{"id":1330,"date":"2026-04-18T10:05:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T10:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/?p=1330"},"modified":"2026-04-18T10:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T10:05:42","slug":"daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/","title":{"rendered":"DACA Renewal 2026: Dreamers Guide to Current Status, Requirements, and Application"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Browse Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#DACA_2026_Renewal_Process_Current_Legal_Status_and_What_Dreamers_Need_to_Know\" >DACA 2026: Renewal Process, Current Legal Status, and What Dreamers Need to Know<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Current_Legal_Status_of_DACA_in_2026\" >Current Legal Status of DACA in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#DACA_Original_Eligibility_Requirements\" >DACA Original Eligibility Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Criminal_History_and_DACA\" >Criminal History and DACA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#How_to_Renew_DACA_Step-by-Step\" >How to Renew DACA: Step-by-Step<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#DACA_Benefits\" >DACA Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Does_DACA_Lead_to_a_Green_Card\" >Does DACA Lead to a Green Card?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#DACA_FAQ\" >DACA FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Is_DACA_still_active_in_2026\" >Is DACA still active in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#How_do_I_renew_DACA_in_2026\" >How do I renew DACA in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#What_are_the_original_DACA_eligibility_requirements\" >What are the original DACA eligibility requirements?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Does_DACA_lead_to_a_green_card_or_citizenship\" >Does DACA lead to a green card or citizenship?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#Can_DACA_recipients_travel_outside_the_US\" >Can DACA recipients travel outside the US?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/#DACA_Renewal_Green_Card_Options_and_Legal_Advice\" >DACA Renewal, Green Card Options, and Legal Advice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"DACA 2026: Renewal Process, Current Legal Status, and What Dreamers Need to Know\",\n      \"description\": \"DACA remains active for current recipients as of 2026. Renewals are being processed. New initial applications remain blocked. Fees: $495. Renew 150-120 days before expiration. Full 2026 guide.\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-04-18\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-04-18\",\n      \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration Law\"},\n      \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Atlas Legal Immigration Law\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.theatlaslegal.com\"},\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/www.theatlaslegal.com\/daca-renewal-2026-dreamers-guide-current-status\/\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is DACA still active in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"DACA remains active for current recipients in 2026 \u2014 USCIS continues to accept and process renewal applications. However, new initial DACA applications remain blocked by federal court orders. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held in October 2022 that DACA was unlawfully created, and subsequent litigation has prevented USCIS from approving initial applications for new applicants. Current DACA recipients who renew on time can continue to maintain their DACA status and work authorization.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How do I renew DACA in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"To renew DACA, file Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) together with the $495 combined fee. USCIS recommends filing 150 to 120 days (5 to 4 months) before your current DACA and EAD expire to avoid any gap in status or work authorization. You can file online through myUSCIS or by mail to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What are the original DACA eligibility requirements?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"DACA was established in June 2012 for individuals who: (1) came to the US before their 16th birthday; (2) have lived continuously in the US since June 15, 2007; (3) were physically present in the US on June 15, 2012, and at the time of requesting DACA; (4) had no lawful status on June 15, 2012; (5) were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012 (no age cap for renewal purposes); (6) are currently in school, graduated\/obtained a GED, are an honorably discharged veteran, or are a high school graduate; and (7) have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or 3+ misdemeanors.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does DACA lead to a green card or citizenship?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"DACA itself does not provide a path to a green card or US citizenship. It is deferred action \u2014 a discretionary exercise of prosecutorial discretion that defers removal and provides work authorization. DACA recipients who have a qualifying family member who is a US citizen or LPR may be able to pursue a green card through other channels (marriage, family petition), but DACA status itself is not a path to permanent residence. Congress has debated various DREAM Act proposals that would provide a path to citizenship for DACA recipients, but as of 2026 no such legislation has passed.\"}\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can DACA recipients travel outside the US?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"DACA recipients who wish to travel outside the US must apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131) before departing. Without Advance Parole, leaving the US terminates DACA status and may trigger unlawful presence bars. USCIS does grant Advance Parole for DACA recipients for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. However, reentry on Advance Parole after prior unlawful presence may create complications \u2014 DACA recipients should consult an immigration attorney before any international travel.\"}\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n      \"name\": \"How to Renew DACA in 2026\",\n      \"step\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Begin renewal 150-120 days before expiration\", \"text\": \"USCIS recommends filing your DACA renewal 5 to 4 months (150 to 120 days) before your current DACA and EAD expire. This timing allows sufficient processing time to avoid a gap in status or work authorization.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Complete Forms I-821D and I-765\", \"text\": \"Fill out Form I-821D (DACA renewal) and Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) carefully and completely. For renewal, confirm that your personal information (name, address) matches your prior DACA records. For I-765, use category (c)(33).\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Pay the $495 fee\", \"text\": \"Pay the combined filing fee of $495 by check, money order, or online payment. As of 2026, there is no fee waiver available for DACA renewals (fee waivers are not available for I-821D under current USCIS policy).\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Submit and track your application\", \"text\": \"File online at my.uscis.gov or by mail to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. Save your receipt notice. Track your case at egov.uscis.gov. Current DACA renewal processing time is approximately 3-5 months.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"name\": \"Receive new 2-year DACA and EAD\", \"text\": \"Upon approval, USCIS mails a new 2-year DACA approval notice and a new EAD card. Update your employer's I-9 records with your new EAD. Immediately check expiration dates and add the next renewal date to your calendar.\"}\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DACA_2026_Renewal_Process_Current_Legal_Status_and_What_Dreamers_Need_to_Know\"><\/span>DACA 2026: Renewal Process, Current Legal Status, and What Dreamers Need to Know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<blockquote><p>\n<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DACA <strong>remains active for current recipients<\/strong> as of April 2026 \u2014 USCIS processes renewals<\/li>\n<li><strong>New initial applications remain blocked<\/strong> by federal court orders \u2014 only renewals are being processed<\/li>\n<li>Combined renewal fee: <strong>$495<\/strong> (Form I-821D + I-765)<\/li>\n<li>File for renewal <strong>150-120 days (5-4 months)<\/strong> before expiration to avoid a gap<\/li>\n<li>DACA grants <strong>2-year work authorization<\/strong> and deferred action \u2014 not permanent residence<\/li>\n<li>DACA <strong>does not itself lead to a green card<\/strong> \u2014 but some Dreamers qualify for other immigration paths<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been one of the most consequential and legally contested immigration programs in US history since President Obama established it by executive action in June 2012. More than 550,000 individuals hold active DACA status as of 2026 \u2014 the &#8220;Dreamers,&#8221; who came to the United States as children and have grown up, attended school, built careers, and established lives here. Despite years of legal challenges that have blocked new initial applications since 2022, USCIS continues to accept and process DACA renewal applications for current recipients. This guide covers the 2026 status of DACA, the renewal process, eligibility requirements, and the important question of what immigration pathways \u2014 if any \u2014 exist for DACA recipients seeking permanent residence.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1181608\/pexels-photo-1181608.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=1200&#038;h=630&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"DACA recipient reviewing DACA renewal documents and Form I-821D for 2026 application\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" loading=\"eager\" \/><figcaption>DACA recipients must renew their status every 2 years \u2014 USCIS recommends filing 150 to 120 days before expiration to ensure no gap in work authorization.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Legal_Status_of_DACA_in_2026\"><\/span>Current Legal Status of DACA in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DACA&#8217;s legal status has been continuously contested in federal courts since 2017. The key milestones that define the 2026 landscape:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>October 2022:<\/strong> The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court ruling that DACA was unlawfully created, vacating it as to new applicants but allowing current recipients to maintain their status while litigation continued.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2022-2026:<\/strong> USCIS has been unable to approve new initial DACA applications \u2014 those who never had DACA before and applied after the court ruling have had their applications accepted (with fees collected) but not approved, pending the litigation outcome.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Current recipients:<\/strong> USCIS continues to process renewals for those who already held DACA at the time of the court ruling. The federal courts have entered injunctions protecting current DACA recipients&#8217; ability to renew.<\/li>\n<li><strong>April 2026 status:<\/strong> DACA remains operational for renewals. The litigation continues to work through the federal courts, and a final Supreme Court ruling remains possible. Any change in DACA&#8217;s legal status would require congressional action or a definitive Supreme Court decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>DACA recipients should monitor developments and maintain their renewal filing schedule rigorously. A gap in DACA status \u2014 caused by a late renewal \u2014 could create immigration complications that are difficult to resolve. Consult an immigration attorney for personalized guidance given the ongoing legal uncertainty.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DACA_Original_Eligibility_Requirements\"><\/span>DACA Original Eligibility Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DACA was established for individuals who met all of the following requirements as of June 15, 2012:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Came to the United States under the age of 16<\/li>\n<li>Have lived continuously in the US since June 15, 2007<\/li>\n<li>Were physically present in the US on June 15, 2012<\/li>\n<li>Had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012<\/li>\n<li>Were under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012<\/li>\n<li>Currently in school, have graduated or obtained a GED, are an honorably discharged US Armed Forces or Coast Guard veteran, or have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent<\/li>\n<li>Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For renewal purposes, USCIS does not re-examine the June 2012 age and presence requirements \u2014 it evaluates whether you continue to meet the general eligibility standards and whether any disqualifying criminal convictions have occurred since your last DACA period.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_History_and_DACA\"><\/span>Criminal History and DACA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DACA can be denied or revoked based on criminal history. Disqualifying offenses include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Any felony conviction<\/strong> under federal, state, or local law<\/li>\n<li><strong>Significant misdemeanor:<\/strong> Convictions for domestic violence, sexual abuse\/exploitation, burglary, unlawful possession\/use of a firearm, drug distribution\/trafficking, or drunk driving (DUI) with injury \u2014 regardless of sentence length<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three or more other misdemeanor convictions<\/strong> not occurring on the same date<\/li>\n<li><strong>National security or public safety threats<\/strong> as determined by USCIS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Minor traffic violations that are not considered misdemeanors under applicable law generally do not disqualify DACA applicants. If you have any arrest or conviction in your history \u2014 even dismissed charges or expunged records \u2014 consult an immigration attorney before filing a DACA renewal. Immigration law treats convictions differently from criminal law, and an expunged conviction may still be considered a conviction for immigration purposes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Renew_DACA_Step-by-Step\"><\/span>How to Renew DACA: Step-by-Step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The DACA renewal process requires filing two forms together:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Form I-821D:<\/strong> Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form I-765:<\/strong> Application for Employment Authorization (category C(33))<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The combined filing fee is $495. File online at <a href=\"https:\/\/my.uscis.gov\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">my.uscis.gov<\/a> for the most reliable tracking, or by mail to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. USCIS recommends filing <strong>150 to 120 days (5 to 4 months)<\/strong> before your current DACA and EAD expire. This is the sweet spot: too early and USCIS may return the filing as premature; too late and your status may lapse before the renewal is approved.<\/p>\n<p>Current DACA renewal processing times in 2026 are approximately 3-5 months. Your approved EAD will have a validity period of 2 years from the new approval date.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1181472\/pexels-photo-1181472.jpeg?auto=compress&#038;cs=tinysrgb&#038;w=800&#038;h=500&#038;fit=crop\" alt=\"DACA recipient reviewing work authorization EAD card and renewal timeline with immigration attorney\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption>DACA provides 2-year work authorization through an EAD card \u2014 renew on time to avoid any gap in your ability to work legally in the United States.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DACA_Benefits\"><\/span>DACA Benefits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Active DACA status provides:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Deferred action:<\/strong> Protection from deportation removal proceedings for the 2-year DACA period (renewable). ICE has established enforcement priorities that generally deprioritize current DACA recipients, though this policy can change with administrations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employment Authorization Document (EAD):<\/strong> A valid EAD allowing you to work legally for any employer in the US, open bank accounts, obtain professional licenses in most states, and in most states obtain a driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social Security Number:<\/strong> DACA recipients can obtain a Social Security Number, file federal and state taxes, and build work history<\/li>\n<li><strong>Driver&#8217;s licenses:<\/strong> All 50 states and DC now issue driver&#8217;s licenses to DACA recipients<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional licensing:<\/strong> Many states allow DACA recipients to obtain professional licenses (nurse, attorney, teacher, etc.) that require legal work authorization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_DACA_Lead_to_a_Green_Card\"><\/span>Does DACA Lead to a Green Card?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DACA does not itself provide a path to lawful permanent residence or US citizenship. It is deferred action \u2014 a discretionary policy that pauses removal and authorizes work, but does not change or improve your underlying immigration status.<\/p>\n<p>However, some DACA recipients do have other paths to a green card based on family relationships or employment:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Marriage to a US citizen:<\/strong> If you marry a US citizen, you are an &#8220;immediate relative&#8221; eligible for an I-130 family petition and potentially adjustment of status inside the US. See our <a href=\"\/marriage-based-green-card-2026-ir1-cr1-i485-guide\/\">Marriage-Based Green Card guide<\/a>. Note: if you entered without inspection (crossed the border without authorization), you may need to travel abroad for consular processing, which raises unlawful presence bar concerns \u2014 see our <a href=\"\/us-visa-overstay-consequences-bars-options-2026\/\">Visa Overstay and Bars guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petition by a US citizen parent:<\/strong> If you are under 21 and single, and your parent is or becomes a US citizen, they can file an I-130 immediate relative petition. The parent must be a US citizen, not just an LPR.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employment-based green card:<\/strong> If an employer sponsors you for an H-1B or other work visa, which then leads to PERM and I-140 sponsorship, a green card path may be available depending on your entry history. See our <a href=\"\/h1b-visa-2026-requirements-application-guide\/\">H-1B guide<\/a> and <a href=\"\/eb3-visa-skilled-worker-green-card-2026-perm-requirements\/\">EB-3 guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The analysis of whether a DACA recipient can adjust status inside the US (file I-485) or must do consular processing is complex and depends on how and when they entered the US. Many DACA recipients entered without inspection, which generally bars adjustment of status for non-immediate-relatives and may trigger unlawful presence bars upon any departure. An immigration attorney consultation is essential before pursuing any green card path.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DACA_FAQ\"><\/span>DACA FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_DACA_still_active_in_2026\"><\/span>Is DACA still active in 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>DACA remains active for current recipients in 2026 \u2014 USCIS continues processing renewal applications. New initial applications for first-time DACA remain blocked by federal court orders following the Fifth Circuit&#8217;s October 2022 ruling. Congressional legislation (DREAM Act) that would provide a permanent path remains unresolved.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_renew_DACA_in_2026\"><\/span>How do I renew DACA in 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>File Form I-821D and Form I-765 together, with the $495 combined fee, 150-120 days before your current DACA expires. File online at my.uscis.gov or by mail to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. Current processing time is approximately 3-5 months.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_original_DACA_eligibility_requirements\"><\/span>What are the original DACA eligibility requirements?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Came to US before age 16; continuous US residence since June 15, 2007; present in US on June 15, 2012 without lawful status; under 31 as of June 15, 2012; currently enrolled in or graduated from school, or a military veteran; no felony, significant misdemeanor, or 3+ misdemeanor convictions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_DACA_lead_to_a_green_card_or_citizenship\"><\/span>Does DACA lead to a green card or citizenship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>DACA itself does not provide a path to permanent residence or citizenship. It is deferred action \u2014 protection from deportation and work authorization \u2014 not an immigration status. Some DACA recipients can pursue green cards through marriage to a US citizen, family petitions from USC parents, or employer sponsorship, depending on their entry history and individual circumstances.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_DACA_recipients_travel_outside_the_US\"><\/span>Can DACA recipients travel outside the US?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Only with approved Advance Parole (Form I-131). Leaving the US without Advance Parole terminates DACA status. Reentry on Advance Parole can have implications for unlawful presence bars and adjustment of status eligibility. Consult an immigration attorney before any international travel.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f7ff;border-left:4px solid #1a56db;padding:20px 24px;margin:32px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top:0;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DACA_Renewal_Green_Card_Options_and_Legal_Advice\"><\/span>DACA Renewal, Green Card Options, and Legal Advice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Atlas Legal serves DACA recipients with timely renewals, advance parole applications, and green card pathway analysis. We help Dreamers assess all available options given their entry history, family connections, and employment. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your situation.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/contact\/\">Contact Atlas Legal about DACA renewal or green card options.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DACA renewals remain open in 2026. New initial DACA applications are still blocked by the Fifth Circuit (October 2022). Renewal fee: $495 (I-821D + I-765 combined). Processing: 3-5 months. File 150-120 days before your EAD expires. DACA provides 2-year work authorization but does not lead directly to a green card.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[290,291],"tags":[295,293,296,298,297,292,294],"class_list":["post-1330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daca","category-deferred-action","tag-daca-application-requirements","tag-daca-current-status-2026","tag-daca-ead-renewal","tag-daca-fifth-circuit-2026","tag-daca-green-card-path","tag-daca-renewal-2026","tag-dreamers-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1330"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1331,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1330\/revisions\/1331"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}