Reading the denial closely
The denial notice should explain which requirement USCIS found unmet and how it viewed the evidence you submitted. Sometimes the problem is a missing document or a misunderstanding of what the RFE asked for. Other times the officer weighed the evidence differently than you expected. The notice also usually states whether you can appeal or file a motion, and with which office. Compare it line by line with the RFE and your response before deciding what to do.
Options after the denial
Depending on the type of case, you may be able to file a motion to reopen based on new facts, a motion to reconsider arguing that the decision misapplied law or policy, or an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office or, for some family petitions, the Board of Immigration Appeals. These filings have short deadlines that run from the decision. In some cases, filing a new application with stronger evidence makes more sense than challenging the old one, and federal court review is possible in limited situations. No option carries a promise of approval, and each involves cost and timing trade-offs.
Status and next steps
A denial can leave you without lawful status or end a period of authorized stay, and in some cases USCIS refers people to immigration court by issuing a Notice to Appear. If you are in the United States, the effect of the denial on your status, work authorization, and travel should be reviewed right away. Do not travel abroad without advice, since leaving can affect pending motions and future eligibility. We review the denial, your RFE response, and your immigration history to see which path fits your situation. A denial after an RFE response does not always end the matter, but the next step needs to be chosen quickly.
