Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
As of April 2026, DACA continues to exist in a legal limbo. The program has been the subject of ongoing federal litigation since 2018, with courts reaching different conclusions about its legality. The current situation: USCIS is still accepting and processing renewal applications for existing DACA holders. However, USCIS is NOT accepting new initial applications from first-time applicants who never had DACA before, due to court orders.
In plain terms: if you have had DACA before and your status is expiring or has recently expired, you can, and should, file for renewal now. If you have never had DACA, you cannot apply at this time under the current court orders.
The renewal fees in 2026 are $555 if you file online through the myUSCIS portal, or $605 if you file by paper mail. USCIS strongly encourages online filing because it is faster and reduces the risk of lost applications.
What if your DACA already expired? If your DACA expired less than one year ago, USCIS will still process your renewal. If your DACA expired more than one year ago, USCIS will accept your application but currently cannot process it under the existing court order. This creates a difficult situation for many long-lapsed DACA holders in California. Even if USCIS cannot process your application right now, filing early documents your intent and preserves your place in the queue if the legal situation changes.
Travel with DACA in 2026 is extremely risky. You can only travel outside the United States with DACA if you have Advance Parole, a separate travel document approved by USCIS before you leave. Traveling without Advance Parole means permanent loss of your DACA status. Even with Advance Parole, travel carries significant risks in the current enforcement environment. Do not book any international travel without speaking to an immigration attorney first.
What about pathways beyond DACA? DACA does not itself lead to a green card or citizenship. But depending on your personal situation, other pathways may be available. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. citizen parent, you may be eligible for a green card through family sponsorship. If you are a victim of a crime, you may qualify for a U visa. If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you may be eligible under VAWA. Some DACA holders have also obtained green cards through employer sponsorship.
The critical message for California DACA holders in 2026: Do not wait to renew. USCIS recommends filing for renewal 150 to 180 days (five to six months) before your current status expires. Filing late, even by a few weeks, can cause your work authorization to lapse, which can affect your job, your driver's license, and your ability to travel. And do not try to navigate the renewal or any green card pathway on your own, the stakes are too high.
At Gracie Johnson Law in Compton, we handle DACA renewals and evaluate each client's situation to identify any potential pathway to permanent status. Our office serves DACA holders from Compton, Watts, Lynwood, Long Beach, and throughout South Los Angeles. For a confidential consultation, call (310) 554-4630 or visit our DACA page at graciejlaw.com/daca.
Common Questions
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration situation is different. Contact Gracie Johnson Law at (310) 554-4630 for advice specific to your case.