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.

This is super helpful! Thanks!

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

What do you mean only meant for 4 years?

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

There was never any mention of a two renewal limit.