Where to check your DACA status

You can check your DACA status through the official USCIS portal or by calling USCIS directly. The online method is faster and gives you real-time information without waiting on hold. The phone method works if you prefer speaking to someone or if you do not have internet access.

USCIS operates the only official system for checking DACA status. No other website or service can pull your real status from government records. If a website asks you to pay to check your status, it is not official.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your DACA status at uscis.gov/status by entering your receipt number (the code on your approval notice that starts with EAC or WAC).
  • You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to speak with someone, though wait times are often long.
  • Your receipt number is the only piece of information you need; you do not have to provide your name, address, or Social Security number online.
  • Status updates appear within 24 hours of USCIS processing a change, so check back if your case was recently submitted or renewed.
  • If your status shows a problem or you cannot find your receipt number, contact a DACA-certified immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal provider before taking any action.

Using the USCIS online status tool

Go to uscis.gov/status and look for the box labeled "Check Your Case Status." You will see a field asking for your receipt number. This is the code printed on your DACA approval notice or renewal receipt notice — it is usually 13 characters long and begins with EAC, WAC, or another two-letter code.

Enter only your receipt number. You do not need to enter your name, date of birth, or any other personal information. Click "Check Status" and the system will show you where your case stands. Common statuses include "Case received," "Case approved," "Card ordered," and "Card delivered." The page will also show the date USCIS last updated your case.

If you have multiple DACA cases (for example, an initial approval and a renewal), you will need to check each receipt number separately. Write down all your receipt numbers and check them one at a time.

Calling USCIS for status information

Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready before you call. The wait time is often 30 minutes or longer, especially during business hours and on weekdays.

When you reach someone, give them your receipt number and ask for your case status. They can tell you the same information the online tool shows, and they can also answer questions about what the status means or what happens next. If there is a problem with your case, they may be able to see notes that do not appear online.

USCIS customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. The line is closed on federal holidays.

What your status means

Case received means USCIS has logged your process or renewal into their system but has not yet reviewed it. This is the first status you see after you mail in your forms.

Case approved means USCIS has approved your DACA request. You will receive an approval notice in the mail within one to two weeks. Your work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) will be ordered after approval.

Card ordered means USCIS has sent your work permit to the card production facility. This usually happens within two weeks of approval.

Card delivered means your work permit has been mailed to you. Check your mailbox and any mail forwarding address you provided. If you do not receive it within two weeks of this status, contact USCIS.

Case denied or Case rejected means USCIS has turned down your request. You will receive a detailed notice in the mail explaining why. Do not ignore this notice — it will tell you whether you can reapply and when.

If you cannot find your receipt number

Your receipt number appears on the approval notice USCIS sent you when your DACA was first approved, and on the renewal receipt notice they send when you renew. Look in your files for these letters. The receipt number is printed near the top of the page.

If you have lost these notices, you can request a copy from USCIS. Fill out Form I-131 (process for Travel Document) or Form I-765 (process for Employment Authorization) — whichever form you originally filed — and mail it with a letter asking for a copy of your receipt number. Include your name, date of birth, and address. Mail it to the USCIS office that processed your case. This takes several weeks.

A faster option is to contact a DACA-certified immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal provider in your area. They can sometimes retrieve your receipt number from their records if they helped you file, or they can help you request it from USCIS.

What to do if your status shows a problem

If your status says "Case denied," "Case rejected," or shows an error, do not panic and do not contact USCIS multiple times. Read any notice you received in the mail carefully — it will explain what happened and what you can do next.

Before you take any action, talk to a DACA-certified immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal provider. They can review your notice, explain your options, and help you decide whether to reapply, appeal, or pursue another form of relief. Many nonprofits offer free or low-cost consultations.

Do not use services that charge high fees to "fix" a denied case or to help you reapply. Legitimate legal help is available for free or at low cost through organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which has a directory of certified providers.

How often to check your status

Check your status once when you first submit your process or renewal, then check again every two to four weeks if you are waiting for a decision. USCIS updates the system within 24 hours of processing a change, so checking more often than that will not show new information.

If your status has not changed in more than three months, contact USCIS by phone to ask whether there is a delay or a problem. Keep a record of the date you submitted your process and the date you last checked your status — this helps you track how long the process is taking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's DACA status?

No. The USCIS status tool requires the receipt number, which is confidential. Only the person whose name is on the process should have access to it. If you are a parent or guardian and need to know the status of a minor's case, ask the minor or the attorney who filed the case.

What if the online tool says "case not found"?

This usually means you entered the receipt number incorrectly. Check the number again — it is straightforward to mix up similar letters and numbers. If you are certain the number is correct, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm the receipt number is in their system.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit my DACA renewal?

Processing times vary. USCIS typically takes 60 to 90 days to make a decision on a renewal, but some cases take longer. Check your status every few weeks. If your case has been pending for more than four months, call USCIS to ask whether there is a delay.

Will checking my status affect my DACA?

No. Checking your status online or by phone does not change anything about your case or your DACA status. You can check as often as you want without any negative effect.

What should I do if my work permit has not arrived after the status says "card delivered"?

Wait one more week — mail can be slow. If it still has not arrived, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and tell them the status shows delivered but you have not received it. They can check whether it was returned to them or lost in the mail, and they can reissue it if needed.