
Need to renew their deferred action protection
Need to renew their work authorization

USCIS defines strict eligibility rules for DACA. These rules apply to both initial requests and renewals. Applicants must generally demonstrate:

Initial Applicants

Are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the U.S. while under the age of 16;
Have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present;
Entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or individuals whose lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed forces;
Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Renewal Applicants

Did not depart the United States on or after August 15, 2012 without advance parole;
Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their most recent request for DACA that was approved up to the present time; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Make it easy and file correctly: CitizenPath walks you through each question, checks for errors, and produces ready-to-file DACA application forms plus tailored instructions. It's free to try: DACA Application Package →

Form I-821D Application Package

When filing an initial application or a DACA renewal, you'll need to file more than just Form I-821D. The DACA application package must include three forms filed together:

Form	Purpose
Form I-821D	Request consideration of DACA
Form I-765	Request employment authorization
Form I-765WS	Demonstrate economic need for employment authorization

Applicants must file all three forms together. Initial applicants must submit several supporting documents to establish eligibility for DACA. Renewal applicants must also submit a much smaller list of documents to extend the protections of DACA. Detailed filing requirements can be found at USCIS.gov or use CitizenPath to prepare your DACA application package. CitizenPath makes the process easier. Designed by immigration attorneys, it’s an affordable way to prepare the application package and get clear guidance on the specific supporting documents to submit for your situation.

For the most accurate list of documents, try CitizenPath’s DACA Application Package. Our online service walks you through Forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765WS, and produces a customized checklist tailored to your situation, ensuring you send only what USCIS requires.

DACA Filing Fees and Costs

Although there is no filing fee for Form I-821D, you will pay a total fee of $605 to USCIS when you file the DACA application. Use CitizenPath's list of USCIS fees to check your filing fee. However, USCIS occasionally adjusts fees, so always verify the USCIS fee schedule before filing.

USCIS Form/Requirement	Fee
I-821D	$0
I-765	$520
I-765WS	$0
Biometrics services	$85

USCIS fee exemptions are available in very limited circumstances for a Form I-821D and related Form I-765.

When to File Form I-821D

USCIS recommends filing Form I-821D between 120 and 150 days before your current DACA expires. Filing within this window helps USCIS process the renewal before your deferred action and work authorization expire.

Submitting earlier than 150 days is not recommended, and filing later may result in a gap in protection or employment authorization.

Recommended I-821D Filing Window

Situation	Recommended Action
DACA expires in 4–5 months	Best time to submit Form I-821D renewal
DACA expires in less than 120 days	File immediately to reduce risk of losing work authorization
DACA already expired	You may still file a renewal request, but protection may lapse

Submitting the application during this window helps reduce the risk that your work permit or deferred action will expire before USCIS approves the renewal.

Filing Too Early

USCIS may reject or delay applications submitted more than 150 days before the current DACA expiration date. Filing too early can also lead to shorter overall coverage because approval periods are generally tied to the date of approval rather than the previous expiration date.

Filing After DACA Expires

You may be able to submit Form I-821D after your DACA expires. However, USCIS may take longer to process the request, and you may temporarily lose:

Protection from deportation
Employment authorization

If the person does not otherwise have lawful status, unlawful presence may begin to accrue again. For these reasons, USCIS strongly encourages eligible applicants to renew before their current DACA period ends.

Processing Time & What Happens After You File I-821D

Form I-821D processing time varies by USCIS service center and workload. Most applications take a few months to process, but timelines change frequently. After receiving a DACA renewal request, USCIS typically follows several steps:

USCIS issues a receipt notice.
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment.
Officers review the application and supporting evidence.
USCIS sends an approval or denial decision.

Get a more detailed explanation of what happens after you file in our page about the DACA processing time →

Common Form I-821D Mistakes

Even small errors can delay your DACA application. Common I-821D mistakes include:

Incorrect filing fees
Entering inconsistent dates or names
Forgetting required supporting documents

An RFE does not mean denial, but it can add months to your case.

USCIS I-821D Rejections in 2025

MODERATE RISK

32,855 Rejections

USCIS I-821D Denials in 2025

LOW RISK

2,113 Denials

CitizenPath checks your application to identify mistakes, omissions and inconsistencies. This optimizes your chances at smooth processing and a quick approval. Learn more about our DACA Application Package →

I-821D Frequently Asked Questions

How CitizenPath Helps You File I-821D Correctly

CitizenPath makes it easy to prepare Form I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS correctly the first time. Our affordable online service was designed by immigration attorneys to guide you through each question with simple directions, check for errors, and generate personalized filing instructions.

Step-by-step I-821D preparation
Customized checklist of supporting documents
Error-checking logic and alerts for problems
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