Why Does USCIS Keep Rejecting My Form I-290B Appeal or Motion?
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 1, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I need help with my Form I-290B, which keeps getting sent back to me.
I need assistance with my I-290b.
Attorney Answer
When USCIS keeps returning your Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, it usually means the filing was rejected on a technical ground before anyone reviewed the substance of your appeal, so the fix is almost always in the paperwork itself.
The rejection notice USCIS sends should state a specific reason. The most common reasons a Form I-290B bounces back include:
Wrong or outdated form edition. USCIS periodically updates its forms and stops accepting older editions. Always download the current version directly from uscis.gov before refiling. * Incorrect fee. Filing fees change from time to time, and the wrong amount, an expired check, or a payment method USCIS does not accept for that filing will trigger a rejection. * Missing signature. The form must be properly signed, and an unsigned or improperly signed form is one of the most common rejection reasons. * Wrong filing location. Form I-290B must go to the correct USCIS office or lockbox address based on the type of decision you are appealing, and sending it to the wrong place often results in it being returned rather than forwarded. * Missed the filing deadline. USCIS generally requires this form to be filed within 30 days of the decision, or 33 days if the decision was mailed to you, under federal regulation 8 CFR 103.3. A late filing can be rejected outright. * Missing required attachments. This includes a copy of the decision you are appealing and, if applicable, your supporting brief or evidence.
What to do 1. Read the rejection notice carefully. It should list the exact reason. 2. Confirm you are using the current form edition and the current fee amount from uscis.gov. 3. Double check the filing address matches the instructions for your specific case type. 4. Make sure every required signature and attachment is included before resubmitting. 5. Track your deadline carefully. If repeated rejections have pushed you close to or past 30 days, talk to an immigration attorney right away, since late filings sometimes still have options but need prompt action.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. A local immigration attorney can review your specific rejection notices and file this correctly on your behalf.
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Federal Immigration Resources
- Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to check case status, forms, and official immigration guidance.
- Visit Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to find immigration court information and hearing details.
- Visit ImmigrationLawHelp.org to find nonprofit immigration legal-service providers near you.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file Form I-290B after a USCIS denial?
Generally 30 days from the date of the decision, or 33 days if the decision was mailed to you, under federal regulation 8 CFR 103.3. Missing this window can prevent you from appealing at all.
What is the difference between an appeal and a motion on Form I-290B?
An appeal asks a higher authority, such as the Administrative Appeals Office, to review the decision, while a motion to reopen or reconsider asks the same office that decided your case to look at it again based on new facts or a legal error. The form and fee can differ depending on which one you are filing.
Can I fix a rejected filing myself, or do I need a lawyer?
Many rejections are due to simple technical issues you can fix yourself, such as an outdated form or wrong fee. If you have already tried more than once or you are close to the deadline, an immigration attorney can make sure it is filed correctly the first time.
