On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-290B?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-290B rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-290B ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-290B?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-290B checklist?)
- Fees
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-290B have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-290B?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-290B?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#You MUST provide this information with the Form I-290B, even if you intend to file a brief later, as described in the Form DS-260 guide.
When you are requesting review of an adverse agency decision
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-290B?)
#After submitting the form, USCIS evaluates the appeal or motion and issues a decision, which may change the outcome of the original case.
First page of I-290B form
Source: I-290B PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-290B varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Receipt Notice (a related form)
- Notice of action regarding the appeal or motion
- Decision on the appeal or motion
Who uses it
Form I-290B is used by applicants to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or a motion with the USCIS office that issued the latest decision in their case. This form is applicable for certain immigration benefit types, including appeals regarding the denial of Form I-17 by the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program. If you are filing an appeal, you must do so within the specified timeframe, typically within 30 calendar days of the decision (or 33 days if mailed). It is crucial to clearly indicate whether you are filing an appeal or a motion and provide a statement regarding the basis for your appeal or motion.
When it is used
- When you are requesting review of an adverse agency decision
- Before the statutory deadline for appeal or motion expires
- When your case type allows the form of review you are seeking (appeal, motion to reopen, or motion to reconsider)
- IR-1 — Appeal I-130 or I-485 denial
- When supplementing I-130 — I-290B provides additional required information
- After filing I-290B — I-694 may be the next step (I-290B appeal of I-694 IRCA denial)
Requirements snapshot
#- Updates information in your record so USCIS can contact you and process your case.
- Helps ensure notices and correspondence are sent to the right address or contact point.
- Use the official instructions to confirm which updates require this form versus an online account update.
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-290B rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting an unsigned form.
- Filing both an appeal and a motion simultaneously.
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide sufficient evidence to support the appeal or motion.
- Not clearly identifying the legal or factual errors in the original decision.
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid filing after 30-day deadline: File I-290B within 30 days of the decision date; late filings are rejected.
- To avoid missing decision notice or clear statement of error: Include a copy of the denial and a clear explanation of legal error or new evidence.
What it asks for (What does Form I-290B ask for?)
#- Full legal name, date of birth, and mailing address of the applicant or petitioner.
- Basis for the appeal or motion, including a statement identifying an erroneous conclusion of law or fact.
- Your full legal name and contact information
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Receipt numbers from any pending or prior applications
- Beneficiaries of valid employment-based immigrant visa petitions who are eligible to change jobs or employers under INA section 204(j) may file an appeal or motion.
- Basis for the Appeal or Motion You must provide a statement regarding the basis for your appeal or motion in the space provided in Part 3
- The information about you in Part 1
- Their signature, printed name, the signature date, and their contact information
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form I-290B?)
#- The current edition of I-290B
- Copy of the decision you are appealing or moving to reopen/reconsider
- Legal basis and arguments for the requested relief
- Required signatures and any supporting evidence described in the instructions
- All evidence requested in the instructions with your form.
- A USCIS notice, if available, is acceptable evidence of a prior related filing
- All evidence and supporting documents listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit and/or Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions
- Any supporting evidence concurrently with your appeal, the office will not treat the appeal as a motion to reopen before sending it to the AAO
- The form with the required evidence and filing fee.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Receipt numbers from any pending or previously filed applications
- Copy of your filed or approved I-130 (Appeal denial of family-based petition)
Sources for this section
Checklist (What is the Form I-290B checklist?)
#- Download the current I-290B and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-290B instructions before filing
- Collect all necessary supporting documents as specified in the instructions.
- Complete all required sections of I-290B
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Confirm all pages are from the same current I-290B edition
- Sign, date, and submit I-290B with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#There is no USCIS filing fee for Form I-290B.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-290B page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Petition for Alien Relative.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-290B have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Key terms
#- Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
- A division of USCIS that reviews appeals of certain immigration decisions.In this form: The AAO is the body to which appeals are submitted using Form I-290B.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or incorrect information | Delay | Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. |
| Filing after 30-day deadline | Rejection | File I-290B within 30 days of the decision date; late filings are rejected. |
| Missing decision notice or clear statement of error | RFE | Include a copy of the denial and a clear explanation of legal error or new evidence. |
| Wrong fee or incorrect form (appeal vs motion) | Delay | Appeals and motions have different requirements; check fee schedule and instructions. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-290B?)
#- An applicant in the IR-1 category files I-290B as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-290B?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Filing an appeal or motion does not automatically stay or reverse the original decision
- You must meet the statutory deadline and procedural requirements for the type of review you are requesting
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-290B, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form EOIR-29: Form I-290B is used for appeals to the AAO, while Form EOIR-29 is used for appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
- Unlike Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative: Supporting form: Appeal denial of family-based petition
- Unlike Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: Supporting form: Appeal denial of employment-based petition
- Unlike Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: Supporting form: Appeal denial of nonimmigrant worker petition
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the appeal or motion has been filed.
- USCIS reviews the appeal or motion and any additional evidence submitted.
- Receive a notice of action regarding the status of the appeal or motion.
- USCIS issues a decision on the appeal or motion, which may uphold, reverse, or modify the original decision.
Verification
#This guide is based on official USCIS instructions for Form I-290B and is updated when there are changes to form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official USCIS website.
FAQs
What does filing Form I-290B actually accomplish?
To address possible errors in USCIS decisions, consult the official I-290B instructions for detailed guidance tailored to your specific immigration case and situation.
Do I need to file Form I-290B if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official I-290B instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Is there a specific format for the legal arguments in Form I-290B?
While there is no specific format, your legal arguments should clearly identify any erroneous conclusions of law or fact in the original decision.
What supporting documents do I need for I-290B?
Include all evidence specified in the instructions when submitting your form. If filing a motion, attach any briefs and additional evidence along with Form I-290B. Consult the official I-290B instructions to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
Who is eligible to file I-290B?
Review the official I-290B instructions for current requirements.
Can I request a fee waiver for I-290B?
Review the official I-290B instructions for current requirements.
When will I-290B be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for I-290B varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official USCIS processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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