Appealing a USCIS Case Denial

1. What does it mean to have a USCIS case denial?


A USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) case denial means that the application or petition submitted to USCIS has been reviewed and rejected. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as not meeting eligibility requirements, providing insufficient or incorrect documentation, or failure to pay required fees. The denial notice will state the specific reason for the denial and may also provide information on how to file an appeal or reapply for the benefit.

2. What are the common reasons for a USCIS case denial?

There are several common reasons for a USCIS case denial, including:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate information in the application or supporting documents
2. Failure to meet eligibility requirements
3. Criminal history or past immigration violations
4. Inconsistent or conflicting information provided by the applicant
5. Failure to pay required fees or submit necessary documents
6. Lack of credible evidence to support the claim being made
7. Outdated or incorrect forms used for submission
8. Failure to attend biometric appointments or interviews
9. Unlawful presence in the United States during a previous visa status.

3. Can I appeal a USCIS case denial?

Yes, you can appeal a USCIS case denial. The process and availability of appeals depends on the type of case and the reason for denial. For some cases, such as asylum or eligibility for a green card, you have the right to appeal the decision to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). For other cases, such as visa denials or denial of naturalization, you may have limited or no rights to appeal. It is important to review your USCIS denial notice carefully to understand your options for appeal and any deadlines that may apply.

4. How do I appeal a USCIS case denial?

If your case has been denied by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may be able to appeal the decision. Here are the steps to follow in order to appeal a USCIS case denial:

1. Understand the reason for denial: Before filing an appeal, it is important to understand the reason why your case was denied. This will help you determine whether you have grounds for an appeal.

2. Determine if you can file an appeal: Not all USCIS decisions can be appealed. For example, some types of petitions, such as Form I-130 (“Petition for Alien Relative”), cannot be appealed. Make sure your case is eligible for appeal before proceeding.

3. Review the deadline to file an appeal: The USCIS will specify the deadline for filing an appeal in their denial notice. It is important to adhere to this deadline, as missing it could result in your appeal being rejected.

4. File Form I-290B: To start the appeals process, you must file Form I-290B (“Notice of Appeal or Motion”) with the USCIS within the specified deadline. This form must be completed accurately and include all necessary information and documentation relating to your denied case.

5. Pay the required fee: Along with Form I-290B, you must also submit a check or money order for the appropriate fee. The fee amount will depend on the type of application that was initially filed.

6. Submit additional evidence: If there is any additional evidence that supports your case, such as new documents or information that was not available at the time of your initial application, make sure to include it with your Form I-290B.

7. Wait for a decision: Once your appeal has been received by USCIS, they will review it and make a decision on whether to grant or deny it. This process can take several months.

8: Consider other options: If your appeal is denied, you may have other options for challenging the USCIS’s decision. This may include filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, or filing a complaint in federal court.

It is recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney when appealing a USCIS case denial. They will be able to review your case and provide guidance on the best course of action to take.

5. Is there a deadline for appealing a USCIS case denial?

Yes, there is a deadline for appealing a USCIS case denial. The appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of the decision. If the appeal is not filed within this time frame, it may not be considered by USCIS. However, in some cases, an appeal may still be possible if the delay was due to exceptional circumstances. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the specific deadline and any options for filing an appeal after the deadline has passed.

6. How long does the appeal process usually take?


The appeal process can vary greatly in length depending on the complexity and specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, an appeal may be heard and resolved within a few months, while others can take years to reach a final decision.

7. Do I need to hire an attorney to appeal a USCIS case denial?

It is not required to hire an attorney to appeal a USCIS case denial, but it is highly recommended. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure that all necessary documents and evidence are submitted correctly and on time. They can also advise you on the strength of your case and any potential challenges you may face during the appeal process. Immigration law can be complex and constantly changing, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can greatly increase your chances of success in appealing a USCIS case denial.

8. What evidence do I need to include in my appeal?


The evidence you should include in your appeal will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. However, some common types of evidence that may strengthen your appeal are:
– Any relevant documents, such as contracts, receipts, or medical records
– Letters or statements from witnesses who can provide insight into the situation
– Expert opinions or reports related to your case
– Photographs or videos that support your claims
– Any other documentation that can help prove your side of the story.

It is important to make sure that all evidence submitted is relevant, credible, and reliable. You may also want to provide a written explanation or summary of how each piece of evidence supports your arguments.

9. Can I submit new evidence during the appeals process?


Yes, you can submit new evidence during the appeals process. The purpose of an appeal is to review the original decision and consider any new information or evidence that may affect the outcome. However, it is important to note that there may be specific deadlines or procedures for submitting new evidence during the appeals process, so it is best to consult with a legal professional for guidance.

10. Are there any exceptions or waivers available for a denied immigration case?

Yes, there are certain types of waivers or exceptions that may be available for a denied immigration case. These include:

a) Waivers of Inadmissibility: If you were found to be inadmissible to the United States based on certain grounds such as immigration fraud, criminal convictions, or health-related issues, you may be eligible for a waiver that would allow you to enter or remain in the country.

b) Humanitarian parole: This allows someone who is otherwise inadmissible to enter the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons.

c) Cancellation of removal: This is available for people who are facing deportation and have lived in the US for a certain period of time and can show hardship to themselves or their family members if removed from the country.

d) Motion to reopen/reconsider: If new evidence has emerged that was not previously available or you believe your case was unfairly decided, you may file a motion to have your case reconsidered.

It is important to note that each case is unique and whether you qualify for any of these waivers or exceptions will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It may be helpful to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on which option may be best suited for your situation.

11. Can I continue living and working in the US while my case is being appealed?

Yes, you can continue living and working in the US while your case is being appealed. If you are currently on a nonimmigrant visa such as an H-1B or L-1, you may continue working for your employer until the end of the authorized period of stay listed on your I-94. If your appeal is successful, you can then extend or change your visa status accordingly.

If you are on an immigrant visa (such as a green card) and your appeal is denied, USCIS may revoke your green card and could potentially place you in removal proceedings. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney if you are in this situation.

12. Will filing an appeal affect my future applications with USCIS?

Filing an appeal with USCIS should not have an impact on any future applications you file with the agency. However, if your appeal is denied and you are found to have committed fraud or other violations of immigration law, it may affect future applications. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney before filing an appeal to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

13. Can I file multiple appeals for the same denied case?


Yes, you can file multiple appeals for the same denied case. However, it is important to note that each appeal must be based on new evidence or a different legal argument. Repeatedly appealing based on the same facts and arguments may not be successful, as the decision may have already been reviewed thoroughly in previous appeals. It is also important to follow the proper procedure and deadlines for filing appeals to increase your chances of success. It may be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney who can assist you in preparing a strong appeal.

14. What happens if my appeal is also denied by USCIS?

If your appeal is denied by USCIS, then you have the option to file a judicial review in federal court. This would involve taking your case to a higher court and seeking a review of USCIS’s decision. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer for guidance on this process.

15. Can I take my appeal to federal court if all other options are exhausted?


Yes, you can take your appeal to federal court as a final option if all other options are exhausted. However, it is important to consult with an attorney before taking this step, as federal appeals can be complex and expensive. Additionally, not all cases are eligible for federal court review.

16. Are there any fees associated with filing an appeal for a USCIS case denial?


Yes, there is a fee associated with filing an appeal for a USCIS case denial. The current fee is $675, which includes $595 for the Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) and $80 for the biometric services.

17.Can I request an expedited review of my denied case on appeal?


Yes, you can request an expedited review of your denied case on appeal. This means that your case will be reviewed and decided upon faster than the normal process. Expedited reviews are typically granted in cases where there is a time-sensitive issue or situation involved, such as a serious health condition or imminent danger. To request an expedited review, you should contact the appropriate appeals office or agency and explain your situation and provide any supporting documentation. The decision to grant an expedited review is ultimately up to the discretion of the review board or judge handling your case.

18.What steps should I take if my USCIS case was denied due to administrative error?

If your USCIS case was denied due to administrative error, you should take the following steps:

1. Contact USCIS: The first step you should take is to contact USCIS to inquire about the specific reason for the denial. You can reach out to the customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 or make an InfoPass appointment to speak with a USCIS officer in person.

2. Request a Review: If you believe that your case was denied due to an administrative error, you can request a review of the decision by filing a motion to reopen or reconsider. This will trigger a reevaluation of your case by USCIS.

3. Provide Evidence: When filing a motion, you should provide any evidence that supports your claim of an administrative error. This could include copies of relevant documents, correspondence with USCIS, or any other evidence that proves the error.

4. Consult an Immigration Attorney: It may be helpful to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also assist with preparing and filing your motion.

5. Follow Instructions: In some cases, USCIS may provide specific instructions on how to proceed after a denial due to administrative error. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully and provide all requested information in a timely manner.

6. Remain Patient: It is important to remain patient during this process as it can take several months for USCIS to review and make a decision on your motion.

7. Consider Other Options: If your motion is denied, you may have other options available such as filing an appeal or reapplying for your immigration benefit.

It is important to act promptly when dealing with a denial due to administrative error as there are strict deadlines for filing motions and appeals. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully overturning the denial and obtaining your desired immigration benefit.

19.Can I withdraw my initial application and reapply after an appeal has been filed?


Yes, you have the right to withdraw your initial application at any time. However, keep in mind that withdrawing your application will not stop the appeal process from moving forward. If you wish to reapply after the appeal has been filed, you must ensure that your new application includes all necessary documents and information.

20.How can previous rejections from USCIS impact my chances of winning an appeal for the same type of application/filed worded document (Eg N-400)?


Previous rejections from USCIS for the same type of application can impact your chances of winning an appeal in several ways:

1. Previous rejection may indicate a lack of eligibility: If your previous application was rejected due to lack of eligibility, it may be difficult to win an appeal unless there has been a significant change in circumstances or documentation since then.

2. Inconsistent information: If your previous application was rejected due to inconsistent information, it may be challenging to convince the USCIS that the new information provided in the appeal is accurate and truthful.

3. Insufficient supporting evidence: A previous rejection may indicate that your supporting documents were not sufficient. This can impact your chances of winning an appeal as USCIS will closely examine the evidence submitted for consistency and relevance.

4. Negative history: If you have had multiple rejections for different applications or if your previous rejection involved fraud or misrepresentation, it can significantly affect your chances of winning an appeal.

5. Changes in immigration policies or laws: If the reason for your previous rejection was due to changes in immigration policies or laws, it is unlikely that an appeal would be successful unless there has been a reversal of those policies or laws.

6. Strength of the new application: In some cases, a strong and well-documented new application can overcome any negative impact from previous rejections. It is important to carefully review and address any issues raised in the previous rejection when preparing a new application.

Overall, previous rejections from USCIS can have a significant impact on an appeal for the same type of application. It is essential to thoroughly analyze and address any reasons for rejection before submitting an appeal to improve your chances of success.