Explore my Options | USCIS (2024)

FAQs

How do I respond to USCIS rejection notice? ›

If you believe the rejection by the USCIS Lockbox was in error, you may submit an inquiry through the USCIS Lockbox Support email to request review of the rejection.

When USCIS rejects your case, it sends a notice via mail, which will tell you the reason why. It will also return your filing fee. Once you know why it rejected your case, you can prepare your corrections. If you fix your mistakes and refile your application, you can get back on track.

If the USCIS Contact Center is unable to provide information or to make the change that you requested, you may be scheduled for an in-person appointment at a USCIS field office.

In addition to thanking the other person for their time and expressing gratitude for the opportunity, you should do two things: State your interest in being considered for future opportunities, and ask for feedback on how you can improve.

Sincere & Direct Responses For Rejections

I understand and thanks for being honest. Good luck out there. It's been fun and I'm sorry things didn't work out. But that's just how it goes sometimes and I totally get it.

Online: Use the case status online tool to check for updates about your immigration case. You will need your 13-character receipt number from your application or petition. By phone: If you are calling from the U.S., contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1833.

If an immigration benefit is denied, the applicant may file a motion to reopen with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services District Director who denied the application.

Receiving a decision on your application

Otherwise, USCIS will have 120 days (four months) from the date of your citizenship interview and exam to send you its decision in writing. More specifically, you'll receive Form N-652 (officially called the “Notice of Examination Results”).

All adjustment of status applicants must be interviewed by an officer unless the interview is waived by USCIS. The decision to waive the interview should be made on a case-by-case basis. The interview enables USCIS to verify important information about the applicant to determine eligibility for adjustment.

What are the chances of I-485 denial? ›

During the same period, USCIS received 288,668 family-based applications to adjust status (Form I-485) and denied 44,181 applications. In fact, USCIS denied more than 16 percent of applications. This doesn't include the 11 percent that USCIS routinely rejects.

These include crimes of "moral turpitude," multiple crimes, and specified crimes such as drug trafficking, prostitution, commercialized vice, money laundering, severe violations of religious freedoms as an official working within a foreign government, and fraud.

A Notice of Intent to Deny means that your immigration application or petition has been reviewed by the USCIS and it will not be approved.

USCIS Contact Center

For information on when live help through a USCIS representative is available, see the USCIS Contact Center web page. The toll-free phone number for the USCIS Contact Center is 1-800-375-5283 (TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or person with a speech disability: 1-800-767-1833).

Dial 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) and ask your question in English or Spanish. The system will answer your question and can send you links to forms and information by email or text. If you can be helped through an online tool or other self-service, you will not be connected to live assistance.

“Your response can be very short and sweet, especially if you were rejected before progressing to the interview stage. It can't hurt to reply, and it gives you one last opportunity to make a positive impression in case you plan to apply to other roles at the company in the future.”

If Your Case Was Denied

With certain exceptions, you may file motions to reopen or reconsider decisions made in your case. Administrative appeals are only available on certain kinds of cases. If an appeal or motion is available to you, how to file one is explained in the decision we mailed to you.

How Should I Respond to a Notice of Intent to Deny? Within 30 days of receiving the NOID, you must submit extensive evidence to overcome the shortfall in your application. A NOID will clearly outline all the issues you need to address effectively to increase your chances of a positive outcome.