Why You Should Continue Renewing DACA While Applying for Permanent Residence

Introduction

If you have DACA status and have already started the process to apply for permanent residence, it is critical that you continue renewing your DACA until your green card is officially approved.

Failing to do so can leave you without any valid immigration status if your residency application is denied.

Key Points You Need to Know

1. Starting a green card process does not replace DACA  According to the information provided, beginning a permanent residence process—whether through a spouse, a child, or another qualifying path—does not eliminate the need to renew DACA. DACA remains your only valid protection until permanent residence is approved.
   

2. Some applicants are incorrectly advised not to renew DACA  The information provided indicates that some individuals were advised by notarios that they no longer needed to renew DACA because they had already started their residency process. This advice was incorrect and led to serious consequences.
   

3. If your residency application is denied, you may be left without status If permanent residence is denied and more than one year passes without renewing DACA, you may lose the ability to renew DACA altogether. In that situation, you may be left without any form of legal protection.

What Is NOT Changing

• DACA must be renewed regularly until permanent residence is approved

• Filing a green card application does not guarantee approval

• Losing DACA for more than one year can permanently remove the option to renew

Important Timing Considerations

• Do not allow more than one year to pass without renewing DACA

• Continue renewing DACA until you receive official approval of permanent residence

• Do not rely on verbal advice that contradicts renewal requirements

Why This Matters for Applicants

Failing to renew DACA can result in:

• Loss of work authorization

• Loss of protection from deportation

• Inability to renew DACA again

• Being left without any valid immigration status if residency is denied

  
  

Continuing to renew DACA provides a safety net during the permanent residence process.

How to Protect Your Status While Applying for a Green Card 

1.  Continue renewing your DACA on time

2. Do not stop renewing until your green card is approved 

3. Be cautious of advice from non-attorneys 

4. Keep track of your DACA expiration date 

5. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney

Additional Tips

• Immigration processes can be delayed or denied unexpectedly

• Always maintain valid status whenever possible

• Verify all legal advice with a licensed immigration attorney

FAQs – DACA and Permanent Residence Applications

1. Should I renew DACA if I already applied for a green card? 

Yes. According to the information provided, you should continue renewing DACA until permanent residence is approved.

2. What happens if my green card application is denied and I did not renew DACA?

If more than one year has passed without renewing DACA, you may lose the ability to renew it again.

3. Can I rely on advice from a notario about DACA renewal? 

No. The information provided indicates that relying on incorrect advice from non-attorneys has caused serious issues for applicants.

4. When can I stop renewing DACA? 

You should only stop renewing DACA once your permanent residence application has been approved.

5. Why is it risky to stop renewing DACA early? 

Because if your residency application is denied, you may be left without any legal immigration protection.

Final Recommendation

If you have DACA and are in the process of applying for permanent residence, continue renewing your DACA until your green card is officially approved.

Stopping your renewal too early can leave you without options if your application is denied. To protect yourself, maintain your DACA status and seek guidance from a qualified immigration attorney throughout the process.

Contact Denise P. Cabrera – Immigration Attorney in Santa Ana to schedule a consultation and begin your path toward citizenship today.

Contact Information

📍 Office: 3000 W. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 305, Santa Ana, CA 92704

📞 Phone: (714) 855-6741

🌐 Website: www.attorneydpc.com