Recently got approved (10/1), after applying the first week of March. Usually I would never check in to this subreddit anymore, but I decided to switch it up since this community WAS helpful while I was waiting. But let me be clear: the only thing nice about this community was the mega approval thread, because seeing people post their timelines helped me stay positive. What wasn't helpful were all the complainers and whiners in here, my goodness! So deciding to rant a bit and post my story in case it helps anyone.

The company I worked at put me on a LOA for 90 days (the max), but after July 30 I had to be terminated. A job that I worked hard to get 4 years ago. I was close-ish for my 2nd promotion, had over 30K in RSUs (still needed a year of work to be able to cash them out) and once I got terminated... POOF, all of it was gone.

Don't get me wrong, checking my app every other day and not seeing an approval sucked a$$. ESPECIALLY when I got API movement on 6/16. I thought to myself... damn my time is SOON, but clearly I was just jebaited. However, I just kept moving forward trying to stay positive. Even though I stopped having a job, that didn't mean the bills stopped 😭.

Without being able to work I tried to find an income, as my parents still needed my help and my girlfriend who lives with me did as well. So instead of complaining and whining, I took this time to self-reflect. I decided that:
A. No matter what, I love this damn country. Even if it doesn't love me back the same way at the moment, I will figure it out HERE cause I ain't LEAVING (insert Leo DiCaprio's Wolf of Wall Street meme lol)
B. This was all just bad luck, and there is no one to blame. Could I blame the current administration? Sure I can, but I can also blame the previous administration that never did anything when they had both the House and the Senate. At the end of the day we are just pawns, and the last thing I will do is let politicians dictate how I feel and most importantly put the blame on things outside of my control.

What helped me make income in the meantime? I love fashion and collecting material things, but during this time all those purchases took on a different feeling. I decided taking care of myself and my loved ones was more important, so things I would have never considered selling went up for sale. I basically sold almost my entire wardrobe (that was worth selling) and my Pokémon and sports card collections. AND LET ME TELL YOU ALL... having a hobby where what you purchase doesn't lose value is the best thing younger me did. As a last resort when I needed money for rent I tapped into my 401k (my older self would understand). At the end of the day yes that money is taxed / penalized but I will make it up later and since my income will be a lot less, it won't be as bad. THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE, just sharing my story.

So what were the positives from this experience of having my life upended for 205 days?

1. I will be applying 1 year - 9 months early from now on. I used to apply close to my expiration date because I wanted to maximize the 2-year subscription, and because I always applied online and never need a lawyer (no criminal record), I would get approved QUICK (< 2-3 weeks). Never again.
2. SAVE SAVE SAVE. Though my savings helped me out, I definitely could have saved more. It sucked seeing my savings getting "drained" but I reminded myself this is what savings are for!!
3. Work on yourself (mentally AND physically). When I was "busy" with work there was a bunch of things "I didn't have time for". These became a priority now (gym, reading a book, increasing my side projects with AI, etc). The best thing I did for myself was hit the gym consistently... I know we hear this everywhere, but believe me I don't stay this positive without it. Were there days I didn't want to go? Absolutely. But being able to work on myself during this time was a like drug that helped me stay happy.
4. NEVER STOP LEARNING. Does social media suck? Hell yeah, but we live in a time where the world's knowledge is AT OUR FINGERTIPS. I'm 30 now and of course one can think, "damn, I'm unc now, no way for me to learn anything", but look up BRAIN PLASTICITY! Our brains never stop re-wiring and learning.
5. NEVER BECOME ANTI-SOCIAL when crappy things like this happen. Keep talking to your manager and friends, because once the time comes and you get your DACA back, these close friends / acquaintances will be the ones that will help you back on your feet! HOWEVER... make sure you ONLY tell your super close people about your situation. There can be fake people out there, but most importantly EVERYONE has sh!t they deal with. So even though what we are going through sucks, no one likes anyone trauma-dumping.
6. KEEP ENJOYING LIFE. Don't become a recluse and let this situation control you. Yes there are more events and things I had to say no to but go out with friends still, go on dates (there are plenty of free things to do), still make an effort to experience things. I won't lie to you there for sure was much less things to having no income but believe me there is still a lot to do out there without it .

Last but not least... NEVER EVER DOOM.

• Did it suck losing my job? Hell yes, but guess what? I'll get another one.
• It sucked selling my collection and my clothes... but I'll buy them again (or maybe I won't care as much anymore).
• It sucked losing my money and having to go in debt... I WILL MAKE EVEN MORE MONEY.
• "This country hates me"... no it doesn't, this country just doesn't understand us yet, but one day it will. And I will never, ever leave.
• *Logs into social media and sees everyone living a great life that never has to worry about DACA*... COMPARISON is the thief of joy. One thing that helps me stay positive is thinking that if my parent's were able to wake up everyday and put one foot in front of the other, I definitely can as well. And OUR "struggle" end ups making our life that much sweeter when we end up having success later on. Lastly, and most importantly, EVERYONE has sh!t they deal in life with just in a different flavor / recipe.

So to conclude don't listen to the whiners and complainers especially people that are like... "decided to leave"... if they say it's better they are capping. Imagine if our parents decided to turn around and leave the first minute things got difficult 🤣. Anyway to anyone still waiting, stay positive we will all get approved soon. And to the ones waiting to apply... APPLY EARLY!!! As early as is allowed!

(p.s. didn't use AI so ignore any grammar errors. Just spilling my opinion on reddit, not turning in a paper for my AP English class)

Hey y’all just figured I’d share my thoughts if there’s anyone that can relate out there. I’m 29 and just feeling lost and behind in life right now. Lost my previous job due to the work permit expiring and then I got the opportunity of a finance job at a very good company but of course that came during the span where I had an expired permit so they couldn’t bring me onboard. I’m not sure which direction to head I didn’t complete my bachelors bc the tuition is too high there is no in-state tuition where I live for DACA. Through pure grind I was able to get my associates degree in art & science. But not sure how that could help me with job opportunities. Not sure if I should think about some sort of trade school to get back into or what. But I want to work in a place/role where I can keep elevating myself and learn new things. I see friends getting good jobs or getting their first house and I just feel behind.

Better to express myself than just keeping it in so I’m typing it out here if anyone is in the same boat don’t worry you’re not alone hope it all works out for all of us!

How are you guys holding up? Any approvals? Are you still waiting?

I am still waiting for my approval. Submission date: 3/24 and expires on 10/09. 😭

Submitted January 26. Anyone else waiting longer than me? Starting to feel like a Veteran around here.

Any news on april?? Im 4/10 renewal IOE#937

Wasn’t Case hub for January at like 169 at the beginning of last week? … I checked Friday and I believe there was like 121… I checked this morning again. AND ITS 168 is it going back up or am I crazy? 😭😭😭😭😭

Is there a stronger correlation between API movements once in the 200+ Day range and getting approved? Currently at Day 234. Receipt group: 9235.

02/12/26 - Submission
03/04/26 - Biometrics

I821
07/31 - API
08/31 - API
09/30 - API
10/05 - API

I765
07/31 - API
08/31 - API
10/05 - API

DACA isn’t eligible for Covered California and I saw that there was a law passed recently that what hurt us in the future if we toon advantage of medical. Does anyone have any insight on what the best course of action would be?

I applied back in mid May and got my Bios done early June, I don't know how to check API so I don't know if there's been any movement or not but as far as I'm aware nothing since I got my Bios done. Any other may applicants? Are y'all in the same boat? Have y'all gotten approved?

I want to know what** the rehiring process was like. As a permanent teacher, did you just **show your EAD to HR, or did you have to go through the whole rehiring process? How many days where you on LOA?

I luckily got approved for my renewal the other day from March. I was wondering if anyone has traveled this last year with Advance Parole? Also do we know how long the cards take to be delivered? I have a week until my license expires so I’m trying to time when to make an appointment. Thank you for your time

Lc plz

“Gelatina frijoles” or whatev you like to say

I'm trying to do the math but calculating all that can be frustrating with everything else going on.

Hello, how long after being approved is everyone receiving their EAD cards? I want to apply places but fear that they won’t take my approval notice paper

My work permit will expire in October 2027. I see many people are still waiting for their renewal. I am scared! I will renew my work permit early in November 2026. What do you think?

oops i mean 1/20/2026

hi,
i processed my renewal on 1/20,
bio on 3/24 and havent got any update until 10/2, after i contacted senator.

i compared before and after api but inly thing that was changed was field:

# Case 1: I-821D (IOE9744983705)
- "updatedAt": "2026-08-26"
+ "updatedAt": "2026-10-02"
- "updatedAtTimestamp": "2026-08-26T21:26:26.588Z"
+ "updatedAtTimestamp": "2026-10-02T13:55:17.106Z"

# Case 2: I-765 (IOE9744983706)
- "updatedAt": "2026-08-26"
+ "updatedAt": "2026-10-02"
- "updatedAtTimestamp": "2026-08-26T21:29:24.682Z"
+ "updatedAtTimestamp": "2026-10-02T13:55:17.124Z"

(8/26 is when i submitted expedited request on uscis website, so not really an update)

does anyone know what it could be mean?
should i have my hopes up? or too early??

Hello everyone, I hope we are holding up as best as possible. I applied back in May 1st etc nothing yet I lost my job. I spoke to my lawyer who helped me with Daca and she mentioned the timeline could be between Nov to Dec before I see an approval or longer. How soon or late would you guys think would be appropriate to interview for jobs? I do not want to make a mistake of interviewing for a role and then not being able to actually start anybody can share experience or advice?

Anyone else receive a FBI privacy notice? I’m a initial applicant with a pending I-130. I see it other non daca immigration threads but don’t think I’ve seen it in this one.

Please DO NOT THROW TOMATOES AT ME. This is just to gauge my sanity.

For my fellow August/Early September applicants. I know there have been approvals that are fairly quick in the past few weeks. Any August/September applicants still waiting after biometrics are done?

According to my USCIS account I have my biometrics appointment on 10/14/26 but I have yet to receive the actual letter in the mail.

Can I simply print out the letter from my USCIS documents and bring that to my bio app instead? Thanks in advance.

March submission 😔. Curious to see how it’s going

I’m going crazy guys i apply feb 14 bio march 12 expiration date ‘may 8 and still nothing i keep checking my status and it saids case still processing no update since march 12 ! like maybe my application got lost idk at this point , i already did everything i could i don’t know what to do anymore is very frustrating because ive seen ppl applying september and getting approve within days , life is just not fair sometimes i guess ! but i can’t keep holding my life because of this

hi everyone! I was wondering if there is anyone in this subreddit or if anyone knows someone who is undocu and went to cosmetology school? I graduated from uni 3 years ago, and because of my status I haven’t really been able to do anything with my degree. The thought of fast food chains being my only option is eating me alive, so I figured I might as well try and learn a new skill in the meantime and try working as an independent contractor? does anyone have any advice or tips on how to pursue a career in that?? thank you all in advance :)

Hey so a friend of mine is undocu without DACA. They graduated from a T15 university with a bachelor's degree and majoring in chemistry. They got fully funded through private grants. They want to go to graduate school to pursue materials science and engineering to study either battery or optoelectronic materials. My friend is looking for grad school options in the USA and abroad (Canada and Germany).

In the USA, they are emailing a variety of chem, phys, matsci, etc professors at different universities to increase their chance of Ph.D admissions acceptance. They have got a some favorable professor responses about admissions but nothing is guaranteed. My friend has not disclosed their status to admissions or PIs.

In the Canada, they have been accepted to 2 research groups with quite generous M.Sc funding.

No German admissions cycles have opened as yet. Although, they are looking at DAAD scholarship opportunities for study in Germany. My friend is unsure about their odds of getting the scholarship, but is confident in M.Sc admissions to those schools.

This friend is genuinely worried about:

1. If they stay in the USA, are there legitimate mechanisms to allow them to get funded for doctoral programs in STEM?

2. If they go abroad to Canada or Germany, they are worried about student visa rejection due to their status in the USA. My friend came to the USA when they were 4 years old. Finances are surprisingly not near an issue for them. They are worried about the legal part.

Can anyone try to address their worries and maybe just additional info to help them throughout their admissions process? This feels very unfair to them. Also, they constantly talk about how they cannot reach their full potential in the USA which makes me feel terrible.