Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Mod Edit: Click below to see timelines of other DACA renewals and to enter your own timeline information

2016 DACA Renewal Timeline Data


Hello to all my fellow dreamers. I know a lot of us rarely come here anymore, aside for when it's time to renew, and it is that time again. Let's be supportive of each other, as we always have, and make sure we all have the necessary information to ensure we get our renewal.

Let's use this thread to clear some clutter from some of the other posts and stick directly to the information we need for a successful 2016 renewal.

First step: Make sure you're within the 150-120 day renewal window before your authorization expires. Here is a helpful link to help you track the earliest you can apply for the 2016 renewal: http://www.undocumedia.org/daca-calculator/

Second step: Have the required $495 filing fee available. Payment is made to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and can be done in the form of personal check or money order, from funds located in the United States and its territories. The fee, which cannot be waived, covers employment authorization and biometric services. If your renewal window is in March, this gives you three (3) solid weeks to save, in case you need to.

Step three: Download the required forms, I-812D, I-765, I-765WS, and optional G-1145 here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d. The forms come in PDF, which you can fill out with your computer and then print. Along with the forms, you'll need two passport photos with your name and alien number written on the back, as well as a front and back color photo copy of your EAD card.

Step four: Send out the correctly completed forms and form of payment. Depending on where you live, you'll send your information to a service center designated to your area. Check what service center will process your renewal: https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d-addresses
I plan on using FedEx next day with signature required. But of course, the courier of choice is up to you.

Step five: Stay positive, patient and out of trouble. There will be many applications sent in and it may take a little while until it's your turn. Remain calm if the window starts getting close to your expiration date, especially if your employer begins asking for your renewal documentation. Inform them you're still pending, but that you will get them your updated information as soon as it becomes available.

Step six: During the renewal process, you'll receive a letter with a scheduled appointment to visit your local field office for your finger printing and background check. Be sure to not miss your appointment date and arrive 15-30 minutes early. Bring your letter with the appointment, your current EAD card, unexpired passport (if applicable) and driver license/state ID. You'll be taking a picture, so be sure to look sharp!

Step seven: Continue to remain calm and patient as the final touches are made to the pending approval.

Step eight: Upon approval, provide updated information to employer. Your eligibility to work and stay in the country for two more years is cause for celebration, so enjoy a night out with a special someone or your buddies.

Step nine: Continue being a productive member of society. Contribute to your community, volunteer, remain gainfully employed, pay your taxes, ace all your classes and stay out of trouble. Continue to write to your representatives and senators, encouraging them to help pass comprehensive immigration reform. That way, maybe we won't see each other in two years time to renew once more. I'm hoping that with the next democratic president, we'll be eligible for permanent residency. It's important to register eligible voters and make sure they turn out on election day.

Good luck to us all.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

This is super helpful! Thanks!

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Thanks. Nice and succinct summary.

My only reservation is the link you have posted for service centers . This link, however, is more for the purpose of locating service centers for physical visits, methinks.

This link I believe contains the correct addresses for the Lockboxs to mail applications to.
https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d-addresses

No doubt, they are then forwarded to specific service centers, in my case, Texas, probably based on work flows?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Youthinks correct. Thanks for the link. The original post has been updated.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Sup guys.. it seems we had the same idea. How early do you plan on sending renewal application?
My exp in September so I was thinking end of April/beginning of May

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I have an EAD for 3 years from the original batch, should I try to renew this year?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

If it's expiring - sure.
If not - I think they'd reject your application.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Will I able to renew DACA after four years? I mean, this will be the second time I'd renew DACA. I originally obtained it in 2012, and renewed in 2014. I wonder if it is possible for a third time, or it was only meant for four years? Mine expires in October this year.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

What do you mean only meant for 4 years?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Its renewable as long as the program continues and you qualify.

There was never any mention of a two renewal limit.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Thank you Laterlater, you answered my questions. I had been told there was only a two renewal limit.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

There has been no mention of a renewal limit. I received a letter from USCIS reminding me that my DACA expires soon and that my renewal request must be submitted between the 150-120 expatriation window; I doubt that was an oversight.

I'll be sending my packet and check for renewal on 03/21, my 150th day before expiration. My DACA and EAD are set to expire on 08/17. This will be my second renewal. My initial approval was granted in 2012, first renewal in 2014 and second renewal request is in 2016.

It's difficult to only plan my life two years in advance. I'd like to settle down, start a family and purchase a home. But not knowing where I'll be two years from now just doesn't make it feasible to marry and attempt to secure a home loan. Do any of you feel similar to me, or have you guys ventured out and gotten married or even secured a home loan?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

It is ironic you mention this. I was living my life without a worry until I received the letter to renew my EAD. Then it hit me that my life is only secured every 2 years. But hey, it is way better than being in the shadows.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Two years of light.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I recently found a better paying job (I don't know about most of you, but it has been exasperating submitting apps, having years of experience in your field, a degree having graduated cum laude, and yet, and have not luck getting hired...) and I start next week, and it's been stressing to think that if my permit isn't renewed by mid-April, I won't have that job anymore...Not only can you not plan anything, but anything you plan has an 'expiration date' attached to it.

I'm usually someone who's very positive, but I am tired of the 'DACA is better than nothing', because, in the end, it's just fuel to our hopes, that might never come true unless we marry or something, which is something I do not want to do.

On the 'darker' side, if we get a Republican president, we are done.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Since my 150th day is on a Sunday (3/20/16), can I mail my renewal forms on Friday or Saturday so they can arrive on Monday (3/21/16)? Or do I just mail them on Monday? Does it even matter? Thanks.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Immigration considers forms to be filed once they reach their lockbox or office. So either day is fine.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Mail out your renewal packet with next day delivery, so they end up there first thing Monday morning.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Thanks guys. One more question. Are you guys using Fedex or USPS?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Have you guys seen the expiration date on I-821 D?
Seems it's the same as the previous one I used.
Hope they update that.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I use FedEx.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

The expiration date is there due to federal appropriation reasons. It is not something you should concern yourself with.
All forms remain valid until a new version is provided, and usually past that. The site usually list which editions are accepted. I sent in an old I-765 for my renewal back in 2014 without an issue because USCIS still accepts them.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Have you guys ever heard of any stories where you used the advance parole document to travel to a different country than the one you were approved for?

I didn't get approved for a Canadian Visa, so now I can't do the educational trip I was approved to leave the country. However I am thinking of going to Mexico to visit my sick grandmother. Should I re-apply for AP?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I was going through my I-765 from my last renewal and noticed I typed in California Service Center and date 08/22/2013 on question #11. Guess i was suppose to type Nebraska Service Center 08/22/2012 lol.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Lol.
On my renewal I said that I was granted my first daca via ICE rather than dhs. Still approved tho. Weird.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

In all honesty half of these requirements (passport pictures, prior information) are a relic of an era before even homeless people had internet access. They have your complete A-file, so as long as you don't dig your own grave by ticking a wrong incriminating box on an I-485 you're fine.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Has anyone received a RFE and are at the Nebraska Center?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Have't submitted my renewal just yet.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I don't see item 6 Signature on part 8 anymore. Is this form the correct version?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Two questions guys, do I have to put my new paid off car as an asset? I honestly dont want to. Second question: what date do we write down on question 11 on the I-765? I wronte down the "received date" on my I-797C, notice of action paper.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

wow this whole time i thought we could only renew once after the initial card

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

so after the 4 years, is it a renewal or re-apply?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Re-apply. And for those wondering about missing signatures lines in the forms, as long as you downloaded the form from the USCIS website it will be fine.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

reapply? please explain.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

It's a renewal.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

My 150th day--first eligible day to renew-- is coming up shortly, so I'm beginning to finalize what my renewal packet will look like. For those of you that are curious, I'll be sending all my paper work in a manila folder that will be paper-clipped on a few sides to keep the packet together. On the front of the folder in black sharpie will be written: DACA Renewal 2016 A#:xxx-xxx-xxx.

Inside the packet I'll have a cover letter with the following information written:

DACA Renewal 2016
Name Of Dreamer (A#: XXX-XXX-XXX)

Packet includes the following information:
• Check –In the amount of $465 USD made to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Two recently taken passport photos-Name and alien number written on the back
• I-821D form
• I-765 form with color photo copy of Employment Authorization Document
• I-765WS
• G-1145
• Color photo copy of valid passport and valid California drivers license

The check and passport photos will be paper-clipped together; The I-821D form will be paper clipped together.

Hope some of you find this helpful.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Is this your 2nd renewal? As in 4yrs has almost passed?

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

That's correct.

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

Oh okay let me know if you run into anything different. I only got my ead and renewed it once

Re: Official 2016 Renewal Thread
 

I don't think you need a color copy of your DL