Deadlines are short and unforgiving. For most appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, you have 30 days from the date of the decision. Because timelines vary by case type, reach out as soon as you receive your denial so you do not lose your window.
Chicago Immigration Attorney
Мы говорим по русски
Chicago Immigration Appeals
Appeals Lawyer in Chicago
A denial letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can stop you cold. After months of waiting, hoping, and building your future in the United States, one decision seems to close the door. That door is not always locked, though. A denial is often the beginning of your next move, not the end of your story, and you have options worth fighting for.
At Sverdloff Law Group, our legal team can review what went wrong and help you chart a stronger path forward. Call us or schedule a consultation online to talk through your case today.
Who We Serve
Immigration denials come in many forms, and each one carries its own weight. You are not the first person to feel blindsided by a decision that changes everything, and you will not face it alone.
You may benefit from working with our team if:
- Your green card or adjustment of status application was denied, and you believe the decision missed key facts or misapplied the law.
- You received an unfavorable ruling from an immigration judge and want to challenge it.
- Your case was already denied, and you need to explore a motion or a petition to a federal appeals court.
- A U.S. consulate denied your visa, leaving your family separated and searching for answers.
- Your petition was denied because of missing evidence or a paperwork error, and you want a second chance done right.
- A prior attorney mishandled your case, and you need a fresh, honest assessment of where things stand.
Wherever your denial came from, our attorneys are ready to look closely and tell you the truth about your options.
What the Immigration Appeals Process Looks Like
An appeal asks a higher authority to take a second look at a decision you believe was wrong. If you are an immigrant and your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is denied, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or, in certain cases, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The right path depends on who denied your case and why, so understanding your options early makes a real difference.
Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
- We review the denial. Our team examines your notice, your file, and the reasoning behind the decision to find the strongest grounds for challenge.
- We identify the right route. Depending on your case, that could mean an appeal to the BIA, a motion to reopen, a motion to reconsider, or a petition to a federal court.
- We prepare and file. Deadlines here are strict, often as short as 30 days, so acting quickly protects your rights.
- We make your argument. Whether through a written brief or oral argument, our attorneys present a clear case for why the decision should change.
A few options you may hear about:
- BIA Appeal: Used to challenge a decision made by an immigration judge, typically within 30 days of the ruling.
- Motion to Reopen: Asks the deciding body to consider new facts or evidence that were not available before.
- Motion to Reconsider: Argues that the original decision applied the law incorrectly.
- Federal Court Review: When administrative appeals fall short, certain cases can move to a federal appeals court.
When you work with our firm, you will always know which route fits your situation and why. No confusing legal jargon, just a clear plan.
Why Choose Sverdloff Law Group
An appeal leaves little room for error, and the person handling it matters. Attorney Julia Sverdloff is an immigrant herself. She knows what it feels like to build a life in a new country, and she brings that understanding to every case she takes on.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Focused immigration practice: Our attorneys handle immigration law exclusively, which means sharper insight into why cases get denied and how to turn them around.
- Proven track record: Our team has revived cases that stalled for years, including difficult adjustment of status and asylum matters.
- Multilingual support: Our firm speaks English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian, so nothing gets lost in translation.
- Nationwide service: With offices in Chicago and Northbrook, our attorneys represent clients across all 50 states.
- Recognized for excellence: Sverdloff Law Group has been named a Top Immigration Lawyer in Chicago by Expertise.com and recognized by U.S. News Best Lawyers and Avvo.
At Sverdloff Law Group, you get an ally who treats you as a person, not a file number, and who fights for the outcome you deserve.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
A denial is not the last word, and you do not have to figure out your next step alone. Your case deserves a careful, honest review from someone who understands what is on the line.
Call us or schedule a consultation online. It is fast, easy, and the right first move toward getting your case back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Appeals
What is the difference between an appeal and a motion?
An appeal asks a higher authority, such as the BIA, to review a decision made by a lower one, like an immigration judge. A motion asks the same body that denied your case to take another look, either because of new evidence (a motion to reopen) or a legal error (a motion to reconsider). The right choice depends on the details of your case.
Can I submit new evidence during an appeal?
Usually not during a standard appeal, which focuses on the record already in front of the deciding authority. If you have important new evidence, a motion to reopen may be the better route. Our attorneys can review your situation and recommend the strongest option.
What happens if my appeal is denied?
A denied appeal may not be the end. Depending on your circumstances, you might file a motion or petition a federal appeals court for review. Our team will explain every remaining option honestly, so you always know where you stand.
Do I need a lawyer to file an immigration appeal?
The law does not require one, but appeals are detailed, deadline-driven, and hard to win without experience. A single misstep can cost you the case. Having a skilled attorney review the denial and build your argument greatly improves your chances.
How much does an immigration appeal cost?
Costs depend on the type of appeal and the complexity of your case. During your consultation, you will receive a clear explanation of fees and available payment options, with no surprises. Transparency comes first here.
Helping You Realize Your Dreams for a New Life in the United States
Our immigration attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the best outcome in your immigration case.
Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Ukranian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Spanish.
Every Dream Should Be Realized.
Let Us Help You Accomplish Yours.
Reviews
Words From Our
Clients
Reviews from our clients from around the world.
Very knowledgeable attorney. I had the chance to work with many attorneys last ten years. Julia was most knowledgeable and helpful. She got the job done right. Thank you. Read More
Mirrakhim
Julia and her team were purely amazing throughout my adjustment of status process. I had one of the most difficult cases any lawyer can handle, and Julia was actually my 3rd lawyer in 12 years. I can't thank her enough for taking the time, and efforts to execute this task… Read More
Bassel George Diebo, MD
Before meeting Julia and her team, I met many lawyers, but I could not find a better and more professional than Julia Sverdloff. Julia and her team are the best of the best. This team goes to the victorious finish and does not abandon its clients halfway! With this team,… Read More
Atmir K.
Julia's help was invaluable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, straightforward, fast, and empathetic. She was able to solve a green card issue I had been dealing with for 5,5 years in 4 months and helped me with the naturalization process as well. She prepared me thoroughly for the interview, and… Read More
Veronique
I’ve worked with Julia and her team on multiple cases, and every time the experience has been absolutely great. Julia is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive, honestly the best immigration attorney in Chicago. I came to them through a friend’s recommendation and have since recommended them to others. Everyone I… Read More
Anastasia S.
I highly recommend this immigration attorney. She is highly professional, punctual, and exceptionally knowledgeable in her field. She is deeply dedicated to her clients, consistently advocates on their behalf, and provides clear and timely responses to all inquiries. Her reliability, professionalism, and commitment ensure that clients feel fully supported throughout… Read More
Client
My story of love and immigration is truly amazing and wonderful! I met my husband in Romania, and our feelings grew even while we were apart. After arriving in America, we got married here. Following the wedding, we turned to the Julia Sverdloff law firm. Their team of professionals listened… Read More
Michael and Viktoriia
I had a really good experience working with Julia Sverdloff. She was very professional and knowledgeable, and I could tell she really knows what she’s doing. She took the time to answer all my questions and explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. I really appreciate her… Read More
Ana
Hi everyone. Read carefully what i am going to write. Sverdloff Law Group is absolutely the best group of people that can help you with your immigration status. Julia and her team are some of the best people you can work with. Julia is such an amazing person, full of… Read More
marko
The experience was phenomenal, professional, efficient and result oriented . I recommend the firm because they deliver results that matters. God bless the team. Read More
Soji
Julia, Chris, and everyone on the team are so knowledgeable about immigration-related matters. Julia is very kind, caring, and genuinely cares. Chris is so reliable, answers emails on time, and answers all questions thoroughly, and you can tell they take good care of every case. So glad I chose them… Read More
aiswary
Julia Sverdloff is an amazing attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and is willing to work with you. She will tailor to your specific needs and make sure you take all the right steps. 10/10 would recommend! Read More
Luka
I had an overall positive experience working with this law firm. My case was not the simplest, and there were a few mix-ups and minor issues along the way, but whenever I brought something to their attention, the team was responsive and worked with me to get it corrected. I… Read More
Alex
I am incredibly grateful to Sverdloff Law Group, Julia, and her entire team for everything they did for me. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and support, I was able to win my case. A very special thank you to Kristen Coffey. She was always by my side throughout the entire… Read More
Nikolay
Thanks for the help; the communication is excellent, and you can get information or clarification on pretty much anything at almost any time, thanks. Read More
MTN
I had a consultation with attorney Julia Sverdloff because I had a lot of questions about my immigration case. I’m really happy I decided to schedule it. Julia answered every question I had and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I left the consultation knowing exactly… Read More
Ana
Julia represented me in court. She came to the hearing with another attorney, but she was present throughout my defense, and we won my case. Thank you! Read More
Aleksandra S.
I had a wonderful experience working with Sverdloff Law Group, and I’m especially grateful to Julia. She was incredibly helpful during our interview calls, making sure I felt prepared and supported. She kept me informed every step of the way, always responding promptly and professionally. Thanks to the team's efficient… Read More
Aliya A.
As an immigration attorney, I have had the pleasure of knowing Julia Sverdloff and can confidently recommend her. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, highly competent, and deeply committed to her clients. Her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail consistently stand out, as does her compassion and responsiveness. Julia approaches every case… Read More
Steve B.
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