Categories: DACA

What To Do When Your DACA Is Delayed

Your DACA renewal application has been pending for 105 days, and you have yet to get a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the mail? Here is what you can do:

1. Initiate a service request at USCIS – Call USCIS National Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and request to use the Service Request Management Tool (SRMT) to request expedited processing of your case and ask for an interim EAD, if your DACA renewal application was filed 120 days in advance. In most cases, you have to ask to speak to a supervisor.

In some limited cases, applicants who have had their initial DACA denied, can also use this tool as an appeal to inform USCIS that the denial based on an administrative error.

2. Elevate your case status: After making the initial service request, contact the USCIS Headquarters Office of Service Center Operations by email at: SCOPSSCATA@dhs.gov. You should receive a response within 10 days.

3. Seek assistance from the USCIS Ombudsman – Open a case assistance request with the USCIS Ombudsman by filing DHS-7001. After this step, initiate contact with USCIS Headquarters staff for assistance with your expedite request. I am happy to provide you the specific contact information should you reach this point.

4. Contact your Congressional Representative: If the matter continues to be unresolved and there is a lapse in your work authorization, contact your individual Congressional representative for assistance. You can find your representative here.

As a final note, applicants renewing their DACA should make sure to file 120-150 days before the expiry date listed on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Filing less than 120 days in advance may lead to delays in lapses of work authorization, and accruing of unlawful presence.

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