Procedures to Follow for US Immigration Appeals

If you receive a letter stating your application for reentry permit or passport travel document is denied, the letter will tell you how to appeal the decision. Usually you can appeal within 33 days of receipt of the denial letter. Appeals must be filed on USCIS Form I-290B and sent to the office that made the original decision.

After processing your appeal form and required fee, it will be referred to the Administrative Appeals Unit in Washington, DC. Don't send the appeal and fee there directly. That will only delay the process.

If you need assistance you can contact the USCIS District Office nearest you for a list of community-based nonprofit organizations that may be able to help you.

You Can Have Legal Representation

You may choose to be represented by an attorney or accredited representative when you file US travel documents, USCIS applications or petitions. If you can't afford a lawyer you may be able to ask an attorney, an association of immigration lawyers, a state bar association, or a specially accredited organization to provide free or reduced cost assistance.

Attorneys have to be members in good standing of the legal bar of the applicable U.S. state and cannot be under court order restricting their practice of law.

Representatives Must Be Authorized

Accredited representatives must work for a recognized organization to be eligible to represent you before USCIS and the immigration appeals court and they have to file a Form G-28. They may be authorized to practice before USCIS, the Immigration Courts or the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Be careful that the person you are dealing with is authorized to act on your behalf with USCIS. Do not sign blank applications, documents you do not understand, or documents with false or inaccurate information. Do not let anyone keep your original documents, and do not make any payments without receiving a receipt. Make sure you keep copies of all documents prepared for you and make sure you verify your attorney's or accredited representative's eligibility to represent you.

The Internet is the easiest and fastest place to find the specific information you require. For complete information on your passport travel documents and immigration appeals, check the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/traveldoc.htm.