A motion to reopen is a request to the original decision maker to review a decision. The motion must be based on factual grounds, such as the discovery of new evidence or changed circumstances, and “state the new facts to be provided in the reopened proceedings and be supported by affidavits or other documentary evidence.”
If the underlying application or petition was denied due to abandonment (e.g., failure to respond timely to a request for evidence or a notice of intent to deny), a motion to reopen may be filed if it can be shown that:
- The requested evidence was not material,
- The required initial evidence was submitted with the application or petition,
- The request for appearance or additional evidence was complied with during the allotted period, or
- The request for evidence or appearance was not sent to the address of record.
A motion to reconsider is a request to the original decision maker to review a decision based on new or additional legal arguments. The motion must establish that the decision was incorrect based on the evidence of record at the time of that decision, and it must state the reasons for reconsideration. A motion to reconsider must be supported by “any pertinent precedent decisions to establish that the decision was based on an incorrect application of law or [USCIS] policy.” Unlike a motion to reopen, new evidence or changed circumstances cannot support the filing of a motion to reconsider.
How do I file a motion?
Most motions are filed on Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, with the appropriate fee. If your motion needs to be filed on a different form, your denial notice will include the appropriate form information.
Please note that a written letter submitted to USCIS is not considered a motion. Motions must be filed on the appropriate form and submitted with the required fee (unless a request for a fee waiver was approved).
Motions regarding an asylum decision do not require a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion (or any other DHS form). A filing fee is also not required for motions regarding an asylum decision. You or your representative of record must submit any motion within 30 days of the decision and indicate if the motion seeks to reopen or reconsider. However, failure to file a motion to reopen before this period expires may be excused at the discretion of the Asylum Office Director if you demonstrate that the delay was reasonable and beyond your control. Either the principal applicant or a dependent may file a motion to reopen or reconsider.
When do I file a motion?
Generally, motions should be filed within 30 days from the date of the decision (not from the date it was received). The time for you to file your motion to reopen can only be extended at the discretion of USCIS if you demonstrate that the delay was reasonable and beyond your control.
Where do I file a motion?
Your denial notice will include information about which form to use to file your motion. If you mail your motion, make sure you allow enough time for the document to reach the office by the deadline. The correct filing address for a motion is listed at www.uscis.gov/i-290b-addresses. Any motions mailed to the AAO will be returned, will not be considered filed, and will not retain a filing date.
Do I need to submit a brief with a motion?
No, you are not required to submit a brief with your motion, but you may submit one if you choose. You must, however, provide a sufficient explanation of why you think the earlier decision was in error. If you do not provide an explanation of why you think the earlier decision was in error, and you do not file a brief, your motion may be dismissed. The AAO may reopen a proceeding or reconsider a decision on its own motion (sometimes called a Service motion or a sua sponte motion). If the AAO reopens on its own motion and the new decision may be unfavorable to the appellant, the AAO will notify the appellant and provide 30 days to submit a brief. The AAO may extend the deadline for submitting a brief upon request if the appellant shows good cause.
Note: While an applicant or petitioner may be granted additional time to submit a brief and/or supporting evidence after an appeal has been filed, no such provision applies to motions. Any briefs or additional evidence must be submitted concurrently with the motion.
What happens when I file a motion?
You will receive a decision on any properly filed motion. Filing a motion, however, does not suspend the execution of any decision made in your case or extend a previously set departure date.
When should I expect to receive a decision on a motion?
Although some cases may take longer, USCIS tries to adjudicate motions within 90 days. If you do not receive a decision on your motion within that time, you may contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for a “service request.”
May I request a waiver of the filing fee for my motion?
Generally, USCIS may not waive filing fees. But DHS regulations, at 8 CFR 103.7(c), specify some cases in which USCIS can waive a filing fee. If USCIS can waive the filing fee for the underlying petition or application itself, USCIS can also waive the filing fee for the motion.
What can I do if my motion is denied or dismissed?
A decision on a motion may be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) only if the original decision was appealable to the AAO.
If an Asylum Office denies or dismisses your motion arising from a case that received a Final Denial, you may submit a new Form I-589. You will be subject to the same prohibitions on filing as any other newly filed asylum application. You should file the application directly with the Asylum Office having jurisdiction over your place of residence since Service Centers are not able to accept new asylum applications on cases that have previously been denied. You should include a letter with your application stating that you previously applied for asylum and were denied. Attorney Raju Mahajan & Associates has been trying to assist individuals in Motion related cases. Our immigration law office provides numerous legal services, including online consultations, which you can have access from any part of the world.
To learn more about appeal against USCIS, click here.
