I-821D Processing Time 2026
Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: how long USCIS takes, from its own quarterly data for Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3).
National median
Half of the cases USCIS completed in Apr–Jun 2026 took this long or less (national median). Your case may differ: offices and individual cases vary. Not legal advice.
Trend by quarter
National median in months for each USCIS fiscal-year quarter we have the report for (FY = October–September). “n/a” = USCIS no longer hosts that quarter’s report.
| Quarter | National median (months) |
|---|---|
| FY26 Q3 Apr–Jun 2026 | 4.1 |
| FY26 Q2 Jan–Mar 2026 | 3.9 |
| FY26 Q1 Oct–Dec 2025 | — |
| FY25 Q4 Jul–Sep 2025 | 0.4 |
Track your own case
Paste your receipt number to see which office has it, how old it is compared with this median, and the next steps. Free; without an account your cases stay in your browser.
Open the case tracker →What is Form I-821D?
Form I-821D is used to request Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), usually together with an I-765 for a work permit. Court orders have affected which DACA requests USCIS can process; check uscis.gov/DACA for the current status before filing.
Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (uscis.gov)
What affects the processing time
- Whether it is a renewal or an initial request, and the court orders in effect.
- Filing the renewal well before the current DACA period expires.
- Security and background checks, which can take much longer for some applicants.
Typical steps
- Receipt notice (I-797C)USCIS accepts the filing and mails/posts a receipt with your receipt number and received date.uscis.gov
- Biometrics (if required)Check your notices for an appointment.uscis.gov
- Request for Evidence (if needed)USCIS may ask for more documents. Answer by the deadline on the notice.
- DecisionUSCIS mails a written decision.uscis.gov
FAQ
How long does I-821D take in 2026?
In USCIS’s latest quarterly report (Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3)) the national median for I-821D was 4.1 months. Half of the cases completed in that quarter took longer, and your office may be faster or slower.
My case is taking longer than the median. What can I do?
Look up your form and office on USCIS’s official processing-times page. If your receipt date is earlier than the “receipt date for a case inquiry” it shows, you can ask USCIS about the case through e-Request. Answer any notices on time, and consider an attorney if something looks wrong.
Source
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Number of Service-wide Forms By Quarter, Form Status, and Processing Time”, Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3), data queried 7/2026 (quarterly_all_forms_fy2026_q3_v1.xlsx).
- Download the report (uscis.gov)
- USCIS immigration and citizenship data
- Office-level processing times (egov.uscis.gov)
This page is rebuilt automatically when USCIS publishes a new quarter.