Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion
Form I-290B is how you appeal an unfavorable USCIS decision or ask the deciding office to reopen or reconsider it. Fill in the official USCIS PDF below and download it.
This is the genuine USCIS PDF, unmodified. Source: USCIS official page.
What is I-290B?
Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, covers three requests: an appeal to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), a motion to reopen based on new facts, or a motion to reconsider based on an argument that the decision misapplied law or policy. It is used for most USCIS petition and application denials that fall under AAO jurisdiction.
It is not used for decisions that are appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals, such as most Form I-130 denials, which follow a different process. Deadlines are short: appeals and motions generally must be filed within 30 days of the decision, with a few extra days when the decision was mailed, so check your denial notice and the current instructions.
Who files I-290B?
- Petitioners appealing a USCIS denial that falls under AAO jurisdiction, such as many I-140 denials
- Applicants filing a motion to reopen with new facts and supporting evidence
- Applicants filing a motion to reconsider, arguing the decision was legally incorrect
- Attorneys and accredited representatives filing on behalf of a petitioner or applicant
How to fill out I-290B
- Check your denial notice first to confirm the I-290B is the right vehicle and note the filing deadline.
- Complete Part 1 with your information and Part 2 by selecting appeal, motion to reopen, motion to reconsider, or a combined motion.
- State the reasons for the appeal or motion in Part 3, or note that a brief and evidence will follow within the allowed time.
- Attach new evidence for a motion to reopen, or your legal argument for a motion to reconsider.
- Download the finished PDF and file it with the filing fee at the address shown in the form instructions for the office that made the decision.
Quick fill I-290B on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open I-290B in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for filing Form I-290B?
Generally 30 calendar days from the date of the decision, with a short extension when the decision was mailed. Some case types have different deadlines, so read your denial notice and the current instructions at uscis.gov.
Should I choose an appeal or a motion?
Appeal if you want the AAO to review the decision. Choose a motion to reopen if you have new facts and evidence, or a motion to reconsider if you believe the decision misapplied the law to the existing record. You can combine motions.
Can I use the I-290B to appeal an I-130 denial?
Usually not. Most I-130 denials are appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals using a different form. Your denial notice states which appeal route applies to your case.