When should I file DACA renewal so I don't have a gap?

USCIS recommends 120 to 150 days before the expiration date on your current approval notice.

Where do I follow DACA rule changes reliably?

The alerts at the top of uscis.gov/DACA are the official source. You can also subscribe to USCIS email updates.

How do I get alerts about DACA court decisions?

USCIS updates its DACA page after rulings; court dockets are public on PACER. We alert you to your own case status changes, not court rulings.

Processing times

How long does DACA renewal take this year?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Not legal advice

USCIS says it adjudicates the majority of DACA renewal requests within 120 days, and it strongly recommends filing your renewal 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date on your current I-797 DACA approval notice. Filing earlier than 150 days does not get a faster decision.

DACA renewal timing at a glance (per USCIS)
Item	What USCIS says
Recommended filing window	120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires
Typical decision time	Majority of renewals adjudicated within 120 days
Filing more than 150 days early	Does not result in a faster decision
Renewals and initial requests	Check uscis.gov/DACA for the current court-ordered processing rules

Court decisions and DACA

DACA has been the subject of long-running federal litigation, and USCIS posts the current effect of court orders at the top of its DACA page. On the date we checked, USCIS said it continues to accept and process renewal requests, and accepts but does not process initial requests. Check that page for the latest.

Status not updating?

Track your I-821D and I-765 receipt numbers. Status pages only change when an action happens, so weeks without change are normal within the processing window.

Quick answers

When should I file DACA renewal so I don't have a gap?: USCIS recommends 120 to 150 days before the expiration date on your current approval notice.
Where do I follow DACA rule changes reliably?: The alerts at the top of uscis.gov/DACA are the official source. You can also subscribe to USCIS email updates.
How do I get alerts about DACA court decisions?: USCIS updates its DACA page after rulings; court dockets are public on PACER. We alert you to your own case status changes, not court rulings.

What to do next

Track your receipt number and get an email the day the status changes.

Track my case free

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026