How to Track DACA Case Status Using the USCIS API

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals require filing two primary forms concurrently: Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Because DACA status is tied directly to your legal ability to work, timing is everything.

Because almost all modern DACA applications are processed electronically under the IOE prefix, they are fully integrated with the USCIS internal API. Digging into the raw API data is the fastest way to get clarity on your DACA renewal status.

The DACA Processing Relationship: I-821D and I-765

Technically, USCIS cannot issue a work permit (Form I-765) unless the underlying deferred action (Form I-821D) has been approved. However, the database sync schedules for these two forms can differ.

It is very common to see the I-765 status change to "Card Being Produced" while the I-821D still says "Case Was Received" or "Being Actively Reviewed." If you see your work permit card in production, it means your DACA application has indeed been approved. The system will catch up and mark the I-821D approved shortly after.

How to Find DACA Silent Approvals in the API

A "silent approval" occurs when an officer approves your case, uploads the official approval letter, but the system's main dashboard status has not updated yet.

To check for a DACA silent approval, you need to check the documents endpoint for both your receipt numbers:

1. Log into my.uscis.gov on your browser.
2. Access the internal documents API endpoint for your Form I-765 or Form I-821D. The URL format is:
   https://my.uscis.gov/account/case-service/api/cases/YOUR_IOE_RECEIPT_NUMBER/documents
3. Look for the JSON array named "documentList".
4. Inspect the document objects. If your case is silently approved, you will find a newly uploaded PDF document named "DACA Approval Notice" or "I-765 Approval Notice" (Form I-797) under the list, even if your main tracker page still shows the case as pending.

Tracking DACA Biometrics Status

For DACA renewals, USCIS regularly reuses biometrics (fingerprints and photos) submitted in your previous applications. When they do, they generate a Biometrics Reuse Notice (Form I-797C).

By monitoring the API's documents endpoint, you can spot the reuse notice the day it is generated. This saves you weeks of worrying about whether you will need to take time off work or travel to an Application Support Center (ASC) for an in-person biometrics appointment.

Using CaseStatusAPI to Automate DACA Checks

If you don't want to manually copy-paste URLs and read raw JSON files for multiple DACA applications every day, you can let CaseStatusAPI handle it.

With our free Chrome Extension, simply load the home page. The extension will query the internal APIs for both your DACA and work permit receipt numbers in the background. It will automatically check for newly uploaded PDF notices, map out your approval timeline, and explain exactly where your renewal stands.

For a guide on how we handle security, see our USCIS API explanation page.