What is the filing deadline?

You must file within the deadline stated on the decision notice; generally appeals or motions are due within 30 days of service (33 days if mailed). Missing the deadline often results in dismissal.

Can I submit new evidence later?

For motions to reopen, new evidence should be included at filing to establish eligibility. Appeals generally review the existing record; supplemental evidence rules vary by adjudicating office.

Is a notary required for I-290B?

USCIS does not generally require notarization for I-290B itself, but supporting affidavits or declarations may require notarization or certification depending on their nature and origin.

Are electronic signatures acceptable?

Electronic signatures are commonly accepted if they meet legal validity tests: intent, consent, attribution, and retention under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA rules.

What happens if I file with the wrong fee?

An incorrect or missing fee may cause rejection or delay. If a fee waiver applies, include the required supporting documentation; otherwise resubmit with correct payment as instructed by USCIS.

Who can sign the form?

The petitioner, beneficiary when appropriate, or an accredited representative or attorney may sign the form. Include a Form G-28 if an attorney represents the filer.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Immigration Form I-290B

Immigration Form I-290B

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

IMMIGRATION FORM I-290B — BUSINESS SERVICES AGREEMENT

Parties and Contact Information

Client Name:

Client Address

Representative / Service Provider Name:

Representative Address

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal and administrative services in connection with the preparation, filing and prosecution of Immigration Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) and related filings, and desires to engage Representative to provide such services;

WHEREAS, Representative is duly authorized, experienced and competent to provide immigration appellate and motion practice services and represents that Representative will perform services in accordance with applicable professional and ethical standards;

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective rights and obligations in connection with the Representative's engagement to prepare and, if authorized, file and prosecute an appeal or motion identified by the following reference: Case Number: ; Agency Decision Date:

Scope of Work

Services to be Provided

Representative shall perform the services described above using professional judgment and will timely commence work upon receipt of Client's written authorization and any required retainer. Services do not include litigation services beyond the scope expressly stated unless agreed in writing.

Payment Terms

Total Fee: . Retainer Amount Due at Engagement: .

Payment Schedule

Late Payment: A late fee of per month shall accrue on any unpaid balance after days from the invoice due date. Client shall also reimburse Representative for reasonable collection costs and any court or agency filing fees not otherwise specified in this Agreement.

Term and Termination

This Agreement commences on Start Date: and continues until completion of the services or until End Date: , unless earlier terminated as set forth herein.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' written notice to the other party. Representative may withdraw immediately if required by law or professional ethics, or if Client fails to cooperate or fails to timely pay fees due.

Upon termination, Client shall pay Representative for all services rendered and costs incurred through the effective date of termination, including reasonable time for file transfer or wound-up tasks.

Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain in confidence all nonpublic information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Agreement. Representative shall safeguard Client's privileged communications and work product to the extent required by applicable law and professional obligations. Confidential information shall not include information that is publicly known or rightfully received from a third party without breach of an obligation of confidentiality.

Representative may disclose confidential information to employees, contractors or co-counsel as necessary to perform services, provided such persons are bound by confidentiality obligations consistent with this Agreement.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to its conflicts of law principles. Any dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in that state, subject to applicable jurisdictional requirements.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and communications, whether written or oral. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Client acknowledges that Representative has made no promises or guarantees regarding the outcome of any filing, appeal or motion and that any expressions regarding potential results are opinions only.

Client:

By:

Date:

Representative / Provider:

By:

Date:

What Immigration Form I-290B Is and when it applies

Immigration Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, is the USCIS form used to request appellate review or to file a motion to reopen or reconsider an adverse USCIS decision. Filers use I-290B to ask the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the original adjudicating office to review errors of law or fact, or to present new evidence. The form requires a clear statement of the basis for the appeal or motion, supporting documentation, and payment of any required fee. Strict filing timelines, supporting evidence standards, and service rules apply to preserve appeal rights.

Why filing I-290B matters for immigration cases

Filing I-290B preserves legal remedies after an adverse USCIS decision and allows administrative review without immediate court action.

Who typically prepares or signs Form I-290B

Individuals and representatives file I-290B; attorneys often prepare and file the form to meet procedural and evidence standards.

Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives prepared on behalf of petitioners and beneficiaries.
Noncitizen petitioners or beneficiaries who can self-file when no representative is retained.
Employers or sponsoring entities filing on behalf of employees in employment-based cases.

Accurate preparation protects appeal rights and reduces the chance of dismissal for procedural defects.

Step-by-step checklist to prepare and file I-290B

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete appeal or motion package and to minimize procedural rejection risk.

01

Review decision: Read the denial carefully and note cited reasons.
02

Choose relief: Decide whether to appeal, or file a motion to reopen or reconsider.
03

Assemble evidence: Collect documents and prepare a clear evidence index.
04

File timely: Complete Form I-290B, sign, and submit with required fee and attachments.

Preparing an electronic submission workflow for I-290B

A consistent electronic workflow reduces errors and ensures all required attachments, signatures, and receipts are included before filing with USCIS.

Field	Configuration
Document Naming	Use standard names: I290B_Exhibit1.pdf, etc.
Attachment Order	Place the decision, cover letter, evidence, and translations in that sequence.
Signature Method	Use signed PDF with audit trail or wet signature scanned to PDF.
Copy Retention	Retain a complete, dated copy with proof of filing and payment.

How the I-290B review process generally flows

This simplified flow outlines how USCIS or AAO typically handles an appeal or motion once received.

File and Receive: Submit I-290B and receive USCIS receipt notice.
Initial Screening: USCIS checks for completeness and fee payment.
Administrative Review: Case forwarded to AAO or adjudicating office for review.
Decision Issued: AAO or office issues a written decision on appeal or motion.

Digital submission considerations and platform requirements

Use a platform that preserves PDF integrity, audit trails, and signer attribution when preparing electronic I-290B packets.

File formats: PDF preferred; avoid file types that obscure text.
Audit trail: Must record signer identity and timestamps.
Access control: Role-based access and encryption required.

Information elements to verify before filing

Full Name: Match government ID

Receipt Number: Exact 13-character number

Date Format: Use MM/DD/YYYY

Evidence Index: Sequentially numbered exhibits

Signatures: Signed and dated

Translations: Certified where required

Core components that make an I-290B submission complete

A complete filing combines form accuracy, clear grounds, supporting evidence, correct fee, proper signature, and consistent document organization to meet USCIS processing expectations.

Cover Letter

A concise cover letter summarizes the relief sought, references the underlying decision, lists exhibits, and frames legal arguments so the reviewer can quickly identify the issues and the documentary support.

Grounds Statement

A focused statement explains the legal and factual bases for appeal or motion, citing relevant regulations, case law, or procedural defects in the original decision to guide the reviewer.

Evidence Appendix

Organize supporting documents in a numbered appendix with descriptive exhibit labels, clear chronology, and translations to show new facts or to correct record errors.

Fee Payment

Include the correct filing fee or fee waiver documentation as required by USCIS; incorrect payment typically results in rejection or processing delay.

Signature Block

The form must be signed by the petitioner or an authorized representative; signatures must be dated and match the represented party to ensure attribution.

Proof of Service

When required, attach evidence that parties were served or notified per USCIS rules so jurisdiction and procedural prerequisites are documented.

Supporting document types commonly included with I-290B

Attaching clear, well-labeled supporting documents strengthens the motion or appeal and helps adjudicators resolve factual disputes efficiently.

Underlying Decision

Include a copy of the USCIS decision or denial notice so the reviewer can see the factual findings and legal conclusions being challenged.

Affidavits and Declarations

Sworn statements from applicants, witnesses, or employers that address factual errors or provide new information not previously available to USCIS.

Documentary Evidence

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment records, medical records, or other primary documents that corroborate facts disputed in the denial.

Legal Briefs

A short legal memorandum articulating why the decision was incorrect under statute, regulation, or precedent can materially assist appellate review.

Typical filing timelines and USCIS timing expectations

Timely filing is critical. Review the decision notice for the exact deadline and follow USCIS instructions closely to preserve appeal rights.

Standard Filing Window:

Generally 30 calendar days from service for appeals or motions.

Mailed Decisions:

When mailed, the filing window may extend to 33 days per typical USCIS practice.

Fee Payment Deadline:

Include correct fee at time of filing to avoid rejection.

Evidence Deadlines:

New evidence submitted with motion should be included at filing unless USCIS allows later submission.

Processing Timeframes:

Processing varies widely; USCIS or AAO will publish case-specific timelines.

Common pitfalls that lead to rejection or delay

Missing or incorrect receipt numbers which prevent USCIS from associating the appeal with the original file leading to administrative rejection or delay.
Incomplete evidence or failure to label exhibits clearly, forcing adjudicators to request additional information and extending the processing timeline.
Wrong filing option selected (appeal vs motion) which can result in dismissal for lack of jurisdiction or misdirected review.
Unsigned forms, incorrect dates, or failure to pay the required fee cause immediate procedural defects and potential rejection.

Consequences of filing an incorrect or untimely I-290B

Dismissal: Late or incomplete filings can be dismissed as untimely, ending administrative review options.

Fee Forfeiture: Incorrect fees or omitted fee waivers may lead to fee forfeiture or returned filings.

Loss of Status: Unresolved adverse decisions can result in loss of employment authorization or immigration status.

Evidentiary Delay: Requests for additional evidence extend resolution and increase uncertainty.

Sanctions Risk: Filing frivolous appeals or misrepresenting facts can trigger sanctions or disciplinary action.

Case Finality: An adverse appellate decision can be final, requiring judicial review for further relief.

How an appeal (I-290B) compares with a motion to reopen

Comparing appeal and motion options helps determine the correct procedural path for correcting a USCIS decision.

Criteria	I-290B Appeal	Motion to Reopen
Primary Purpose	challenge legal error	present new facts
Standard of Review	review for legal error	consider new evidence
Typical Timing	strict filing window	strict filing window
Adjudicating Body	aao or designated office	original office or aao

eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot for form workflows

This vendor comparison highlights starting prices and core capabilities for electronic signature platforms commonly used to assemble, sign, and route immigration filings.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting for I-290B filings

Answers to common questions about timing, signatures, evidence, and electronic submission to help avoid procedural mistakes and preserve appeal rights.

Need help? Contact support

What is the filing deadline?
You must file within the deadline stated on the decision notice; generally appeals or motions are due within 30 days of service (33 days if mailed). Missing the deadline often results in dismissal.
Can I submit new evidence later?
For motions to reopen, new evidence should be included at filing to establish eligibility. Appeals generally review the existing record; supplemental evidence rules vary by adjudicating office.
Is a notary required for I-290B?
USCIS does not generally require notarization for I-290B itself, but supporting affidavits or declarations may require notarization or certification depending on their nature and origin.
Are electronic signatures acceptable?
Electronic signatures are commonly accepted if they meet legal validity tests: intent, consent, attribution, and retention under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA rules.
What happens if I file with the wrong fee?
An incorrect or missing fee may cause rejection or delay. If a fee waiver applies, include the required supporting documentation; otherwise resubmit with correct payment as instructed by USCIS.
Who can sign the form?
The petitioner, beneficiary when appropriate, or an accredited representative or attorney may sign the form. Include a Form G-28 if an attorney represents the filer.

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