Other
Form I-290B
Notice of Appeal or Motion
Used to file an appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider a decision on an immigration petition or application before the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO).
- Filing fee
- $800
- Biometrics
- No fee
- Typical processing
- 6 to 18 months
Who can file
- Applicants or petitioners whose cases were denied
- Must file within 30 days of the unfavorable decision (33 days if mailed)
Send with it
- Copy of the denial notice
- Brief or statement explaining why the decision was wrong
- New evidence (for motions to reopen)
- Legal arguments (for motions to reconsider)
Worth knowing
- The 30-day deadline is strict - do not miss it
- An appeal goes to the AAO; a motion goes back to the original office
- Motions to reopen require new facts; motions to reconsider address legal errors
- Consider whether filing a new application is a better strategy
Common mistakes
- Missing the 30-day filing deadline
- Not providing a strong legal brief
- Confusing appeals with motions
- Filing an appeal when a new application would be faster
Questions
- How much does Form I-290B cost?
- The USCIS filing fee for Form I-290B is $800.
- How long does Form I-290B take?
- Typically 6 to 18 months, depending on the office and the category. Check the current USCIS times for your office before you plan around it.
Fees are as published by USCIS. Confirm on USCIS's fee schedule (G-1055) before you pay - a wrong fee gets a filing rejected. General information, not legal advice.