USCIS Denials & I-290B Motions · Albany, NY · Nationwide

Denied by USCIS? You May Still Have Options

A denial is frightening, but it is not always the end. In many cases you can file an I-290B motion to reopen or reconsider, or an appeal where the notice allows one. The deadline is short, so the sooner you speak with Ray Wood, the more options you're likely to have.

Deadlines are short: often 30 days from the decision (33 if it was mailed)
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A Denial Feels Like the End. Often, It Isn't.

Opening that USCIS letter and seeing "denied" is devastating. You've waited, you've paid, and now everything feels uncertain, and the clock is already running on your right to respond.

Many people panic and simply re-file, repeating the same mistake that caused the denial. Others miss the short window to act entirely. The right move depends on why you were denied.

Ray reviews your denial notice, tells you honestly whether a motion or appeal is worth filing and, if it is, builds it properly. Sometimes the fastest path is a fresh, corrected filing; we'll tell you which.

Why Denials Happen, and Get Worse

  • 01
    Missing the deadline to respond

    Motion and appeal windows are short, often 30 days. Miss it and your options narrow fast.

  • 02
    Re-filing the same mistake

    Without fixing what went wrong, a second filing often gets denied for the same reason.

  • 03
    Choosing the wrong remedy

    Motion to reopen (new facts) vs. reconsider (legal error) vs. appeal vs. a fresh filing: each fits a different problem.

  • 04
    Not understanding the denial

    The reasons in the notice, and its appeal instructions, drive everything. We read it closely before advising a single step.

How We Help After a Denial

A practice devoted exclusively to immigration law, so we know what turns a denial around.

Motions & Appeals (I-290B)

We review your denial and file the I-290B motion or appeal that fits, built to address exactly why USCIS said no.

Motion to Reopen

New facts or evidence that weren't before USCIS the first time? A motion to reopen puts them on the record.

Motion to Reconsider

If USCIS misapplied the law or policy to the record, a motion to reconsider asks it to correct the decision.

I-130 Petition Denied

Family petition denied, including after a marriage interview? We assess whether a motion to reopen or reconsider, or a new, stronger petition, is your best route.

Green Card / I-485 Denied

An adjustment denial has its own pitfalls and no direct appeal. We assess whether to move to reopen, reconsider, or re-file.

Honest Case Assessment

Not every denial is worth fighting. We'll tell you straight whether a motion is your best move, or whether re-filing is.

A Clear Path Forward, Starting Today

With a denial, the first step is moving quickly.

1

Speak With Ray Now

Tell us what was denied and when. Ray reviews the notice and tells you honestly whether you have a case, the same day.

2

We Build the Right Response

Reopen, reconsider, appeal, or re-file: we prepare it properly, before the deadline, at a flat fee you know up front.

3

A Real Second Chance

We stand with you through the decision, working to turn the denial around.

What Our Clients Say

5-star reviews from families Ray has helped.

★★★★★

"Ray Wood and his team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise throughout the green card process. They made the entire process seamless for us, promptly addressing all our inquiries regardless of the time of day and consistently keeping us informed. We deeply appreciate Ray Wood's invaluable assistance and highly recommend his services."

Natesh Ramdharry · Google Review

★★★★★

"You will not find lawyers that aren't just competent here, but you will also find kind folks that are phenomenal human beings. I cannot thank the team enough. They genuinely do care."

Harjup Singh · Google Review

★★★★★

"Ray walked me through the whole immigration process from the beginning until the end, became a citizen yesterday! He is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of explaining things in a very clear and calm way."

Naturalization Client

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Families Choose Ray

A small, focused practice, where you work directly with your attorney, not a call center.

Flat Fees, No Surprises

You'll know your full cost up front, a flat fee, not an hourly bill that climbs. On most matters that even includes the USCIS filing fees.

You Speak to the Attorney

No being passed between departments. You deal directly with Ray, and you get a same-day call back.

A Focused Practice

Family immigration filings with USCIS, and the motions that follow a denial: green cards, waivers, naturalization, removal of conditions. We know this niche cold.

Straight Answers

We'll Tell You Honestly If You Have a Case

After a denial, the last thing you need is false hope. If a motion is worth filing, we'll tell you why. If it isn't, or if a corrected re-filing is the smarter move, we'll tell you that too, and point you in the right direction.

It's the reason so many people, including some we couldn't take on, leave us 5-star reviews. We treat every person who calls with care, because behind every case is a family.

Your Attorney

An Immigration Lawyer Who Knows Your Case

Ray Wood, Immigration Attorney

Ray Wood

Immigration Attorney · Albany, NY

Ray has practiced immigration law for 15 years, in a practice devoted exclusively to immigration. His background includes 11 years of military service: three years on active duty with the U.S. Army and eight with the Army National Guard. Clients know him for clear communication and responsive, hands-on care from the first call to the final approval notice.

AILA Member•American Bar Association•U.S. Army Veteran•Admitted, CA State Bar

Learn more at immigration-attorney.org

The Clock Is Already Running

Don't let the deadline pass. Tell Ray what was denied and when, and you'll hear back the same day.

What we focus on

  • I-290B motions to reopen & reconsider
  • Denied I-130, I-485 & I-751 filings
  • Marriage & family-based green cards (I-130)
  • Adjustment of status (I-485) & consular processing
  • I-601 & I-601A waivers
  • Naturalization, citizenship & removal of conditions

What we don't handle

  • Immigration Court / removal & deportation defense
  • Appeals to the BIA (including I-130 appeals) or federal court
  • Work & employment visas, and asylum cases

Not sure if your denial fits? Reach out anyway, we'll tell you honestly, and point you in the right direction if it's not for us.

Common Questions After a Denial

Green card denied? When does a motion to reopen make sense?
If your green card was denied, or your I-130 was denied after the interview, a motion to reopen may fit when there are new facts supported by evidence. A motion to reconsider fits when USCIS misapplied the law or policy. We'll tell you honestly whether a motion or a fresh filing is your best move, and if an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals is the better fit, we'll refer you to counsel who handles those.
How long do I have to act after a denial?
Many USCIS motions and appeals must be filed within 30 days of the decision, or 33 days if it was mailed, but some decisions follow different rules. Read the appeal instructions in your notice and reach out as soon as you receive it; even a few days matter.
Should I just re-file instead?
Sometimes a fresh, corrected filing is faster and stronger than a motion, and sometimes a motion is clearly the better route. It depends entirely on why you were denied. We read your notice and tell you honestly which path gives you the best chance.
What's the difference between reopen and reconsider?
A motion to reopen is based on new facts, supported by evidence. A motion to reconsider argues USCIS applied the law or policy incorrectly based on the existing record. Some cases call for one, some for both; we'll determine which fits your denial.
Does filing a motion protect my status?
Generally not by itself. Filing an I-290B does not automatically restore status or stop the effects of the denial, which is another reason to get advice quickly.
What does it cost?
We charge flat fees on nearly all of our cases, and on most matters that includes the USCIS filing fees. You'll know your full cost up front, with no surprise hourly bills.
Do you handle cases in Immigration Court?
We focus on family-based USCIS filings and the motions that follow a denial. We do not handle cases currently in Immigration Court, removal/deportation defense, work visas, or asylum. If that's your situation, we'll point you toward the right kind of attorney.

Speak With Ray About Your Denial

Your first consultation is free.

The deadline is short, so don't wait. Tell us what was denied and when, and we'll tell you honestly whether you have a case, clearly and with no obligation. You'll hear back the same day.

Office

2022 Western Avenue, Suite 2W, Albany, NY 12203

Serving

Albany, Schenectady, the Capital Region, Vermont & all 50 states (remote consultations)

Prefer to write? Use the form below to tell us what was denied and the date on the notice. Please don't upload or paste the notice itself; Ray will tell you how to send it securely.

Email Ray about Your Case

Your first consultation is free.

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Tell us about your situation and we'll help you understand your options, clearly, honestly, and with no obligation. You'll hear back the same day.

Ray Wood, Immigration Attorney

Ray Wood, Immigration Attorney · 2022 Western Avenue, Suite 2W, Albany, NY 12203

Mailing: PO Box 909, Guilderland, NY 12084 · 518-741-8868

Serving the Capital Region & nationwide · immigration-attorney.org

© 2026 Ray Wood, Immigration Attorney. All rights reserved.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Ray Wood is admitted to practice in California; practice limited to U.S. immigration law. We do not handle cases currently in Immigration Court.

This page provides general information, not legal advice for your situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.