DACA Application Process Stays the Same for Now
The government is extending the way it collects information for DACA, but the rules for applying are not changing.
Affects: All immigrants · Source: Federal Register
What happened
The U.S. government agency that handles immigration, USCIS, made an announcement about DACA. They said that the way they collect information for DACA applications will continue. This means the forms and process for DACA are staying the same as they have been.
This announcement is called an 'extension, without change.' It means the government is just renewing its approval to use the current DACA paperwork. They are not making any new rules or changes to the DACA program itself, only extending the existing administrative process.
The public has a chance to share their thoughts on this extension. You can send comments to the government about this specific notice until November 13, 2026. This allows people to give feedback on how the information is collected.
The bigger picture
Before this announcement, USCIS already had a system in place to collect information from people applying for DACA. This process involves specific forms and steps that applicants must follow. The government needs to regularly renew its approval for how it collects this kind of information from the public, which is what this notice is about.
The government says it is doing this to keep the DACA program running smoothly and consistently. By extending the current information collection approval, they ensure that DACA applicants can still submit their requests using the same forms and steps they have been using without interruption.
What this means for you
Green card applicants
No direct change for you. This announcement is about the DACA program, which is separate from applying for a Green Card. Your application process is not affected by this notice.
F1 students
No direct change for you. This news does not affect international students on F1 visas. Your student visa rules remain unchanged by this announcement.
H1B workers
No direct change for you. This announcement is not related to the H1B visa program for skilled workers. Your work visa process is not impacted by this notice.
All immigrants
If you are a DACA recipient or are thinking about applying for DACA, the process for submitting your information remains the same. This announcement simply means the current forms and steps will continue to be used, with no new changes to the application process itself.
What you should do
- Nothing right now — just good to know that the DACA application process is continuing as it has been. If you are a DACA recipient, continue to follow the existing USCIS guidelines for renewals.
Key dates
- 2026-09-14: Date the announcement was published in the Federal Register.
- 2026-11-13: Last day for the public to submit comments on this extension.
Words explained
- DACA
- DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a program that protects some young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from being deported and allows them to work.
- USCIS
- USCIS is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This government agency handles immigration benefits like DACA applications and other immigration requests.
- Deferred Action
- Deferred action means the government decides not to take action to deport someone for a certain period of time. It does not give a person legal status, but it offers temporary protection and work authorization.
- Federal Register
- The Federal Register is where the U.S. government publishes its official rules, proposed rules, and public notices like this one, so everyone can see them.
- Extension, Without Change
- This means the government is continuing an existing process or rule without making any new changes to it. It's like renewing a library book without changing its story.
Common questions
Are the DACA rules changing?
No, the announcement clearly states 'without change.' This means the rules and forms for DACA are staying exactly as they are now. There are no new requirements or changes to how DACA applications are handled based on this notice.
Do I need to do anything new for my DACA application?
No, you do not need to do anything new because of this announcement. The process for applying for or renewing DACA remains the same as before. You should continue to follow the existing instructions from USCIS.
What does 'information collection' mean?
It means the forms and documents that USCIS asks DACA applicants to fill out and provide. The government needs to get approval to keep asking for this information to make sure it's necessary and not too much of a burden on applicants.
Can I still apply for DACA?
This announcement is about the process for collecting information for DACA. It does not change who can apply or if new applications are being accepted. For current DACA eligibility and whether new applications are being processed, you should always check the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.