Administrative Appeals

Should a petition or application be denied or revoked by the USCIS, in most cases you may appeal that decision to a higher authority. The USCISs Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) has jurisdiction over 40 petitions and applications. If you receive a denial notice, it will advise you of your right to appeal, the correct appellate jurisdiction (AAO or Board of Immigration Appeals, or BIA), and provide you with the appropriate appeal form and time limit. There are strict deadlines that must be met to properly file an appeal. The appeal must be filed with the correct fee at the office that made the original decision. You may file a brief (a written explanation) in support of the appeal. After review, the appellate authority may 1) agree with you and change the original decision, 2) disagree with you and affirm the original decision, or 3) send the matter back to the original office for further action.