Where to check your DACA status

You can check your DACA status through the official USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) website using your case number, or by calling USCIS directly. The online method is fastest — you get an answer in seconds. The phone line takes longer but lets you ask follow-up questions if something is unclear.

USCIS does not send status updates by text or email, so you have to check yourself. The two methods below are the only official ways to get accurate information about your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your DACA status online at uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number (the one that starts with "EAD" or "I-765"), which takes seconds.
  • If you do not have your receipt number, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 during business hours and have your A-number (from your green card or notice) ready.
  • Status updates appear online within 24 hours of any change to your case, so checking weekly during processing is normal.
  • If your status shows "case received" for longer than the normal processing time, contact USCIS by phone to confirm your case is moving.

Checking your status online at USCIS

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number in the search box. Your receipt number is a 13-character code that starts with three letters (usually EAD, I-765, or I-131) followed by numbers. You received this number in your receipt notice when you first submitted your DACA request or renewal.

The page will show you one of several status messages. "Case received" means USCIS has your paperwork but has not started reviewing it yet. "Case is being reviewed" means an officer is looking at your documents. "Decision is pending" means a decision has been made but the notice has not been mailed yet — this usually takes a few more days. "Case approved" or "Case denied" is your final decision.

Check this page once a week if you are waiting for a decision. USCIS updates the status within 24 hours of any change, so you will know as soon as there is movement on your case.

Calling USCIS to ask about your case

Call 1-800-375-5283 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Have your A-number ready — this is an eight-digit number that appears on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), your green card if you have one, or any USCIS notice you received.

When you call, you will reach an automated system first. Press 1 for English, then follow the prompts to reach a representative. Tell them you want to check your DACA case status and give them your A-number. They can tell you the same information the website shows, plus answer questions about what documents you still need to send or what happens next.

Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a representative who cannot answer your question, ask to be transferred to the DACA unit.

What to do if you cannot find your receipt number

Your receipt number appears on the I-797 notice (the white form with the USCIS seal) that you received when you submitted your DACA request or renewal. Look in the top right corner of the first page — it is labeled "Receipt Number" and starts with three letters.

If you lost that notice, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and give them your A-number instead. They can look up your case and tell you the receipt number, then you can use the online tool. You can also request a replacement copy of your receipt notice by mail, though this takes several weeks.

Understanding common status messages

USCIS uses a few standard messages. "Case received" appears within a few days of mailing your request and usually lasts two to four weeks. "Case is being reviewed" means you are in the normal processing time — this can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how busy the office is. "Decision is pending" means a decision has been made and your notice is being prepared for mailing — expect it within a week.

"Case approved" means your DACA has been approved and your EAD card is being printed and mailed. "Case denied" means your request was not approved. If you see a denial, you can request a detailed explanation by calling USCIS, and you may be able to reapply if your circumstances have changed.

What to do if your status has not changed in a long time

Normal processing time for a DACA renewal is usually 60 to 90 days from the date USCIS receives your paperwork. If your status still shows "case received" after four months, or "case is being reviewed" after five months, call USCIS to confirm your case is in the system and moving forward.

When you call, have your receipt number and A-number ready. Ask the representative to check whether any documents are missing from your file or whether your case is delayed for any reason. Sometimes a missing page or signature can hold up a case without you knowing it.

Protecting your case information

Never share your receipt number, A-number, or case details with anyone except USCIS staff or a trusted immigration attorney. Scammers sometimes pose as USCIS representatives and ask for this information to steal identities or money.

USCIS will never ask you to pay a fee to check your status or to speed up processing. If someone calls you claiming to be from USCIS and asks for payment, hang up and report it to the real USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my DACA status?

Check once a week if you are waiting for a decision. Checking more often will not speed up processing. If your status has not changed in longer than the normal processing time (usually 60 to 90 days for renewals), call USCIS to ask whether something is holding up your case.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean?

It means a USCIS officer is looking at your documents and checking whether you meet the requirements for DACA. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how busy the office is and whether they need to request more information from you.

Can I check someone else's DACA status?

No. USCIS will only give case information to the person whose name is on the case or to an attorney with a signed power of attorney form. If you are helping a family member, ask them for their receipt number and have them check their own status, or help them call USCIS together.

What if the website says my case is approved but I have not received my card?

After approval, your EAD card is printed and mailed to the address on your process. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you have not received it after three weeks, call USCIS to confirm the mailing address is correct and ask them to check whether the card was sent.

Can I renew my DACA while my current status check shows "case is being reviewed"?

No. You must wait for a decision on your current case before you submit a renewal. If your current DACA is about to expire and your renewal is still being reviewed, call USCIS to ask about a grace period or temporary extension while you wait for the decision.