Receiving a denial from USCIS or an immigration judge can be discouraging, but it does not always mean the case is over. In some situations, individuals may have the right to challenge a decision through the immigration appeals process.

Pathfinder Immigration Experts assists clients in reviewing immigration decisions and pursuing appeals when legal or procedural errors may have affected the outcome of a case.

An immigration appeal is a request for a higher authority to review a decision made by an immigration judge or by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Appeals are typically filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which reviews decisions issued by immigration judges and certain DHS determinations.

Appeals may be available in cases involving:

• denial of asylum or other relief by an immigration judge
• removal or deportation orders
• certain USCIS application denials
• bond determinations in immigration court

Appeals generally focus on legal errors or incorrect interpretations of immigration law made during the original decision.

Immigration appeals are subject to strict filing deadlines. In many cases, a Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the decision issued by the immigration judge.

Missing the filing deadline may eliminate the ability to challenge the decision.