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Filing Form I-290B: Your Appeal or Motion Deadline, Explained
Also called: Notice of Appeal or Motion, Form I-290B
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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What this notice usually means
Form I-290B lets you file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office, or ask USCIS to reconsider or reopen a decision. Most of the time, you must file within 30 days of the denial or dismissal. That becomes 33 days if USCIS mailed the decision to you. There is a shorter deadline in one case. If USCIS revoked an approved petition, like a family or work petition, you must file within 15 days of the decision. That becomes 18 days if it was mailed. There is no exception to the filing period for an appeal or a motion to reconsider. Only a motion to reopen can get extra time, and only if you show the delay was reasonable and beyond your control.
What to do now
- 1
Find the date on your decision
Your deadline starts from the date on the decision, not the day you read it.
- 2
Check which deadline applies
Most decisions give you 30 days, or 33 if mailed. A revoked petition gives you only 15 days, or 18 if mailed.
- 3
Know your three options on Form I-290B
You have three options. You can file an appeal, a motion to reconsider, or a motion to reopen. An appeal goes to the Administrative Appeals Office.
- 4
File before your deadline
An appeal and a motion to reconsider have no exceptions. A motion to reopen is different. It can get extra time, but only for a reasonable delay beyond your control.
- 5
Keep your address current with USCIS
If a mailed decision comes back undelivered, USCIS may still count it as received. This can happen once USCIS confirms the address on file.
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Most appeals and motions must be filed within 30 days of the decision, or 33 days if it was mailed. If USCIS revoked an approved petition, the window is only 15 days, or 18 days if mailed. There is no extension for an appeal or a motion to reconsider.
“The petitioner must file the appeal or motion within 30 days of the denial or dismissal, or 33 days if the denial or dismissal decision was sent by mail.”
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Sources
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part J, Chapter 5 (Appeals, Motions to Reopen, and Motions to Reconsider)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- eCFR, 8 CFR 205.2 (Revocation on notice)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 9 (Rendering a Decision)Retrieved 2026-07-11
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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