A motion to reopen or reconsider a USCIS decision has been filed. USCIS will review the motion and either reopen the case or issue a decision on the motion.
What comes next
USCIS will review the motion. A motion to reopen asks USCIS to reconsider based on new facts or circumstances. A motion to reconsider asks USCIS to apply the law differently to existing facts. Processing takes 6-18 months in most cases.
Typical timeline
USCIS processes motions to reopen and reconsider in 6-18 months on average, and can take longer at busy service centers or field offices. The same office that issued the original decision typically reviews the motion.
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If you're stuck on this status
If your motion has been pending more than 12 months, submit an e-Request through your USCIS online account. Motions do not have a mandated processing deadline, but you can flag extended delays through a congressional inquiry.
What to do now
1Confirm your motion was filed within the deadline (30-33 days from denial in most cases)
2Make sure all supporting evidence was included with the motion
3Consult an immigration attorney if you do not have one — motions require legal precision
4Do not file a separate appeal while the motion is pending unless advised to do so by an attorney
When to contact an attorney
You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.
Community average
Applicants typically wait 180 days before the next update after this status.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a motion to reopen and a motion to reconsider?+
A motion to reopen introduces new facts, evidence, or changed circumstances that were not part of the original record. A motion to reconsider argues that USCIS made a legal or factual error when applying the law to the existing record — no new evidence is presented.
How long do I have to file a motion after a denial?+
Generally 30-33 days from the date of the denial notice for most USCIS benefit cases. Check your denial notice for the specific deadline — some cases have different timeframes. Missing the deadline means the motion will likely be rejected as untimely.
What are the chances my motion will succeed?+
Success rates vary significantly by case type and the specific grounds for the motion. Motions based on clear USCIS legal errors tend to be more successful than those based on new evidence that could have been submitted earlier. An immigration attorney can assess the strength of your specific motion.
Can I file both a motion to reopen and an appeal at the same time?+
Generally yes — a motion goes back to the original decision-maker while an appeal goes to the AAO or BIA, and they are distinct procedural vehicles. However, filing both simultaneously is expensive and the interaction between them can be complex. An attorney can advise whether dual filing makes sense for your specific situation and which strategy is more likely to succeed.
What happens if my motion is denied?+
If USCIS denies your motion, you may be able to appeal to the AAO or BIA (depending on the case type). Consult an attorney immediately after a motion denial to understand your remaining options and deadlines.
GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.