Last Updated on February 23, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that individuals who were previously granted legal status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are now eligible to file renewal-specific requests electronically.
Overview
USCIS is expanding online filing options for certain DACA beneficiaries as part of a broader effort to move away from paper records and make more processes electronic. Additionally, the agency indicates it is seeking to make its operations more efficient and effective for petitioners, applicants, requestors and stakeholders.
What are the Changes?
DACA beneficiaries may now file their extension applications online through submitting the Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. In addition, they may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization online, with the Form I-765 Worksheet, which is required to support employment authorization document (EAD) renewals.
To utilize this online filing feature, a DACA recipient must first set up a USCIS online account. Setting up an account allows the applicant to submit forms, track the status of USCIS immigration requests and pay any associated fees. Applicants can also communicate with USCIS using a messaging system through their account and respond through the USCIS account to Requests for Evidence (RFE) notices.
Due to a U.S. District Court ruling, new DACA filings are not being accepted. This ruling is currently under appeal by the Biden Administration.
Looking Ahead
Forms I-765 and I-821D can be found online through the USCIS Forms Available to File Online page. Although there are now 13 forms that can be filed online, USCIS will still accept paper versions of all forms that can be filed electronically.
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Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Susannah Nichols, who is a Partner at Global Immigration Associates (GIA), one of the two independent U.S. law firms Envoy exclusively works with on the Envoy Platform (the "U.S. Law Firms").
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
