An EAD issued to a DACA beneficiary will bear category code C33. 2 Certain EADs, depending on the category code, may be extended while a renewal application is pending. 3 Under previous iterations of the program, DACA beneficiaries were not eligible for such extensions, and the new regulation does not change that.
If you applied for DACA before turning age 18 (or within 180 days after turning 18): You should be able to return to your country of origin and apply for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate, just as anyone would do if they were living abroad and applying for a green card based on marriage to a U.S. green ...
If you applied for DACA before turning age 18 (or within 180 days after turning 18): You should be able to return to your country of origin and apply for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate, just as anyone would do if they were living abroad and applying for a green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen ...
Students who are DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), also known as “DACA-mented” students, are still considered undocumented students even though they may have a social security number and/or an Employment Authorization Card.
The DACA program took root in 2012, through an Executive Order during President Barack Obama's administration, as a way to provide temporary relief (renewable 2-year terms) from deportation and work authorization for certain individuals who came to the United States as children.
What happened: On January 17th, 2025 the 5th Circuit Court once again ruled against DACA, but kept renewals open–for now. This ruling is part of ongoing, deliberate attacks to undermine immigrant communities, limit opportunities, and enable mass deportation.
After President Joe Biden took office, the administration created a rule formalizing DACA. However, in September 2023, Hanen once again held that DACA is unlawful. Despite the court rulings, none of the decisions put an end to DACA for those who have already received that status.
You should be aware that you can work as long as your EAD card remains valid. In other words, you can work until the expiration date of your DACA status. You can get your EAD card extended if you successfully renew your DACA status.
Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines below may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) for a period of 2 years, subject to renewal for a period of 2 years, and may be eligible for employment authorization.
Form I-765 is the physical document. Form I-766 is an EAD card, which you can keep in your wallet. Both Form I-766 and I-765 are valid EADs. You actually use Form I-765 to apply for your Form 1-766 card.