Colavecchio & Colavecchio
How to Appeal a Denied Family-Based Immigration Application?
- Competitive Prices
- High Success Rate
- Expert Lawyers
- Customer Centric
Book Your Consultation
We are Proud Members of the Following

Successful appeals or motions to reopen the rejected family-based green card application should carefully gather all necessary documents and new evidence, with any mistakes or oversights greatly imperiling its outcome. That is why we have prepared this guide to teach you how to re-apply for a green card after it has been rejected for the first time. Keep reading!

Review the Denial Notice Carefully
As the first step in filing an appeal, carefully reviewing your NOID and understanding why it was denied is vital if you wish to present evidence supporting your case and increase your chances of approval.
As part of your appeal, ensure that each concern raised in the NOID is directly addressed in your response. This requires taking great care when considering each issue raised and providing extensive proof.
For example, if the NOID raised issues regarding your financial stability and reliance on public benefits, submit documents demonstrating independence from government assistance supporting your case.
Carefully Understand the Grounds for Denial
Immigration officials may deny your case for various reasons. It’s essential to understand all aspects of these grounds that could hinder your ability to appeal the decision successfully. A denial often stems from missing or incorrect documentation. Consulting with an attorney for Green Card Assistance can help ensure that all necessary information is included in your application.
IMMIGRATION LAW
OFFICE HOURS
Mon: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tue: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wed: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thu: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Determine Eligibility for an Appeal
USCIS allows individuals who wish to challenge any decision to file a Motion for Reconsideration or Reopen with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The appeal process varies slightly depending on which application or petition has been denied.
An AAO appeal involves providing evidence that an earlier decision was flawed or that you fulfill all legal requirements to obtain your desired visa. By contrast, a motion to reopen involves providing new facts or evidence not available when your original application was filed.
Your appeal should directly address all the concerns outlined in your denial letter to increase its chances of success. Working with an experienced immigration attorney is also key; they know all of the ins and outs of family-based immigration law, can quickly identify any issues, and work towards resolution before becoming larger issues. They also ensure your case is handled with extreme care and precision.
File Form I-290B for an Appeal
If you cannot or refuse to file an appeal in response to being denied, another avenue of relief may be filing a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. Such actions are suitable if there has been new information that should have been considered when making your initial decision or if any legal error was made during its decision-making.
To increase your chances of success in an appeal, it is crucial to directly address all of the concerns outlined in your initial denial letter and that any additional evidence you present supports your argument.
Consider consulting a knowledgeable immigration attorney to explore all possible forms of relief that may be available. They can assist in deciding if an appeal is suitable and guide you through any filing processes necessary for filing documents on time.

Prepare a Strong Legal Argument
An immigration appeal allows you to request that a higher authority, such as the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or a federal court, review your case and issue a different decision. An experienced attorney can help navigate this complex process toward a favorable resolution.
Your attorney must prepare a brief outlining all the legal points and information in your favor since the original decision was issued, known as an appeal skeleton argument, to present to the BIA or immigration judge before your hearing date.
At an individual hearing, you will present your story to a judge and a government attorney for immigration review and judgment based on the evidence and arguments presented. An experienced immigration lawyer can help maximize your chances of a positive outcome at this crucial hearing.

Submit Supporting Documentation & Evidence
If you receive an RFE, be sure to submit all the supporting evidence that USCIS requests by the deadline; failing to do so could result in your appeal being denied. Consider selecting a shipping method with tracking capabilities so you know if and when your documents arrive.
Before sending your supporting documents to USCIS, be sure to make copies. Digital versions are acceptable but must be legible; original photos or scrapbooks cannot be returned as part of their record and may become part of their archive. Number each page and label it with “Copy” to avoid confusion and minimize possible delays.
Translation of documents written in languages other than English may also be required if immigration authorities suspect you may rely on public immigration benefits; showing proof of financial independence and stability could help avoid being denied benefits altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that our readers have asked us
Q. What happens if BIA denies my appeal?
A. If your BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) appeal is denied, the original decision remains in effect. Options include appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals or filing a motion to reopen or reconsider the case. Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable for the next steps.
Q. What is the success rate of BIA Appeals?
A. The success rate of Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) cases is relatively low. Studies indicate that around 10% to 30% of appeals are successful, though the exact rate varies by year and case type. Success depends on the specifics of each case, the quality of legal representation, and the strength of the initial immigration court’s decision.
Conclusion
Appealing a denied family-based immigration application is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail, legal expertise, and thorough preparation. A strong legal argument supported by robust evidence is key to overturning the decision. Engaging an experienced immigration attorney can provide critical guidance throughout the appeal, increasing your likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.

The American Dream with Colavecchio & Colavecchio Law
Fulfill your future with expert immigration assistance. At Colavecchio & Colavecchio Law Office, we specialize in Green Card applications, Citizenship processes, and Provisional Waivers (I-601A).
Let our experienced team guide you through every step of your journey. Contact us today to start making your American dream a reality!

