Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Protect Your Future with Expert Legal Guidance

If you are a DACA recipient or believe you may qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, your immigration future deserves careful legal guidance. The DACA program has faced ongoing legal challenges and policy changes, making accurate information and proper filing more important than ever.

At Visa Pros, our immigration attorneys help Dreamers apply, renew, and maintain DACA protection while minimizing risk and avoiding costly mistakes.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for DACA

You may be eligible for DACA or ready to file your renewal application. Should you do it?

You should first consult with an experienced immigration attorney before filing for DACA to make sure it is the right thing for you to do, especially if:

You have been arrested at any time, even if it was many years ago, and you completed all the conditions of your sentence or probation.
You misrepresented yourself in any immigration application in the past or at any port of entry.
You were previously in removal proceedings or any proceedings before the immigration court.
You have lived outside of the United States for extended periods of time without Advance Parole.
You are uncertain about your continuous residence since June 15, 2007.

What Is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented individuals who were brought to the United States as children.

DACA recipients may receive:

Protection from deportation for two years (renewable)
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Social Security Number
Eligibility for driver's licenses in many states
Potential eligibility for Advance Parole travel authorization

Important: Even small mistakes or past legal issues can put your application at risk. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility and advise you on the best path forward.

Who Is Eligible for DACA?

To apply for DACA, you generally must meet these requirements:

You arrived in the United States before your 16th birthday.
You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012.
You have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012.
You are currently in school, have graduated, obtained a GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran.
You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or multiple misdemeanors.
You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Important: Even small mistakes or past legal issues can put your application at risk. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility and advise you on the best path forward.

Is DACA Still Active?

DACA has faced multiple federal court challenges in recent years. Currently:

Renewals are generally permitted.
First-time applications may be subject to restrictions depending on federal rulings.
The program’s future depends on ongoing legal and legislative developments.

Because the legal status of DACA continues to evolve, consulting an experienced DACA immigration lawyer is strongly recommended before submitting any application.

Step-by-Step: The DACA Application Process

Consultation & Eligibility Review

We help you determine if you qualify and identify any red flags, including criminal history, prior immigration violations, or travel outside the United States.

Prepare and File Forms I-821D and I-765

Our team completes your application accurately, avoiding common errors that lead to delays or denials.

Gather Supporting Documentation

We help you organize proof of identity, entry before age 16, continuous residence, educational records, and any other required evidence.

Biometrics Appointment

You will attend a fingerprinting appointment to check background records.

USCIS Adjudication

Once approved, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document and deferred action protection for two years.

Common Reasons for DACA Application Denials

DACA has faced multiple federal court challenges in recent years. Currently:

Criminal history or past immigration violations.
Failure to meet continuous residence requirements.
Errors or inconsistencies in the application.
Insufficient documentation proving eligibility.
Travel outside the United States without Advance Parole.

Our team helps you avoid these pitfalls by providing expert legal review and preparing responses to potential USCIS concerns.

DACA Renewal Process

DACA protection is valid for two years. Renewals should be filed 120 to 150 days before expiration to avoid gaps in employment authorization.

The renewal process generally requires:

Updated Forms I-821D and I-765
Filing fee submission
Confirmation of continued eligibility

Failure to renew on time may result in:

Loss of work authorization
Loss of deferred action protection
Employment interruption

Our attorneys monitor expiration timelines and handle renewal filings proactively.

Why Choose a Lawyer Instead of Applying Alone?

Many DACA applications get delayed or denied due to:

Misunderstanding eligibility rules.
Mistakes in the application.
Failure to disclose required information.
Insufficient documentation of continuous residence.

Our legal team minimizes these risks by offering expert handling and representation, giving you peace of mind and a much higher chance of approval.

DACA Filing Fees and Costs

Service

Estimated Cost

USCIS Filing Fee (online filing)

$555

USCIS Filing Fee (paper filing)

$605

Legal Fees

Varies based on case complexity

Advance Parole Filing

Additional government fee

While the USCIS filing fee is fixed, legal assistance can help prevent costly errors or future immigration consequences.

Alternative Immigration Options for DACA Recipients

Some DACA recipients may qualify for:

Each case is unique. We evaluate long-term strategies rather than short-term solutions.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help You

Filing for DACA requires the same level of detail and thoroughness as any immigration petition. You have not come this far to risk getting your case delayed or denied. Our immigration attorneys will discuss with you all the eligibility requirements and will guide you in proving to the agency that you meet all of them. We will also explain the process in detail and what to expect, as well as discuss any potential issues that might come up.

Applicants who are ineligible for DACA not only risk getting a denial on their applications, but they can risk being put in removal proceedings.

Our Services

Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you with the following:

Analyzing your criminal history to prepare the best strategy for your case and maximize your chances of approval.
Providing the agency with the legal basis of why you are still eligible to apply, even with a criminal conviction in your past.
If you are ineligible to apply, advising you on the steps to resolve the ineligibility, if possible.
Helping you identify any past misconduct or misrepresentation in your immigration history that may make you ineligible for DACA.
Calculating your time spent abroad to determine whether you will be able to meet the continuous residency requirements.
Preparing you for potential USCIS inquiries or requests for evidence.
Responding to a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does DACA renewal cost in 2026?

The USCIS filing fee is $555 if you file online or $605 if you file by paper ($85 for Form I-821D plus $520 for Form I-765). There is no fee waiver for DACA. Legal fees, if you hire an attorney, are separate.

Is there a fee waiver for DACA?

No. USCIS does not offer a fee waiver for DACA requests. In very limited circumstances, a fee exemption may be requested before filing our attorneys can advise whether you qualify.

How long does the DACA process take?

Processing times vary but often range between three to six months. Renewals should be filed 120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires to avoid gaps in work authorization.

Can I file a first-time DACA application in 2026?

First-time applications remain subject to ongoing federal court rulings. USCIS may accept filings without adjudicating them, depending on the current litigation status. Speak with an attorney before paying filing fees on an initial request.

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

Only with approved Advance Parole (Form I-131), granted for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. The filing fee is $630 by paper or $580 online, and as of October 16, 2025, CBP collects an additional $1,000 parole fee when you re-enter. Leaving without approved Advance Parole terminates your DACA.

What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?

You lose work authorization and deferred action protection, and your employer may have to suspend your employment. If your DACA lapsed, contact us immediately options depend on how long it has been expired.

Can I apply if I have a criminal record?

It depends. Some offenses may block eligibility, while others can be overcome. Speak to our lawyers for an assessment before filing anything.

Does DACA lead to a green card?

Not directly. But some recipients qualify through other routes marriage to a U.S. citizen, family petitions, employment sponsorship, U visas, or SIJS. We evaluate long-term options in every consultation.

Protect Your Future Today

The DACA program remains one of the most important protections available to undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children. However, its legal complexity and evolving status make professional guidance essential.

If you are considering applying for DACA or renewing your protection, do not leave your case to chance. Schedule a confidential consultation with Visa Pros today. Let our immigration attorneys help you protect your opportunity, employment, and peace of mind.