DACA Renewal in Houston: What You Must Know Before Your Deadline

You've spent years building your life here in Houston — working, going to school, contributing to your community. Then one day you realize your DACA is expiring soon, and that quiet anxiety sets in. What happens to your job? Your family? Your future?

Houston is home to more than 32,000 DACA recipients, making it the fourth-largest city for Dreamers in the entire country. Texas has over 106,000 DACA holders in total, with 241,000 family members living with a recipient. Knowing exactly when and how to renew can mean the difference between continuing life without interruption and facing weeks without legal work authorization.

#DACA's Legal Status in 2026

DACA remains active for existing recipients, but the legal landscape is unsettled. In January 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that the DACA program is unlawful — but left in place the stay that allows current recipients to continue renewing. The case remains in active litigation.

Here is what this means practically for you:

• USCIS continues to accept and process renewals for anyone who already has approved DACA.
• New, first-time DACA applications are not being processed — if you have never received DACA before, you cannot file for it right now.
• Courts have narrowed the injunction specifically to Texas, focused on the work authorization component. However, as of June 2026, USCIS is still renewing cases for Texas residents while formal implementation is pending.

The message is consistent across every immigration advocate and attorney: do not wait. Renewing with ample lead time is the only way to avoid a gap in your protection.

#Who Is Eligible to Renew?

To qualify for a DACA renewal (as of June 2026), you must meet all of the following:

• You have a previously approved DACA — even if it has expired, as long as it expired less than one year ago.
• You have lived continuously in the United States since your last DACA approval through today.
• You did not leave the United States between August 15, 2012 and your first approval date without advance parole (a travel permit from USCIS).
• You have no felony convictions, no significant misdemeanors, and no three or more misdemeanor convictions.

Critical note: If your DACA expired more than one year ago, USCIS may classify your filing as an initial application — which courts are currently blocking. Speak with a Houston immigration attorney before filing anything.

#The Forms You Need to File

A DACA renewal requires three documents filed together:

1. Form I-821D — Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
2. Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (your work permit)
3. Form I-765WS — A supplemental worksheet justifying your economic need to work

You can file online through your account at USCIS.gov, or mail a paper packet to the USCIS lockbox facility for Texas. Filing online is faster and lets you track your case in real time.

#How Much Does Renewal Cost?

As of June 2026, the government filing fees are:

Important change: Since October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders. You must pay by credit card, debit card, or through your USCIS online account. This applies whether you file online or by mail.

If the fee is a financial hardship, reach out to local nonprofit organizations — the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC) can connect you to resources.

#When You Should File Your Renewal

This is the most important timing decision you will make: file early.

USCIS strongly recommends submitting your renewal between 120 and 150 days before your expiration date — that is four to five months in advance. In 2025 and 2026, processing times have ranged from three to six months. If you file late, your current work authorization may expire before your renewal is approved.

Find your expiration date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) or on your Form I-797 approval notice. Count back 150 days from that date to find your target filing window.

Example: If your DACA expires December 1, 2026, you should file your renewal no later than July 4, 2026 — and ideally earlier.

When your renewal is pending, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization by up to 540 days from the date your EAD expired. Keep your expired card and your USCIS receipt notice together as documentation for your employer.

#Documents to Include With Your Renewal

DACA renewals require far fewer supporting documents than initial applications. You will need:

• Copy of your current EAD (front and back)
• Copy of your most recent Form I-797 approval notice
• Two passport-style photos taken within the past 30 days
• Fee payment (credit/debit card or USCIS online account)
• Form G-1145 (optional — for email or text notification when USCIS receives your package)

If anything has changed since your last approval — address, name, or any legal matters — discuss it with an attorney before filing.

#What If Your DACA Already Expired?

If your DACA has already lapsed, do not give up. Your options depend on how much time has passed.

Expired less than one year ago: USCIS generally treats this as a standard renewal. File as soon as possible and consult with an attorney to ensure your paperwork reflects your circumstances accurately.

Expired more than one year ago: This is more complicated. USCIS may classify your case as an initial application, which the courts currently block. An experienced immigration attorney may be able to argue it should still be treated as a renewal, or can identify other legal options based on your individual situation — including family petitions, employment visas, or other relief.

A lapsed DACA is not the end of your options. Many Dreamers in communities like Aldine, Northside, Sharpstown, and Gulfton have found alternative paths forward. Do not rely on notarios or unlicensed consultants — only a licensed immigration attorney can give you accurate legal advice.

#Advance Parole: Can You Travel with DACA?

Advance parole is a USCIS-issued travel permit that allows DACA recipients to leave and re-enter the United States without losing their status. In 2026, USCIS is still approving advance parole applications for Dreamers who have documented humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes.

Key facts before you apply:

• Filing fee for Form I-131: $580 online or $630 by mail
• A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) surcharge of approximately $1,000 may be charged at re-entry
• Processing times in 2026 range from 6 to 17 months
• CBP scrutiny at the border is significantly higher than in prior years

For some Dreamers who are married to U.S. citizens, a properly executed advance parole trip can open a pathway to permanent residency. This strategy requires careful planning with a qualified immigration attorney before any travel is booked.

Never leave the United States without your advance parole physically in hand. Departing without it can result in permanent loss of your DACA and possible bars to re-entry.

#How a Houston Immigration Attorney Can Help

Renewing DACA is straightforward when your situation is clean — but a single error on a form, a missed fee, or an overlooked document can delay your case by months. An attorney review before you file costs far less than the disruption of losing your work authorization.

At the Law Office of Kristopher A. Alvarez, PLLC, we help Dreamers across the greater Houston area from our offices in Montrose (1603 W. Alabama St.) and the East End (6841 Avenue I). We handle DACA renewals, advance parole applications, and long-term immigration planning, including family petitions for Dreamers ready to pursue permanent residency.

Schedule a consultation to review your timeline and make sure your renewal is on track.

Call or text us: (832) 404-2300 — Se habla español.