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 receipt number, or by calling USCIS directly. The online method is fastest — you get an answer in seconds. The phone method takes longer but lets you ask follow-up questions if something is unclear.

Both routes pull from the same government database, so the information is identical either way. Most people use the online tool first, then call only if the status message is unclear or if they have not received a receipt number yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your status at uscis.gov/status using your receipt number, which appears on the notice USCIS sent you when they received your process.
  • The online status tool updates within 24 hours of any action on your case, so check back if the message says "pending" and you expected a decision.
  • If you lost your receipt number, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and have your name, date of birth, and A-number (if you have one) ready.
  • Processing times for DACA renewals and new applications vary; the status page will tell you the current wait time for your type of case.
  • If your status shows "decision made" but you have not received a physical notice in the mail, wait five to seven business days before calling.

Using the USCIS online status tool

Go to uscis.gov/status and enter your receipt number in the search box. Your receipt number is a 13-character code that starts with three letters (usually EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 numbers. USCIS printed it on the receipt notice they mailed to you when they first received your process.

After you enter the number, the page will show one of four messages: "case received," "case pending," "decision made," or "case closed." Each message tells you where your process stands. If the page says "case received," your process arrived but has not yet been assigned to an officer. "Case pending" means an officer is reviewing it. "Decision made" means USCIS has made a choice and a notice is in the mail or already delivered. "Case closed" usually means your case was approved or denied and the process is complete.

The status updates within 24 hours of any action, so if you checked yesterday and saw "pending," checking again today might show "decision made." Refresh the page if you think something should have changed.

What to do if you don't have your receipt number

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have ready your full name, date of birth, and your A-number if you have one (this is an eight-digit number USCIS assigned to you). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long during the first hour after opening, so calling mid-morning or mid-afternoon usually means a shorter hold.

When you reach an agent, tell them you need to find your receipt number so you can check your DACA status. They will look up your case and either give you the number or tell you the status directly. If they give you the number, write it down — you will need it if you want to check again later without calling.

Understanding what each status message means

Case received means USCIS has logged your process into their system and assigned it a receipt number. This is the first step and happens within a few days of them opening your envelope. You do not need to do anything at this stage — just wait for the next update.

Case pending means an officer has your file and is reviewing it. This is the longest stage and can last weeks or months depending on how busy the office is and whether USCIS needs more information from you. If the status stays "pending" longer than the posted processing time for your office, call USCIS to ask if they need documents from you.

Decision made means USCIS has approved or denied your case. A physical notice is being mailed to you or has already arrived. If you see this status but have not received a notice in the mail, wait five to seven business days. If you still have not received it after that, call USCIS with your receipt number and ask them to confirm the mailing address they have on file.

Case closed means the process is complete. For DACA, this usually means your case was approved and your work permit is being mailed, or your case was denied and you received a denial notice. Check your mail or call USCIS if you are unsure which one happened.

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

USCIS publishes processing times for each office on their website. Go to uscis.gov/processing-times, select your state and office, and look for "DACA" in the list. The page will show how long cases typically take from "case received" to "decision made." If your case has been pending longer than that time, it may be stuck or waiting for something from you.

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number and ask if they need any additional documents or information. Sometimes applications get held up because USCIS sent a request for more paperwork and it got lost in the mail, or because there is a problem with how you filled out the form. The agent can tell you what is holding up your case and what you need to do next.

If your status shows a denial

A denial notice will explain the reason USCIS rejected your process. Read the notice carefully — it will say whether you can reapply, whether you have a right to appeal, or whether the decision is final. Some denials are based on missing documents that you can submit in a new process. Others are based on legal grounds that may not change.

If you do not understand the reason for the denial, you can call USCIS to ask for clarification, or you can speak with an immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal service that helps with DACA cases. Many organizations offer free or low-cost help with understanding denials and deciding whether to reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my DACA status?

Check once a week if your case is pending. The status updates within 24 hours of any action, so checking more often will not give you new information faster. If you see "decision made," check again after five to seven business days to confirm the notice arrived in your mail.

Can I check someone else's DACA status?

No. The USCIS status tool requires the receipt number, which is confidential. Only the person who filed the process or someone with legal power of attorney can check the status. If you are helping someone with their case, ask them for their receipt number.

What does it mean if the status page says "case closed" but I never got a decision?

This usually means a notice was mailed but did not reach you. Check your mail again, including junk mail folders if you checked online. Call USCIS with your receipt number and ask them to confirm the address they mailed to and whether the notice was sent.

How long does it take to get a decision after the status changes to "decision made"?

The physical notice is usually mailed within three to five business days after the status changes. It can take another five to ten business days to arrive depending on your location. If you have not received it after two weeks, call USCIS to ask if they can send a replacement.

Can I check my status if I am outside the United States?

Yes. The USCIS status tool works from anywhere with internet access. You only need your receipt number. If you are outside the U.S. and your DACA is expiring soon, contact USCIS or a legal service to understand your options before your status expires.