Osmani Valencia Martinez v. Eric Holder, Jr.

Filing

Filed amended opinion (MORGAN B. CHRISTEN, PAUL J. WATFORD and JAMES ALAN SOTO) Accordingly, we GRANT the petition for review. The IJ s order concurring with the asylum officer s determination that Martinez did not have a reasonable fear of persecution or torture is VACATED, and the case is REMANDED to the IJ for further consideration in accordance with this opinion. [10614664]

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This Practice Manual has been assembled as a public service to parties before the
Board of Immigration Appeals.
This manual is strictly informational in nature. This manual is not intended, in any
way, to substitute for a careful study of the pertinent laws and regulations. Readers
are advised to review Chapter 1.1 before consulting any information contained
herein.
The Practice Manual is updated periodically. To assist readers, tables showing the
update history of the Practice Manual are available in the section titled Table of
Changes.

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The Board of Immigration Appeals
David L. Neal, Chairman
Charles Adkins-Blanch, Vice Chairman
Members:
Patricia A. Cole
Micheal J. Creppy
Edward R. Grant
Anne J. Greer
John W. Guendelsberger
Edward F. Kelly
17
Molly Kendall Clark
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Ellen Liebowitz
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Garry D. Malphrusrchiv
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Ana Landazabal Mann
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14No.
Hugh G. Mullane
ons,
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Blair T. O’Connor
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Roger A. Pauley
in
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Linda S. Wendtland

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Practice Manual

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 The Board of Immigration Appeals
Chapter 2

Appearances before the Board

Chapter 3

Filing with the Board

Chapter 4

Appeals of Immigration Judge Decisions

Chapter 5

Motions before the Board

Chapter 6

Stays and Expedite Requests

Chapter 7

Bond

Chapter 8
Chapter 9

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Oral Argument
39
Visa Petitionsao
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No.
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Chapterv10essFines
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Chapter 11 Discipline
Chapter 12 Forms
Chapter 13 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Chapter 14 Other Information
Appendices
Word Index
Citation Index
Table of Changes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 The Board of Immigration Appeals
1.1 Scope of the Practice Manual .................................................................................................. 1
1.2

Function of the Board .............................................................................................................. 1

1.3

Composition of the Board........................................................................................................ 3

1.4

Jurisdiction and Authority........................................................................................................ 5

1.5

Public Access .......................................................................................................................... 10

1.6

Inquiries ................................................................................................................................. 12

Chapter 2 Appearances before the Board
2.1

Representation Generally ...................................................................................................... 17

2.2

Unrepresented Aliens (“Pro se” Appearances) ..................................................................... 18

2.3

Attorneys ............................................................................................................................... 20
17

2.8

20
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Accredited Representatives ................................................................................................... 25
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Law Students and Law Graduates.......................................................................................... 27
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Paralegals ............................................................................................................................... 28
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Immigration Specialists .......................................................................................................... 28
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Family Members .................................................................................................................... 28

2.9

Others .................................................................................................................................... 28

2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

2.10 Amicus Curiae ........................................................................................................................ 30
Chapter 3 Filing with the Board
3.1

Delivery and Receipt .............................................................................................................. 31

3.2

Service.................................................................................................................................... 35

3.3

Documents ............................................................................................................................. 37

3.4

Filing Fees .............................................................................................................................. 44

3.5

Briefs ...................................................................................................................................... 47

3.6

Expedite Requests ................................................................................................................. 47

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Chapter 4 Appeals of Immigration Judge Decisions
4.1

Types of Appeals .................................................................................................................... 49

4.2

Process ................................................................................................................................... 49

4.3

Parties .................................................................................................................................... 53

4.4

Filing an Appeal...................................................................................................................... 54

4.5

Appeal Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 57

4.6

Appeal Briefs .......................................................................................................................... 57

4.7

Briefing Deadlines .................................................................................................................. 64

4.8

Evidence on Appeal ............................................................................................................... 67

4.9

New Authorities Subsequent to Appeal ................................................................................ 68

4.10 Combining and Separating Appeals ....................................................................................... 68
4.11 Withdrawing an Appeal ......................................................................................................... 69
17

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4.12 Non-Opposition to Appeal ..................................................................................................... 70
ber

4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16

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Effect of Departure ................................................................................................................ 70
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Interlocutory Appeals ............................................................................................................ 71
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Summary Affirmancev. Sessi
............................................................................................................. 71
tinez
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Summary Dismissal ................................................................................................................ 72
d in
cite

4.17 Frivolous Appeals ................................................................................................................... 73
4.18 Certification by an Immigration Judge................................................................................... 73
4.19 Federal Court Remands ......................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 5 Motions before the Board
5.1

Who May File ......................................................................................................................... 75

5.2

Filing a Motion ....................................................................................................................... 76

5.3

Motion Limits ......................................................................................................................... 79

5.4

Motion Briefs ......................................................................................................................... 80

5.5

Transcript Requests ............................................................................................................... 80

5.6

Motions to Reopen ................................................................................................................ 81

5.7

Motions to Reconsider .......................................................................................................... 83

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5.8

Motions to Remand ............................................................................................................... 84

5.9

Other Motions ....................................................................................................................... 85

5.10 Decisions ................................................................................................................................ 86
5.11 Non-Opposition to Motion .................................................................................................... 87
Chapter 6 Stays and Expedite Requests
6.1

Stays Generally ...................................................................................................................... 89

6.2

Automatic Stays ..................................................................................................................... 89

6.3

Discretionary Stays ................................................................................................................ 90

6.4

Procedure for Requesting a Discretionary Stay ..................................................................... 91

6.5

Expedite Requests ................................................................................................................. 92

Chapter 7 Bond
7.1

Bond Appeals Generally......................................................................................................... 93

7.2

0
5, 2
Jurisdiction ............................................................................................................................. 93
ber

7.3
7.4
Chapter 8
8.1

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Procedure .............................................................................................................................. 95
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Mootness ............................................................................................................................... 97
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Oral Argument Coordinator ................................................................................................... 99
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cite

8.2

Selection of Cases .................................................................................................................. 99

8.3

Notification .......................................................................................................................... 100

8.4

Location ............................................................................................................................... 101

8.5

Public Access ........................................................................................................................ 101

8.6

Appearances ........................................................................................................................ 103

8.7

Rules of Oral Argument ....................................................................................................... 104

8.8

Conclusion of Oral Argument .............................................................................................. 109

Chapter 9 Visa Petitions
9.1

Visa Petitions Generally ....................................................................................................... 111

9.2

Jurisdiction Generally .......................................................................................................... 111

9.3

Visa Petition Denials ............................................................................................................ 111

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9.4

Visa Revocation Appeals ...................................................................................................... 114

9.5

Visa Revalidation Appeals .................................................................................................... 115

9.6

Federal Court Remands ....................................................................................................... 115

Chapter 10 Fines
10.1 Fines Generally .................................................................................................................... 117
10.2 Jurisdiction ........................................................................................................................... 117
10.3 Processing ............................................................................................................................ 117
10.4 Personal Interviews ............................................................................................................. 120
Chapter 11 Discipline
11.1 Practitioner and Recognized Organization Discipline Generally ......................................... 121
11.2 Definition of Practitioner and Recognized Organization ..................................................... 121
11.3 Jurisdiction ........................................................................................................................... 121
17

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11.4 Conduct ................................................................................................................................ 122
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11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8

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Complaints ........................................................................................................................... 124
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Duty to Report ..................................................................................................................... 125
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Sanctions .............................................................................................................................. 128
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cite

11.9 Confidentiality ..................................................................................................................... 128
11.10 Effect on Cases before the Board ........................................................................................ 128
11.11 List of Suspended and Expelled Attorneys .......................................................................... 129
11.12 Reinstatement ..................................................................................................................... 129
Chapter 12 Forms
12.1 Forms Generally ................................................................................................................... 133
12.2 Obtaining Blank Forms......................................................................................................... 133
12.3 Submitted Completed Forms............................................................................................... 135
Chapter 13 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
13.1 Generally .............................................................................................................................. 137
13.2 Requests .............................................................................................................................. 137

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13.3 Denials ................................................................................................................................. 139
Chapter 14 Other Information
14.1 Reproduction of the Practice Manual.................................................................................. 141
14.2 Updates to the Practice Manual .......................................................................................... 141
14.3 Public Input .......................................................................................................................... 141

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Practice Manual

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1 The Board of Immigration Appeals
1.1

Scope of the Practice Manual

(a) Authority. – The Board of Immigration Appeals has the authority to prescribe
rules governing proceedings before it. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d), (4).
(b) Purpose. – This manual describes procedures, requirements, and
recommendations for practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals. This manual is
provided for the information and convenience of the general public and for parties that
appear before the Board.
(c) Disclaimer. – This manual does not carry the weight of law or regulation. This
manual is not intended, nor should it be construed in any way, as legal advice, nor does it
extend or limit the jurisdiction of the Board as established by law and regulation.
(d) Revisions. – The Board reserves the right to amend, suspend, or revoke the
7
, 2 see Chapter 14.2
text of this manual at its discretion. To obtain updates of this manual,01
er 5
b
Octo
(Updates to the Practice Manual).
d on
1.2

Function of the Board

3

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nez of Immigration Appeals is the highest administrative body for
(a) Role. – TheMarti
Board
in
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interpreting and ciapplying immigration laws. The Board is responsible for applying the

immigration and nationality laws uniformly throughout the United States. Accordingly, the
Board has been given nationwide jurisdiction to review the orders of Immigration Judges
and certain decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to provide
guidance to the Immigration Judges, DHS, and others, through published decisions. The
Board is tasked with resolving the questions before it in a manner that is timely, impartial,
and consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations, and to provide
clear and uniform guidance to Immigrations Judges, DHS, and the general public on the
proper interpretation and administration of the Immigration and Nationality Act and its
implementing regulations. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(1).

The Board also has appellate review authority of disciplinary decisions of recognized
organizations and representatives appearing before the Immigration Courts, DHS, and the
Board. See Chapter 11 (Discipline).
(b) Location within the federal government. – The Board of Immigration Appeals
is a component of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and, along with the
Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ) and the Office of the Chief Administrative
Hearing Officer (OCAHO), operates under the supervision of the Director of the Executive
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Office for Immigration Review. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.0(a). In turn, EOIR is a component of
the Department of Justice and operates under the authority and supervision of the Attorney
General. See Appendix C (Organizational Chart).
(c) Relationship to the Immigration Courts. – The Office of the Chief Immigration
Judge (OCIJ) oversees the administration of the Immigration Courts nationwide and
exercises administrative supervision over Immigration Judges. The Immigration Judges, as
independent adjudicators, make determinations of removability, deportability, and
excludability, and adjudicate applications for relief. The Board, in turn, reviews the
decisions of the Immigration Judges. The decisions of the Board are binding on the
Immigration Judges, unless modified or overruled by the Attorney General or a federal
court. See Chapters 1.4(a) (Jurisdiction), 1.4(d) (Board decisions). For detailed guidance
on practice before the Immigration Courts, consult the Immigration Court Practice Manual,
which is available on the EOIR website.
(d) Relationship to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). – The
Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002 and assumed most of the
responsibilities of the now abolished Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). DHS is
7
responsible for the enforcement of the immigration laws ander the 01
5, 2 administration of
tob
immigration and naturalization benefits. In contrast, the BoardOand the Immigration Courts
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are responsible for the independent adjudication o ofchiv
ar cases under the immigration and
39a
nationality laws. Thus, DHS is entirely separate from the Department of Justice and is
703
14deemed a party when appearingions, No. the Board or an Immigration Court. See
before
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Chapters 1.4(a) (Jurisdiction),v. 1.4(d) (Board decisions), 1.4(f) (Department of Homeland
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Security).
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(e) Relationship to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). – Prior to
the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) was the component of the Department of Justice responsible
for the enforcement of the immigration laws and the administration of immigration benefits.
The role of the INS has now been assumed by the DHS. See subsection (d), above.
(f) Relationship to other EOIR Offices. –
(i) Office of the Chief Administration Hearing Officer (OCAHO). – The
Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO) is an independent entity
within EOIR. OCAHO is responsible for hearings involving employer sanctions, and
document fraud under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Board does not
review decisions made by OCAHO. Additional information regarding OCAHO, is
available on the EOIR website.
(ii) Office of the General Counsel. – The Office of the General Counsel
(OGC) for EOIR provides legal advice to all of EOIR, including the Board. OGC is
responsible for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for information from the
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Board. See Chapter 13 (FOIA), Appendix B (Directory). OGC is also responsible for
receiving complaints about attorneys and accredited representatives and initiates
disciplinary proceedings when appropriate. See Chapter 11 (Discipline). OGC is
also responsible for administering EOIR’s Fraud Program, which was created to
protect the integrity of immigration proceedings by reducing immigration fraud and
abuse. Individuals wishing to report immigration fraud or abuse, or other irregular
activity, should contact the EOIR Fraud Program. For contact information, see
Appendix B (Directory).
(iii) Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP). – The Office of Legal
Access Programs (OLAP) is responsible for improving access to legal information
and to representation for persons appearing before the Immigration Courts and the
Board. OLAP is also responsible for the Recognition and Accreditation Program,
including the recognition of organizations and the accreditation of their
representatives wishing to practice before the Immigration Courts, the Board, and/or
DHS. More information on OLAP is available on the EOIR website.
(iv) Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs (OCLA). – The
17
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) isr responsible for public
, 20
e 5
b
relations for EOIR. OCLA serves as the Board’son Octo with the press. See
liaison
ed
Appendix B (Directory).
chiv
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9a
033
14-7
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(g) Relationship to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). – The
ns, N
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Administrative Appeals Officev.(AAO),
Se
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Unit (AAU), is a component of DHS. The AAO is responsible for adjudicating appeals from
in M
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DHS denials of ccertain kinds of applications and petitions, including employment-based

immigrant petitions and most nonimmigrant visa petitions. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 103.2, 103.3.
The AAO is not a component of EOIR and should not be confused with EOIR or the Board.
See Appendix C (Organizational Chart).

(h) Relationship to the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL). – The Office of
Immigration Litigation (OIL) conducts civil trial and appellate litigation in the federal courts
and represents the United States in civil suits brought against the federal government
regarding the movement of citizens and aliens across U.S. borders. OIL is a separate and
distinct component of the Department of Justice, located within the Civil Division, and
should not be confused with EOIR or the Board. See Appendix C (Organizational Chart).
1.3

Composition of the Board

(a) General. – The Board consists of 17 Board Members, including a Chairman and
up to two Vice Chairmen. Under the direction of the Chairman, the Board uses a case
management system to screen all cases and manage its caseload. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e).
Under this system, the Board adjudicates cases in one of three ways:
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(i) Individual. – The majority of cases at the Board are adjudicated by a
single Board Member. In general, a single Board Member decides the case unless
the case falls into one of six categories that require a decision by a panel of three
Board Members. These categories are:
o

the need to settle inconsistencies among the rulings of different
immigration judges

o

the need to establish a precedent construing the meaning of
laws, regulations, or procedures

o

the need to review a decision by an Immigration Judge or DHS
that is not in conformity with the law or with applicable
precedents

o

the need to resolve a case or controversy of major national
import

o

17
the need to review a clearly erroneous factual determination by
, 20
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b
an Immigration Judge
Octo

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the need to reverse the 0339
decision of an Immigration Judge or
-7
. 14
DHS in a final order,oother than nondiscretionary dispositions.
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(ii) Panel.a–inCases not suitable for consideration by a single Board Member
rt
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are adjudicated by a panel consisting of three Board Members. The panel of three
ited
c
Board Members renders decisions by majority vote. Cases are assigned to specific
panels pursuant to the Chairman’s administrative plan. The Chairman may change
the composition of the sitting panels and may reassign Board Members from time to
time.
(iii) En Banc. – The Board may, by majority vote or by direction of the
Chairman, assign a case or group of cases for full en banc consideration. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(a)(5). By regulation, en banc proceedings are not favored.
(b) Chairman and Vice Chairman. – The Chairman directs, supervises, and
establishes internal operating procedures and policies for the Board. The Chairman is
assisted in the performance of his or her duties by one or two Vice Chairmen. The
Chairman and Vice Chairmen are sitting Board Members.
(c) Board Members. – Board Members, including the Chairman and the Vice
Chairmen, adjudicate cases coming before the Board. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(a)(2)(i)(E). Board
Members may recuse themselves under any circumstances considered sufficient to require
such action.
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A vacancy, absence, or unavailability of a Board Member does not impair the right of
the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Board. When circumstances so
warrant, Immigration Judges, retired Board Members, retired Immigration Judges,
Administrative Law Judges, and senior EOIR attorneys with at least ten years of experience
in the field of immigration law may be designated as Temporary Board Members. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(a)(4).
Parties appearing before the Board may not request specific Board Members or a
specific panel to adjudicate their case. The Board also does not entertain inquiries
regarding the identity of the panel or Board Members assigned to a pending case.
(d) Legal Staff. – The Board employs a legal staff assigned to support designated
panels, Board Members, and functions. See generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(a)(6).
(e) Clerk’s Office. – The Office of the Clerk is responsible for managing appellate
records and information for the Board. The Clerk’s Office is headed by the Chief Clerk of
the Board. Cases in which an alien is not detained are processed by two regional teams
(East and West), depending on the location of the Immigration Court. Cases involving
detained aliens are processed by the Priority Case Management team. 017 Docket team
, 2 The
er 5
processes adjudicated cases and serves decisions on parties. Octob
Various other teams provide
on
i
management and administrative support to all operations.ved
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39a
-703
14Law Library and Immigration Research Center
o
(f) Library. – The Board maintains . a
ns, N
ssio
(LLRC). This law library is maintained for the Board’s staff and the staff of EOIR. The
Se
z v.
library is open to the Martine See Chapter 1.5(b) (Library). The library also maintains a
public.
in
“Virtual Law Library” that is accessible at EOIR’s website. The Virtual Law Library serves
cited

as a comprehensive repository of immigration-related law and information for use by
attorneys and the general public. The site serves as a complement to the LLRC located
within the headquarters complex of EOIR.
1.4

Jurisdiction and Authority

(a) Jurisdiction. – The Board generally has the authority to review appeals from the
following:
o

decisions of Immigration Judges in removal, deportation, and
exclusion proceedings (with some limitations on decisions
involving voluntary departure), pursuant to 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1003.1(b)(1), (2), (3)

o

decisions of Immigration Judges pertaining to asylum,
withholding of deportation, withholding of removal, Temporary

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Protected Status, the Convention Against Torture, and other
forms of relief
o

decisions of Immigration Judges on motions to reopen where
the proceedings were conducted in absentia

o

decisions of Immigration Judges in rescission of adjustment of
status cases, as provided in 8 C.F.R. part 1246

o

some decisions pertaining to bond, parole, or detention, as
provided in 8 C.F.R part 1236, subpart A

o

decisions of DHS on family-based immigrant petitions, the
revocation of family-based immigrant petitions, and the
revalidation of family-based immigrant petitions (except orphan
petitions)

o

decisions of DHS regarding waivers of inadmissibility for
17
nonimmigrants under § 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and
, 20
er 5
b
Nationality Act
Octo

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decisions of DHS involving39
3 administrative fines and penalties
4-70
under 8 C.F.R. part 1280
o. 1
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See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(b), 1292.3. The Board may review these matters either upon
tin
Mar
d inparties or by certification. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(b), (c). Regarding
appeal by one ofitthe
c e
the Board’s scope of review, see Chapter 1.4(c) (Scope of review).
The Board also has the authority to:
o

discipline attorneys, recognized organizations and accredited
representatives for professional misconduct, as discussed in
Chapter 11 (Discipline)

(b) No jurisdiction. – Although the Board exercises broad discretion over
immigration matters brought before the Immigration Courts and DHS, there are certain
matters that the Board generally does not have the authority to review, such as:
o

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the length of a grant of voluntary departure granted by an
Immigration Judge under former § 244(e) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act and current § 240B of the Immigration and
Nationality Act

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o

direct appeals from persons removed or deported in absentia
pursuant to former § 242B of the Immigration and Nationality
Act and current § 240(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act

o

credible fear determinations, whether made by an Asylum
Officer or an Immigration Judge

o

reasonable fear determinations made by Immigration Judge

o

applications for advance parole

o

applications for adjustment of status denied by DHS

o

orphan petitions

o

employment-based immigrant visa petitions

o

waivers of the two-year foreign residence requirement for J-1
7
exchange visitors
201

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H and L nonimmigrant visa petitionsived

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K-1 fiancé/fiancée petitions
4-7
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See 8 C.F.R. § 103.3, 28 C.F.R. §§ 68.53(a), 68.55.

(c) Scope of review. –
(i) Immigration Judge Decisions. –
(A) Questions of fact. – By regulation, the Board applies a clearly
erroneous standard to an Immigration Judge’s findings of fact, including
credibility findings. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(i).
(B) Questions of law. – The Board applies a de novo standard of
review to questions of law, discretion, judgment, and other issues. See
8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(ii).
(ii) DHS officer decisions. – The Board applies a de novo standard to all
appeals of DHS officer decisions. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(iii).
(d) Board decisions. – Board decisions are rendered either by a single Board
Member, by a panel of three, or in rare instances, the entire Board. See Chapter 1.3(a)
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Chapter 1

Board of Immigration Appeals

(Composition of the Board). Upon the entry of a decision, the Board serves its decision
upon the parties by regular mail. An order issued by the Board is final, unless and until it is
stayed, modified, rescinded, or overruled by the Board, the Attorney General, or a federal
court. See generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(7), (g). An order is deemed effective as of its
issuance date, unless the order provides otherwise.
Board decisions are generally released in one of two forms: published or
unpublished. For the citation format for Board cases, see Chapter 4.6(d) (Citation).
(i) Published decisions. – Published decisions are binding on the parties to
the decision. Published decisions also constitute precedent that binds the Board,
the Immigration Courts, and DHS. The vast majority of the Board’s decisions are
unpublished, but the Board periodically selects cases to be published. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(g). DHS decisions may also be published. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 103.3(c);
1103.3(c).
(A) Criteria. – Decisions selected for publication meet one or more of
several criteria, including but not limited to: the resolution of an issue of first
impression; alteration, modification, or clarification of an, 2017
existing rule of law;
er 5
reaffirmation of an existing rule of law; resolution Octob conflict of authority; and
of a
on
ived
discussion of an issue of significant publichinterest.
arc

9ao
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14-7 a decision is selected for publication, it is
o.
(B) Publication. s–NWhen
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ssio to the public. Headnotes are added, and an I&N
prepared for release
. Se
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DecisionMcitation is assigned. Where appropriate, the parties’ names are
artin
in
abbreviated, and alien registration numbers (“A numbers”) are redacted. The
cited

decision is then served on the parties in the same manner as an unpublished
decision.

Precedent decisions are collected and published in bound volumes of
Administrative Decisions Under Immigration and Nationality Laws of the
United States (“I&N Decisions”). Copies of individual decisions may be
obtained from the Board’s Internet site. See Chapter 1.6(e) (Electronic
communications). Questions about how to obtain copies of published cases
may be directed to the Board’s library. See Chapter 1.5(b) (Library).
(C) Interim Decisions. – In the past, the Board issued precedent
decisions as slip opinions, called “Interim Decisions,” before publication in a
bound volume. See subsection (B), above. While precedent decisions are
still assigned an “Interim Decision” number for administrative reasons, the
proper citation is always to the volume and page number of the bound
volume. See subsection (B), above. The use of the Interim Decision citation
is greatly disfavored by the Board.

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Chapter 1

(ii) Unpublished decisions. – Unpublished decisions are binding on the
parties to the decision but are not considered precedent for unrelated cases. Should
a party in an unrelated matter nonetheless wish to refer to an unpublished Board
decision, a copy of that decision should be attached to the party’s brief, motion, or
other submission. If a copy is not available, the alien registration number
(“A number”) and decision date should be provided.
The Board will entertain requests to publish an unpublished decision, but
such requests are granted sparingly.
(iii) Advisory opinion. – The Board does not issue advisory opinions.
(e) Immigration Judges. – As a general matter, Immigration Judges decide issues
of removability, deportability, and admissibility, and adjudicate applications for relief. The
Board has broad authority to review the decisions of Immigration Judges. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(b). While the Immigration Courts and the Board are both components of EOIR,
the two are separate and distinct entities. Thus, administrative supervision of Immigration
Judges is vested in the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, not the Board. See
7
201
Chapter 1.2(c) (Relationship to the Immigration Courts).
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(f) Department of Homeland Security. – The hDepartment of Homeland Security
arc
(DHS) enforces the immigration and nationality 339ao and represents the U.S. government’s
laws
0
14-7
interests in removal, deportation, ands,exclusion proceedings. DHS also adjudicates visa
No.
on
petitions and applications for v. Sessi
immigration benefits. See, e.g., 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(b)(4), (5).
z
DHS is entirely separatetine
Mar from the Department of Justice. When appearing before the
d in a party to the proceedings. See Chapter 1.2(d) (Relationship to the
Board, DHS is deemed
cite
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)), Appendix C (Organizational Chart). The
decisions of the Board are binding on DHS, unless modified or overruled by the Attorney
General or a federal court. See Chapters 1.4(a) (Jurisdiction), 1.4(d) (Board decisions).

(g) Attorney General. – Decisions of the Board are reviewable by the Attorney
General and may be referred to the Attorney General, at the request of the Attorney
General, DHS, or the Board. The Attorney General may vacate decisions of the Board and
issue his or her own decisions. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(1)(i), 1003.1(h). Decisions of the
Attorney General may be published as precedent decisions in Administrative Decisions
Under Immigration and Nationality Laws of the United States (“I&N Decisions”).
(h) Federal courts. – The decisions of the Board are reviewable in federal courts,
depending on the nature of the appeal. When a decision of the Board is reviewed by a
federal court, the Board provides that court with a certified copy of the record before the
Board.
The Board cannot advise parties regarding the propriety of or means for seeking
judicial review.
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Chapter 1

Board of Immigration Appeals

The Board is not a party before the federal courts. When Board decisions are
litigated before the federal courts, the United States government is represented by the
Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) or the United States Attorney’s Office. See Chapter
1.2(h) (Relationship to the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL)). When a federal court
remands a case back to the Board for further action, the Board is usually notified by the
office representing the government in the proceedings before the federal court.
1.5

Public Access

(a) Office location. – The Board of Immigration Appeals is located in Falls Church,
Virginia, which is within the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. With the specific
exceptions made for the public information window, the law library, and on appropriate
occasions the Oral Argument Room, access to Board facilities is limited to authorized
personnel.
(b) Library. –
(i) Law Library and Immigration Research Center. – The 7
201 Board maintains
r 5,
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a Law Library and Immigration Research Center (LLIRC) bat 5201 Leesburg Pike,
Oc
d n
Suite 1200, Falls Church, Virginia 22041. The library o located on the twelfth floor of
hive is
rc
ao a
Building Three of the Skyline complex.339The library maintains select sources of
70
immigration law, including BoardNo. 14
decisions, federal statutes and regulations, federal
ons, treatises, and various secondary source materials.
case reporters, immigrationsilaw
es
v. S
nez Board and the component agencies of EOIR, but is also open
The library servesrtthe
a i
nM
to the public. i For hours, directions, and collection information, contact the library at
ited
c
[phone] or visit the Board’s Internet site. See Appendix B (Directory).
The Board library is not a lending library, and all materials must be viewed on
the premises. While library staff may assist patrons in locating materials, library staff
is not available for research assistance. Library staff may not provide legal advice or
guidance regarding the filing, procedures, or follow-up for matters before the Board.
Library staff may, however, provide guidance in locating published decisions of the
Board. The Law Library does not accept any filings for any individual proceedings.
See Chapter 3 (Filings with the Board).
Limited self-service photocopying is available in the library.
prohibited.

Smoking is

(ii) Virtual Law Library. – The library also maintains a “Virtual Law Library”
accessible at EOIR’s website. The Virtual Law Library serves as a comprehensive
repository of immigration-related law and information for use by attorneys and the
general public.

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Chapter 1

(c) Oral argument. – The public may attend oral argument under certain
circumstances. See Chapter 8 (Oral Argument).
(d) Records. –
(i) Inspection by parties. – Parties to a proceeding, and their legal
representatives, may inspect the official records of proceedings by prior arrangement
with the Clerk’s Office. Parties may review the entire record, except any portion of
the record that is prohibited to the party (e.g., classified information, documents
under a protective order). Removal of records by parties or other unauthorized
persons is prohibited.
(ii) Inspection by non-parties. – Persons or entities who are not party to a
proceeding must file a request for information pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA). See Chapter 13 (Freedom of Information Act). The Clerk’s
Office may not permit non-parties to inspect the record or any part thereof.
(iii) Copies for parties. – The Clerk’s Office, subject to the availability of
resources, may provide up to 25 pages of the record to a 5, 2017 without charge.
party
r
tobe party to the FOIA Unit
Otherwise, the Clerk’s Office may, in its discretion, refercthe
on O
ive
for assistance. For parties inspecting the recordhondsite, limited self-service copying
c
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39
is available. Parties may obtain a copy3of aany portion of the record, provided that
70
4portion is not prohibited to the party 1(e.g., classified information, documents under a
No.
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protective order).
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(iv)itCopies for
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non-parties. – The Clerk’s Office will not provide non-parties
with copies of any official record, whether in whole or in part. Non-parties must file a
request for information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). See
Chapter 13 (Freedom of Information Act).
(v) Confidentiality. – The Board must balance the public’s need for
information with the protection of persons who appear before the Board. The Board
takes special precautions to ensure the confidentiality of cases involving asylum
applicants, battered alien spouses and children, exclusion proceedings, and
classified information.

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Chapter 1

1.6

Board of Immigration Appeals

Inquiries

(a) All communications. – All inquiries to the Board must contain or provide the
following information for each alien:
o

complete name (as it appears on the charging document or
petition)

o

alien registration number (“A number”), if applicable

o

type of proceeding (removal, deportation, exclusion, bond, visa
petition)

See also Chapter 3.3(c)(vi) (Cover page and caption). If a party has more than one case
before the Board, the inquiry must specify which case is the subject of the inquiry.
(b) Telephone calls. – Most questions to the Board can be answered through one
of two automated phone numbers, Automated Case Information Hotline (also known as the
“1-800 phone number”) and “BIA TIPS”. See Appendix I (Telephonic Information).
17
, 20
er 5
Requests for action must be in writing, unless there is an Octob
emergency situation. See
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generally Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite Requests). chiRequests for information may be
r v
made in writing or telephonically, pursuant to the 9ao a
3 procedures set forth below. Collect calls
-703
. 14
are not accepted.
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(i) Simpleainquiries. –
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(A) Automated Case Information Hotline. – The Automated Case
Information Hotline provides information about the status of cases before an
Immigration Judge or the Board. See Appendix B (Directory), Appendix I
(Telephonic Information). The Automated Case Information Hotline contains
a phone menu (in English and Spanish) covering most kinds of cases. The
caller must provide the alien registration number (“A number”) of the alien
involved.
A numbers have nine digits (e.g., A234 567 890).
Formerly,
A numbers had eight digits (e.g., A12 345 678). In the case of an eight-digit
A number, the caller should enter a “0” before the A number (e.g., A012 345
678).
For cases before the Board, Automated Case Information Hotline
contains information regarding:
o
o
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appeals of most Immigration Judge decisions
briefing deadlines
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o

filing instructions

For cases before the Board, Automated Case Information Hotline does
not contain information regarding:
o
o
o
o

bond, interlocutory, and visa petition appeals
motions before the Board
appeals of motions to reopen or to reconsider
remands from a federal court to the Board

If an inquiry cannot be answered by calling the Automated Case
Information Hotline, inquiries may be directed to the Clerk’s Office. See
Appendix B (Directory). Callers must be aware that clerks, like all Board staff,
are prohibited from providing any legal advice, and that no information
provided by the Clerk’s Office may be construed as legal advice.
(B) BIA TIPS. – The Board of Immigration Appeals Telephonic
Instructions and Procedures System or “BIA TIPS” contains recorded
17
, 20
answers to commonly asked questions, including bhow to file an appeal,
er 5
Octo
motion, brief, change of address, or other edocument with the Board. See
d on
iv
arch
Appendix B (Directory), Appendix39Iao(Telephonic Information). When the
3
recorded information does o. 14-adequately answer the question, pressing “0”
not 70
,N
ons
for the operator connects the caller with Clerk’s Office staff.
essi
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tin
Mar

(ii) iComplex inquiries. – Callers must bear in mind that the Board may not
in
c ted
engage in ex parte communications or provide legal advice. Complex inquiries are
best submitted in writing, whenever possible and appropriate.
In the event that a telephonic inquiry is inappropriate for the Clerk’s Office,
the Clerk’s Office may advise a caller to submit an inquiry in writing or otherwise
refer the caller to qualified personnel. See Appendix B (Directory).
(iii) Projected processing times. – Given the volume and the varying
complexity of the cases before the Board, the Board cannot predict processing times
upon request. However, most parties can expect to receive a filing receipt for an
appeal, a motion to reopen, or a motion to reconsider within 1-2 weeks of filing.
(iv) Inquiries to specific staff members. – Because of concerns regarding
ex parte communications and judicial propriety, the Board does not permit parties to
communicate directly with the Board Members or other staff assigned to any given
case. For this reason, the Board does not reveal to the public the names of the
Board Members or other staff who are assigned to a pending case.

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Chapter 1

Board of Immigration Appeals

(v) Emergencies and expedite requests. – The Board provides special
procedures for emergency situations.
See Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite
Requests).
(c) Faxes. – The Board does not accept faxes or other electronic transmissions
transmitted directly to the Board without prior authorization. Faxes that are sent to a third
party and then hand-delivered to the Board are acceptable under certain circumstances.
See Chapter 3.1(a)(vi) (Faxes).
(d) Mail and other forms of delivery. – The Board no longer uses different
addresses for different means of delivery. All mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service,
courier, overnight delivery, or hand-delivered items must be addressed to the Board’s street
address. See Appendix A (Mailing Address). The public should carefully observe the
guidelines in Chapters 3.1(a)(iii) (Where to file). An “attention” line indicating the intended
recipient, if the name or office is known, should appear at the bottom left of the envelope or
at the appropriate location on the mailing label or form.
(e) Electronic communications. –
r5
tobe

, 20

17

(i) Internet. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) maintains
c
on O
an Internet web site at http://www.justice.gov/eoir.ived Appendix B (Directory). The
h See
arc
3
site contains information about the Board 9ao other components of EOIR, such as
703 and
4newly published regulations and No. 1 precedent decisions, events at EOIR, and a
Board
ons,
copy of this manual. v. Sessi
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(ii) iInternet Immigration
c te

Information (I3). – The Internet Immigration
Information (I , pronounced “I-cubed”) is a suite of EOIR web-based products that
includes eRegistry, eFiling, and eInfo. Access to these online electronic products is
available on EOIR’s website.
3

(A) Electronic Registry (eRegistry). – Attorneys and fully accredited
representatives who are accredited to appear before EOIR must electronically
register with EOIR in order to practice before the Board. eRegistry is the
online process that is used to electronically register with EOIR. See Chapter
2.1(b) (Entering an appearance).
(B) Electronic filing (eFiling). – The Board has limited electronic
filing or “eFiling.” At this time, the Board will accept either electronic or paper
submission of the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or
Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27).
The electronic submission of the Form EOIR-27 may only be made by
registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives. See Chapter 2.1(b)
(Entering an appearance). EOIR will not allow an electronic submission of
the Form EOIR-27 by a representative who is not registered.
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The Board does not have electronic filing for other forms at this time.
Certain forms can, however, be filled in online, but must be printed for hard
copy submission to the Board. See Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining forms).
(C) Electronic Case Information (eInfo). – The Electronic Case
Information or “eInfo” is a web-based product that provides information about
the status of cases before an Immigration Judge or the Board. The
information provided by eInfo is similar to that which is available by telephone
via the Automated Case Information Hotline. At this time, however, eInfo is
available only to registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives who
will be able to view their clients’ case information for which they have entered
a Notice of Appearance using their EOIR ID.
For instructions and more information on EOIR’s suite of web-based
products listed in subsections (A), (B), and (C), parties should consult EOIR’s
website.
(iii) E-mail. – The Board does not correspond with the public through e-mail
7
201
communications except for e-mail generated through the rI3 , suite of web-based
e 5
ctob
products. See subsection (ii), above.
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39
(iv) Faxes. – See subsections (c),3above.
4-70
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(f) Emergencies and .expedite requests. – If imminent
Ses
v
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impending circumstances tirequire urgent Board action, parties should
Mar
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set forth in Chapterd6i (Stays and Expedite Requests).
cite

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15

deportation or other
follow the procedures

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Practice Manual

Chapter 2

2 Appearances before the Board
2.1

Representation Generally

(a) Types of representatives. – The regulations specify who may represent parties
before the Board. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1. As a practical matter, there are four categories
of people who may present cases to the Board: unrepresented aliens (Chapter 2.2),
attorneys (Chapter 2.3), accredited representatives (Chapter 2.4), and certain kinds of
individuals who are expressly recognized by the Board (Chapter 2.5 and 2.9).
No one else is recognized to practice before the Board. Non-lawyer “immigration
specialists,” “visa consultants,” and “notarios” are not authorized to represent parties before
the Board. See Chapter 2.7 (Immigration Specialists).
(b) Entering an appearance. –
(i) Notice of Appearance. – All representatives must file a Notice of
7
201
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of ,Immigration Appeals
er 5
(Form EOIR-27) for each represented party on on Ocseparate Form EOIR-27.
a tob
ed the form, which can be found
Representatives must use the most current version of
rchiv
ao a
39not the one used before the Immigration
on EOIR’s website. Note that this form 3
0 is
14-7
No.
Court (Form EOIR-28) and that, the Board will not recognize a representative using
ons
essi
Form EOIR-28. Unrepresented persons (“pro se” aliens) should not file a Notice of
v. S
ez
Appearance. in Martin
An original Notice of Appearance should always be filed in the
d
following cite
situations:
o

the filing of an appeal

o

the filing of a motion to reopen

o

the filing of a motion to reconsider

o

the first appearance of an attorney or representative

o

any change of business address for the attorney or
representative

(ii) eRegistry registration requirement. – Attorneys and fully accredited
representatives who are accredited to appear before EOIR must register with EOIR’s
eRegistry in order to practice before the Board. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(f). An
attorney or fully accredited representative who fails to provide required registration
information risks being administratively suspended from practice before EOIR.
Access and instructions for eRegistry can be found on EOIR’s website. Once EOIR
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Chapter 2

Board of Immigration Appeals

has activated the registered account, the attorney or fully accredited representative
will be assigned a unique EOIR ID number.
(iii) eFiling. – Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives will
have the option to electronically file a Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27).
Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives who elect to file
electronically may also wish to submit a printed copy of the electronic Form EOIR-27
when filing an appeal, motion to reopen, and motion to reconsider with the Board.
(c) Notice to opposing party. – In all instances of representation, the other party
must be served with a copy of the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or
Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27). See Chapter 3.2
(Service). Registered attorneys and accredited representatives who electronically file a
Form EOIR-27 with the Board must still serve the Department of Homeland Security with a
printed copy of the completed Form EOIR-27 for each case.
(d) Filings and communications. – Whenever a party is represented, the party
should submit all filings and communications to the Board through the representative.
17
Filings should always be made by a party to the proceedings, or a rparty’s representative,
, 20
e 5
and not by a third party. See Chapter 4.3(d) (Persons not Octob to the appeal), 5.1(c)
party
d on
(Persons not party to the proceeding).
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2.2

-7
. 14
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Unrepresented Aliens .(“Pro se” Appearances)
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(a) Generally. – An individual in proceedings may represent himself or herself
cited
before the Board.
Many individuals choose to be represented by an attorney or accredited
representative. Due to the complexity of the immigration and nationality laws, the Board
recommends that those who can obtain professional representation do so.
(b) Pro Bono Program. – The Board cannot give advice on when to obtain
professional representation or whom to select.
However, EOIR provides general
information for persons seeking free legal services on its website through the Office of Legal
Access Programs. The website also includes information on the BIA Pro Bono Project,
which matches attorney brief writers with indigent aliens who have cases on appeal.
(c) Address obligations. – Whether represented or not, all aliens in proceedings
before the Board must notify the Board within 5 business days of any change of address.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.38(e). In all instances, the Board sends communications to the last
properly provided address. If an alien fails to keep address information up to date, the
Board may treat that failure as abandonment of the alien’s appeal or motion.

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Chapter 2

(i) Form EOIR-33/BIA. – Changes of address must be made in writing and
only on Form EOIR-33/BIA. Unless the alien is detained, no other means of
notification is acceptable.
Changes communicated through motion papers,
correspondence, telephone calls, applications for relief, or other means will not be
recognized, and the address information on record will not be changed. For
information on obtaining or reproducing Form EOIR-33/BIA, see Chapter 12 (Forms)
and Appendix (Forms).
(ii) Appeals. – When an appeal is filed, the Board relies on the address for
the alien that appears in the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) until such time as a
change of address is reported through the filing of a Change of Address Form (Form
EOIR-33/BIA).
(iii) Motions. – The Board recommends that an alien file a Change of
Address Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA) whenever filing a motion to reopen, a motion to
reconsider, or a motion to recalendar. This will ensure that the Board has the alien’s
current address when it adjudicates the motion.
(iv) Federal court remands. – When the Board is notified 17 a federal court
20 of
r 5,
tobe
c
remand, the Board relies on the address for the aliennthat was last provided to the
o O
Board. To ensure that the Board has the chived current address, aliens are
most
o ar
encouraged to file a Change of Address 39a
703 Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA) with the Board
. 14
whenever a federal court remandsohis or her case to the Board.
ns, N
.S
ez v

o
essi

tin
(d) Address obligations of detained aliens. – When an alien is detained, DHS is
Mar
d in to report to the Board any changes in the alien’s location, including
obligated by regulation
cite
where the alien is detained and when the alien is released. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(g).

(i) While detained. – In recognition of the unique address problems of
detained persons and to help ensure that the Board’s records remain current, the
Board recommends that detained persons notify the Board of their transfer from one
facility or institution to another. Whenever possible, a detained alien should report
his or her transfer on the Change of Address Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA). See
subsection (b), above.
(ii) When released. – DHS is responsible for notifying the Board when an
alien is released from custody. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(g). Nonetheless, the alien
should file a Change of Address Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA) with the Board to ensure
that the Board’s records are current.

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Chapter 2

2.3

Board of Immigration Appeals

Attorneys

(a) Right to Counsel. – An alien in immigration proceedings may be represented by
an attorney of his or her own choosing at no cost to the government. Unlike criminal
proceedings, the government is not obligated to provide legal counsel. The Immigration
Courts provide lists of attorneys who may represent aliens for little or no cost, and many of
these attorneys handle cases on appeal as well. Bar associations and nonprofit agencies
can also refer aliens to practicing attorneys.
(b) Qualifications. – An attorney may practice before the Board if he or she is a
member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any State, possession, territory,
or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and is not under any
order of any court suspending, enjoining, restraining, disbarring, or otherwise restricting him
or her in the practice of law. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1001.1(f), 1292.1(a)(1). Any attorney
practicing before the Board who is the subject of such disciplinary action in any jurisdiction
must promptly notify the Board of that action. See Chapter 11.6 (Duty to Report).
(c) eRegistry. – Attorneys must electronically register through eRegistry on the
17
EOIR website in order to practice before the Board. See 8 C.F.R. § r1292.1(f). An attorney
, 20
e 5
who fails to provide required registration information risks being ctob
administratively suspended
on O
from practice before EOIR. Access and instructions archieRegistry can be found on EOIR’s
for ved
9 o
website. Once EOIR has activated the registered a
033 account, the attorney will be assigned a
14-7
o.
unique EOIR ID number.
ns, N
.S
ez v

o
essi

(d) Appearances.rt– Attorneys must enter an appearance before the Board by filing
a in
in M
dof Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of
a Notice of Entry
cite
Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27) for each represented alien.
See 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1003.2(g)(1), 1003.3(a)(3). A Notice of Appearance should always be filed in the
situations described in Chapter 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance). The Notice of Appearance
must be served on the opposing party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). If information is omitted
from the Notice of Appearance or the form is not properly completed, the attorney’s
appearance may not be recognized, and the filing may be rejected.
(i) Form EOIR-27. – Practitioners must use the most current version of the
form, which can be found on the EOIR website. Practitioners should observe the
distinction between the Board’s Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27) and
Immigration Courts’ version (Form EOIR-28). The Board will not recognize a
practitioner based on an Immigration Court appearance form (Form EOIR-28),
whether filed with the Immigration Court or the Board. The Board will accept from a
registered attorney either the electronic or paper submission of the Form EOIR-27,
though practitioners may wish to file a paper copy in conjunction with electronic
submission.

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Chapter 2

(ii) Attorney information. – The Notice of Appearance must bear an
individual’s attorney’s current address and the attorney’s original signature in
compliance with the requirements of Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures). The EOIR ID
number issued by EOIR through the eRegistry process must be provided on the
Notice of Appearance.
(iii) Bar information. – When an attorney is a member of a state bar which
has a state bar number or corresponding court number, the attorney must provide
that number on the Notice of Appearance. If the attorney has been admitted to more
than one state bar, each and every state bar to which the attorney has ever been
admitted – including states in which the attorney is no longer an active member or
has been suspended, or disbarred – must be listed and the state bar number, if any,
provided.
(iv) Discipline information. – An attorney who is subject to discipline must
provide additional information on the form and may include an explanatory
supplement. An attorney who fails to provide discipline information risks not being
recognized by the Board and may be subject to disciplinary action by EOIR.
r5
tobe

, 20

17

(e) Scope of representation. – Once an attorney has Oc
made an appearance, he or
on
ived
she has an obligation to continue representation untilhsuch time as the alien terminates
c
o ar
39a
representation, another attorney enters an appearance, or a motion to withdraw as counsel
703
4No.
has been granted by the Board. Therefore,1 outside the context of oral argument, the Board
ons,
essi
generally does not allow limitedSappearances. See subsection (f), (g), and (j), below. See
v.
nezrepresentation).
arti
also Chapter 8.6(b) (Multiple
in M
cited

(f) Multiple representatives. – Sometimes, an alien may retain more than one
attorney at a time. When that is the case, one of the attorneys must be identified as the
primary attorney. All of the attorneys must file Notices of Appearances (Form EOIR-27),
and each Form EOIR-27 must be annotated to reflect which is the primary attorney. Only
the primary attorney will receive mailings from the Board. All of the attorneys, regardless of
primary or non-primary designation, are representatives of record and are individually
responsible as attorneys for the alien. All submissions to the Board must bear the name of
one of the representatives of record and be signed by the attorney. See subsection (b),
above. See also Chapter 3.3(b). (Signatures).
Circumstances may arise that require the Board to switch service of mailings from
the primary attorney to a secondary attorney or representative. For example, if the primary
attorney is suspended from practice before the Board and Immigration Courts, or a
discrepancy exists as to the designation of primary and non-primary in received Notice of
Appearances, or no designation is made by attorneys or representatives.
When
discrepancies occur, the Board will make reasonable efforts to resolve the discrepancy with
the attorneys. However, service of Board notices and orders will not be delayed as a result

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Chapter 2

Board of Immigration Appeals

of the suspension of the primary attorney, discrepancies as to designations of primary and
non-primary on the Notice of Appearance, or failure to designate the primary
attorney/representative. As noted above, all the attorneys are representatives of the record,
and the Board may change the primary attorney designation when warranted.
(i) Change in firm. – In the event that an attorney departs a law firm but
wishes to continue as attorney of record, the attorney should promptly submit a new
Notice of Appearance. The Notice of Appearance must reflect any change of
address and should apprise the Board of his or her change in office affiliation. The
attorney should check the “new address” box in the address block on the Notice of
Appearance. The attorney should also update his or her eRegistry information
online prior to submitting a new electronic or paper Form EOIR-27. See subsection
(i) below.
(ii) Change in attorney. – If the attorney of record leaves a law firm but the
law firm wishes to retain the case, another attorney in the firm must file a Notice of
Appearance (Form EOIR-27) and thereby become the attorney of record. Similarly,
if a law firm wishes to reassign responsibility for a case from the attorney of record to
7
201
another attorney in the firm, the new attorney must file a Form5,EOIR-27. Until such
er
t b
time as another attorney files a Form EOIR-27 (or a motionoto withdraw is granted by
n Oc
ed o
the Board), the original attorney of record o archiv the attorney of record and is
remains
a
responsible for the case. See subsection 39 below.
703 (j),
4(g) Law firms. –

tinez

ar
in M

s,
sion
Ses
.

1
No.

v

ited
(i) cFirm not the representative. – Only individuals, not firms or offices, may
represent parties before the Board. In every instance of representation, a named
attorney must enter an appearance to act as the attorney of record. Accordingly, the
Board does not accept appeals, motions, briefs, or other filing submitted by a law
firm, law office, or other entity, if they do not include the name and signature of the
attorney of record. See subsection (f), above. See also Chapter 3.3(b)(ii) (Law
Firms). If at any time, more than one attorney represents an alien, one of the
attorneys must be designated as the primary attorney to receive Board notices and
orders. See subsection (f) above.

(ii) No filings “on behalf of.” – The Board only accepts filing by the attorney
of record, not on behalf of the attorney of record. Thus, any filing from an attorney
who is not the attorney of record must be accompanied by a completed Notice of
Appearance (Form EOIR-27), whereupon that attorney will become the new attorney
of record. See subsection (j), below. Limited appearances for purposes of filing an
appeal, motion, brief, or other document are not recognized. See subsection (e),
above.

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Chapter 2

(h) Service upon counsel. – Service of papers upon counsel of a represented party
constitutes service on the represented party. 8 C.F.R. § 1292.5(a).
(i) Address obligations of counsel. – Attorneys who enter an appearance before
the Board have an affirmative duty to keep the Board apprised of their current address and
contact information. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.38(e). Changes of address should be made by
filing an updated Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27), not through the alien Change of
Address Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA). If a registered attorney has a new address, he or she
must update the eRegistry information online prior to submitting a new Form EOIR-27. An
attorney filing a change of his or her address should check the “New Address” box in the
address block on the Notice of Appearance.
(i) Compound changes of address. – Attorneys must submit a separate
Notice of Appearance for each alien represented. An attorney may not submit a list
of clients for whom his or her change of address should be entered.
(ii) Address obligations of represented aliens. – Even when an alien is
represented, the alien is still responsible for keeping the Board apprised of his or her
17
current address. Changes of address for the alien may not ber made on the Notice of
, 20
e 5
b
Appearance (Form EOIR-27) but must be made on othectChange of Address Form
O o
d n
eobligations).
iv
(Form EOIR-33/BIA). See Chapter 2.2(c) (Address
arch

9ao
033
14-7
(j) Change in representation. , No.A represented alien may substitute or release
–
ons
ssirepresentative may withdraw from representation under
counsel at his or her discretion.Se
A
z v.
certain conditions. Aliensne
arti and their representatives must keep the Board apprised of all
in M
changes in representation.
cited

(i) Substitution of counsel. – A represented alien may substitute counsel at
his or her discretion. When an alien wishes to substitute a new attorney for a
previous counsel, the new attorney must file a Notice of Appearance (Form
EOIR-27). The new attorney is expected to serve a copy of the Notice of
Appearance on prior counsel and the opposing party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service).
Upon receipt of the new Notice of Appearance, the Board automatically
recognizes new counsel, and prior counsel need not file a motion to withdraw.
However, until such time as a new Notice of Appearance has been filed, prior
counsel remains the attorney of record and is accountable as such.
Extension requests that are based on substitution of counsel are not favored.
See Chapter 4.7(c) (Extensions).
(ii) Release of counsel. – A represented alien may, at his or her discretion,
terminate representation at any time.

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Chapter 2

Board of Immigration Appeals

If a represented alien dismisses his or her attorney and does not retain a new
attorney immediately, the represented alien should notify the Board through
correspondence with a cover page labeled. “NOTICE OF DISMISSAL OF
ATTORNEY.” See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). This “dismissal notice”
should contain the full name, alien registration number (“A number”), and complete
address of the alien, as well as the name of the attorney being dismissed. The
dismissal notice should also contain Proof of Service indicating that both the attorney
and DHS have been served. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). An updated Change of
Address Form (Form EOIR-33/BIA) should accompany the dismissal notice.
If a represented alien dismisses one attorney, but retains a new attorney who
immediately files a Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27), the alien need not file a
dismissal notice for the first attorney.
If, after a dismissal notice has been filed, an alien retains a new attorney, the
new attorney must file a Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27). See subsection (d),
above.
17
(iii) Withdrawal of counsel. – Counsel seeking withdrawal should file a
, 20
er 5
tob
motion with a cover page labeled “MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL.” See
n Oc
ed o Page).
Chapter 3.2 (Service), Appendix F (Sample archiv
Cover
The motion should
o
39a
contain the following information:
-703

o
o cit
o

14
No.
ons,
ess
the last known i address of
v. S
nez
ti
Mar
ed in

the represented alien

evidence that the attorney has notified or attempted to notify
the alien of the request to withdraw as counsel

evidence that either (a) the alien is aware of pending deadlines,
existing obligations, and the consequences for failing to comply
with those deadlines and obligations, or (b) the attorney
attempted to notify the alien of those deadlines and obligations

See Matter of Rosales, 19 I&N Dec. 655 (BIA 1988). Withdrawal should be
effected in a timely fashion to avoid compromising the interests of the alien.
(k) Attorney misconduct. – The Board has the authority to impose disciplinary
sanctions upon attorneys and representatives who violate rules of professional conduct in
practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and DHS. See Chapter 11 (Discipline).
Where an attorney in a case has been suspended from practice before the Board and the
alien has not retained new counsel, the Board will treat the alien as pro se. All mailings
from the Board, including briefing schedules and orders, will be mailed directly to the alien.
Any filing from an attorney who has been suspended from practice before the Board will be
rejected.
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Chapter 2

(l) Administrative suspension. – If an attorney fails to comply with mandatory
eRegistry registration requirement, he or she may be administratively suspended from
practice before the Board. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(f). Multiple attempts by an unregistered
attorney to appear before EOIR may result in disciplinary sanctions. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.101(b). See Chapter 2.1(b) (Registry requirement).
2.4

Accredited Representatives

(a) Generally. – An accredited representative is a person who is approved by OLAP
to represent aliens before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and/or DHS. He or she must
be a person who works for a specific nonprofit religious, charitable, social service, or similar
organization which has been recognized by OLAP to represent aliens. A fully accredited
representative may represent aliens before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and DHS,
whereas partially accredited representatives may only represent individuals before DHS.
Accreditation is valid for a period of up to three years and can be renewed. See 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1292.1(a)(4), 1292.12.
17
(b) eRegistry – A fully accredited representative must electronically register with
, 20
er 5
EOIR in order to practice before the Board (eRegistry). See OcC.F.R. § 1292.1(f). A fully
8 tob
n
ed o
v
accredited representative who fails to provide requiredhiregistration information risks being
arc
39a
administratively suspended from practice -beforeo EOIR. Access and instructions for
3
4 70
eRegistry can be found on the EOIR, No. 1
website. Once EOIR has activated the registered
ons
essi
account, the fully accredited representative will be assigned a unique EOIR ID number.
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in
ite
cpartially accredited

Because
representatives cannot practice before the Board or
Immigration Courts, they are not eligible or required to register.
(c) EOIR-27. – Accredited representatives must file a Notice of Appearance as
Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27) in
order to represent an individual before the Board. See Chapter 2.3(d) (Appearances).
Accredited representatives should be careful to use the most current version of the Notice
of Appearance (Form EOIR-27), which can be found on EOIR’s website. The Board will
accept electronic or paper submission of the Form EOIR-27. If a registered fully accredited
representative has a new address, he or she must update his or her eRegistry information
online prior to submitting a new electronic or paper Form EOIR-27. An accredited
representative filing a change of his or her address should check the “New Address” box in
the address block on the Notice of Appearance.
(d) Qualifying organizations. – The OLAP officially recognizes certain nonprofit,
religious, charitable, social service, and similar organizations as legal service providers.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11. To be recognized by EOIR, an organization must affirmatively
apply for that recognition. Such an organization must establish to the satisfaction of the
OLAP that it has access to adequate knowledge, information, and experience in immigration
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Chapter 2

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law and procedure. The qualifications and procedures for organizations seeking EOIR
recognition are set forth in the regulations. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11. Questions regarding
recognition may be directed to OLAP’s Recognition & Accreditation (R&A) Coordinator.
See Appendix B (Directory). Additional information regarding Recognition & Accreditation is
available on the EOIR website.
(e) Qualifying representatives. – The OLAP accredits persons as representatives
of qualifying organizations. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.12. Representatives of recognized
organizations are not, however, automatically accredited by EOIR. Rather, the recognized
organizations must affirmatively apply for accreditation on each representative’s behalf.
See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1292.12(b), 1292.13.
Accreditation is not transferrable from one representative to another, and no
individual retains accreditation upon his or her separation from the recognized organization.
(f) Immigration specialists. – Accredited representatives should not be confused
with non-lawyer “immigration specialists,” visa consultants, and “notarios.” See Chapter 2.7
(Immigration Specialists). Accredited representatives must be expressly accredited by and
017
must be employed by a nonprofit institution specifically recognized byr OLAP.
5, 2
e

ctob

nO
ed o

(g) Verification. – To verify that an individualrchas been accredited by OLAP, the
hiv
oa
39a
public can either:
03
14-7
o
o

cited

o.
s, N
sion
sRecognition
consult thee
.S
ez v
website, or
artin
in M

& Accreditation rosters at EOIR’s

contact the R&A Coordinator (see Appendix B (Directory))

(h) Applicability of attorney rules. – Except in those instances set forth in the
regulations and this manual, accredited representatives are to observe the same rules and
procedures as attorneys. See Chapter 2.3 (Attorneys).
(i) Signatures. – Only the accredited representative who is the representative of
record may sign submissions to the Board. An accredited representative, even in the same
organization, may not sign or file on another accredited representative’s behalf. See
Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures).
(j) Representative misconduct. – Accredited representatives must comply with
certain standards of professional conduct. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.101 et seq; 1292.13.
(k) Request to be removed from list of accredited representatives. – An
accredited representative who no longer wishes to represent aliens should write to the R&A
Coordinator and request to be removed from the list. See Appendix B (Directory).

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Practice Manual

2.5

Chapter 2

Law Students and Law Graduates

(a) Generally. – Law students and law graduates (law school graduates who are not
yet admitted to practice law) may appear before the Board if certain conditions are met.
Recognition by the Board is not automatic and must be requested in writing. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1292.1(a)(2).
(b) Law Students. –
(i) Notice of Appearance. – A law student must file a Notice of Entry
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals
(Form EOIR-27). He or she should check the box on the Notice of Appearance for
law students and provide on the reverse side of the form both the name of the
supervising attorney or accredited representative and that person’s business
address, if different from that of the law student. Law students are not issued EOIR
ID numbers, and this part of the form can be left blank. If the law student has a
supervising attorney or fully accredited representative who has been issued an EOIR
ID number, that number should be included on the reverse side of the form.
r5
tobe

, 20

17

(ii) Representation statement. – A law student Oc
wishing to appear before the
on
Board must file a statement that he or she is archived
participating in a legal aid program or
9ao
clinic conducted by a law school or nonprofit organization and is under the direct
033
14-7
supervision of a faculty member,o.licensed attorney, or accredited representative.
N
ons,
The statement should v. Sessi
also state that the law student is appearing without direct or
tinez
indirect remuneration from the alien being represented. 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(a)(2).
Mar
d in should be filed with the Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27).
Such statement
cite
(c) Law Graduates. –
(i) Notice of Appearance. – A law graduate must file a Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals
(Form EOIR-27). The law graduate should be careful to use the most current
version of the form, which can be found on the EOIR website. He or she should
check the box on the Notice of Appearance and provide on the reverse side of the
form both the name of the supervising attorney or accredited representative and that
person’s business address, if different from that of the law graduate. Law graduates
are not issued EOIR ID numbers, and this part of the form is left blank. If the
supervising attorney or fully accredited representative has been issued an EOIR ID
number, that number should be included on the reverse side of the form.
(ii) Representation statement. – A law graduate wishing to appear before
the Board must file a statement that he or she is appearing under the supervision of
a licensed attorney or accredited representative. That statement should also state
that the law graduate is appearing without direct or indirect remuneration from the
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Chapter 2

Board of Immigration Appeals

alien being represented. 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(a)(2). Such statement should be filed
with the Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27).
(d) Representative misconduct. – Law students and law graduates must comply
with standards of professional conduct. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.101 et seq.
2.6

Paralegals

Paralegals are professionals who assist attorneys in the practice of law. They are
not themselves licensed to practice law and therefore may not represent parties before the
Board. Paralegals who do not work for an attorney risk being charged with the
unauthorized practice of law.
2.7

Immigration Specialists

Immigration specialists – which include visa consultants and “notarios” – are not
7
authorized to practice law or appear before the Board. These individuals are generally
201
r 5,
edo not qualify either as
violating the law by practicing law without a license. As such, they
b
Octo
accredited representatives or “reputable individuals”ved on
under the regulations.
See
rchi
ao a
Chapters 2.4 (Accredited Representatives), 2.9(a)9(Reputable individuals).
33
4-70

2.8

Family Members rtinez v. S
cited

1
No.
ons,

essi

a

in M

If a party is a child, then a parent or legal guardian may represent the child before
the Board, provided the parent or legal guardian clearly informs the Board of their
relationship. If a party is an adult, a family member may represent the party only when the
family member has been authorized by the Board to do so. See Chapter 2.9(a) (Reputable
individuals).
2.9

Others

(a) Reputable individuals. – In appropriate circumstances, the Board will allow a
“reputable individual” to appear on behalf of an alien. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(a)(3). To
qualify as a reputable individual, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
o

be a person of good moral character

o

appear on an individual basis, at the request of the alien

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Chapter 2

o

receive no direct or indirect remuneration for his or her
assistance

o

file a declaration that he or she is not being remunerated for his
or her assistance

o

have a preexisting relationship with the alien (e.g., relative,
neighbor, clergy), except in those situations where
representation would otherwise not be available, and

o

be officially recognized by the Board

Any individual who receives any sort of compensation or makes immigration
appearances on a regular basis (such as a non-lawyer “immigration specialist,” visa
consultant, or “notario”) does not qualify as a “reputable individual” as defined in the
regulations.
To appear before the Board, a reputable individual must file a Notice of Entry of
17
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form
, 20
er 5
EOIR-27). He or she should check the box on the Notice OctoAppearance. Reputable
of b
n
ed o the form can be left blank. A
individuals are not issued EOIR ID numbers, and this rpart of
iv
a ch
person asking to be recognized as a reputable 0339ao
individual should file a statement attesting to
-7
each of the criteria set forth above.s, No. 14 statement should accompany the Notice of
This
n
ssio
Appearance.
. Se
tinez

ar
in M

v

(b) Fellowited
c inmates. – The regulations do not provide for representation by fellow
inmates or other detained persons. Fellow inmates do not qualify under any of the
categories of representatives enumerated in the regulations.
(c) Accredited foreign government officials. – An accredited foreign government
official may appear before the Board in his or her official capacity and with the alien’s
consent. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(a)(5). To appear before the Board, an accredited foreign
government official must file a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative
Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27). An accredited foreign
government official should check the box on the Notice of Appearance and provide on the
reverse side of the form the words “ACCREDITED OFFICAL OF [name of country].”
Accredited foreign government officials are not issued EOIR ID numbers and this part of the
form can be left blank.
(d) Former employees of the Department of Justice. – Former employees of the
Department of Justice may be restricted in their ability to appear before the Board. See
8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(c).

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Chapter 2

Board of Immigration Appeals

(e) Foreign student advisors. – A foreign student advisor is not authorized to
appear before the Board, unless the advisor is an accredited representative. See
Chapter 2.4 (Accredited Representatives).
2.10

Amicus Curiae

The Board may grant permission to an amicus curiae to appear, on a case-by-case
basis, where it serves the public interest. 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1(d). The decision to grant or
deny a request to appear as amicus curiae is within the sole discretion of the Board. An
appearance as amicus curiae is not a request to represent a party before the Board. The
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27) is therefore not required. See Chapter 2.1(a) (Types
of representatives).
The Board generally limits the appearance of amicus curiae to the filing of briefs.
See Chapter 4.6(i) (Amicus curiae briefs). Amicus curiae may request an opportunity to
present oral argument, but such requests are granted sparingly. See Chapter 8.7(d)(xiii)
(Amicus Curiae).

17
, 20
er 5 amicus curiae must
ob
A person or organization wishing to make an appearance tas an
n Oc
ed o with a cover page labeled
file a written request with the Clerk’s Office, preferably
iv
arch
“REQUEST TO APPEAR AS AMICUS CURIAE.” 9ao Appendix B (Directory), Appendix F
3 See
-703
.1
(Sample Cover Page). That request should 4
, No specify the name and alien registration number
ns
(“A number”) of the matter in whichio amicus curiae wishes to appear and articulate why
ess an
v. S
amicus curiae should Martipermitted to appear. A brief should accompany the request to
be nez
d in
appear as amicusecuriae. If the Board grants the request, the parties will be provided an
cit

opportunity to respond. See Chapter 4.6(h) (Reply briefs), 4.6(i) (Amicus curiae
briefs). The request and brief should be served on all parties to the proceedings. See
Chapter 3.2 (Service).

The Board may, at its discretion, acknowledge helpful amicus curiae brief(s) and
contributors.

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Practice Manual

Chapter 3

3 Filing with the Board
3.1

Delivery and Receipt

(a) Filing. – Most appeals and motions adjudicated by the Board are filed directly
with the Board. Some appeals and motions, however, are filed with DHS. See
Chapters 4.2(b) (Filing), 5.2 (Filing a Motion), 7.3(a) (Filing), 9.3(c)(ii) (Where to file),
Appendix K (Where to File a Motion). No appeal, motion, correspondence, or other filing
intended for the Board should ever be filed with an Immigration Court.
(i) Receipt rule. – For appeals and motions that must be filed with the Board,
the appeal or motion is not deemed “filed” until it is received at the Board. The
Board does not observe the “mailbox rule.” Accordingly, receipt by any other entity –
be it the U.S. Postal Service, commercial courier, or detention facility – does not
suffice. See Chapter 1.5 (a) (Office location), Appendix A (Mailing Address).
(ii) Postage problems. – All required postage or shipping fees must be paid
by the sender before an item will be accepted by the Board.17 The sender is
20
r 5,
tobe
responsible for paying the proper postage in all instances. When using a courier or
Oc
d on
similar service, the sender is responsible for aproperly completing the packing slip,
hive
c
o r
39a
including the label and the billing information. The Board therefore rejects mailings
703
4for which the required postages,has 1not been paid or the courier billing information
No.
on
essi
has not been properly completed. See Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of “rejected”).
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in
(iii)itWhere to file.
c e

street address:

– All filings to the Board must be sent to the following

Board of Immigration Appeals
Clerk’s Office
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2000
Falls Church, VA 22041
The Board no longer uses different addresses for different means of delivery.
All mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, courier, overnight delivery, or handdelivered items must be addressed to the street address above. See Appendix A
(Mailing Address).
An “attention” line indicating the intended recipient, if the name or office is
known, should appear at the bottom left of the envelope or at the appropriate
location on the mailing label or form. Parties must use the correct postage on all
items mailed to the Board. See subsection (ii), above. The Board will not pay
postage due, and the U.S. Postal Service will return any item with insufficient
postage to the sender.
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Chapter 3

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Given the importance of timely filing, the Board encourages parties to use
courier and overnight delivery services, whenever appropriate. However, the failure
of a courier or overnight delivery service does not excuse parties from meeting filing
deadlines. See Chapter 3.1(b)(iv) (Delays in delivery).
(iv) Separate envelopes. – Unrelated cases should not be sent in one
envelope. To avoid confusion, each case should either be sent separately or, if
mailed as a package, in its own envelope within that package.
(v) Faxes. –
(A) Sent directly to the Board. – The Board does not accept faxes or
other electronic transmissions without prior authorization. Unauthorized
transmissions are discarded without consideration of the document or notice
to the sender. Facsimiles (“faxes”) transmitted directly to the Board will be
accepted only when solicited by the Board in emergencies and other
compelling circumstances. See generally Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite
Requests). Faxes must be sent to the attention of the person at the Board
who authorized the fax.
017
5, 2
er
ctob
on O
ed
– Faxes that are
rchiv

(B) Sent through a third party.
sent to a third party,
ao a
such as a local counsel or a local339
delivery agent, and then hand-delivered to
4 70
the Board are acceptable, under- the following conditions:
o. 1
N
.S
ez v

ns

o
essi

o artin the original document must bear an original signature
M

in
cited

o

the original document must be available to the Board
upon request

o

the fax copy must be legible

o

the filing must clearly reflect that the submission comes
from the representative of record or the party to the
proceeding, not the counsel receiving the fax or the
agent who is delivering it

o

fax header information will not be used to identify the
filing party, the nature of the submission, or the
timeliness of the submission

o

the filing party is always responsible for the filing’s
legibility and timeliness

Signatures are discussed at Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures).

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Chapter 3

(vi) eFiling. – The Board will accept either electronic or paper submission of
the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of
Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27). Only registered attorneys and fully accredited
representatives may file the Form EOIR-27 electronically. See Chapter 2.1(b)
(Entering an appearance). EOIR will not allow an electronic submission of the Form
EOIR-27 by any attorney or representative who is not registered.
The Board does not have electronic filing for any other forms or documents.
Certain forms can, however, be filled in online, but must be printed for hard copy
submission to the Board. See Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining forms).
(b) Must be “timely.” – The Board places a date stamp on all filings received by the
Clerk’s Office. See Appendix A (Mailing Address). Absent persuasive evidence to the
contrary, the Board’s date stamp is controlling in the computation of whether a filing is
“timely.” Because filings are date-stamped upon arrival at the Board, the Board strongly
recommends that parties file as far in advance of the deadline as possible and, whenever
possible, use overnight delivery couriers (such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service,
DHL, etc.) to ensure timely receipt.

17
, 20
er 5
(i) Construction of “day.” – All due dates at OctobBoard are calculated in
the
on
ed all references to “days” in this
calendar days. Thus, unless otherwise indicated,
chiv
o ar
manual refer to calendar days, not businessadays.
39
-703
. 14
, No
s
(ii) Computation Sesstime. – For purposes of computing appeal and motion
of ion
v.
deadlines, time Marmeasured from the date of the decision (or the mailing date of the
is tinez
d in to the date that the appeal or motion is received by the Board.
decision, cite
if later)

When counting days, the day that the decision is made (or mailed) counts as
“day 0.” The day after the date the decision is made (or mailed) counts as “day 1.”
Because the Board uses calendar days to calculate deadlines, Saturdays, Sundays,
and legal holidays are counted toward the computation of a deadline. If, however, a
deadline date falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline is construed to fall
on the next business day.
(iii) Specific deadlines. – Specific deadlines for specific types of filings are
discussed elsewhere. See Appendix D (Deadlines).
(iv) Delays in delivery. – Postal or delivery delays do not affect existing
deadlines, nor does the Board excuse untimeliness due to such delays, except in
rare circumstances. Parties should anticipate all Post Office and courier delays,
whether the filing is made through first class mail, priority mail, or any overnight or
other guaranteed delivery service. Delays caused by incorrect postage or mailing
error by the sending party do not affect existing deadlines. See Chapter 3.1(a)(ii)
(Postage problems).
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Chapter 3

Board of Immigration Appeals

(v) Natural or manmade disasters. – Natural or manmade disasters may
occur that create unavoidable filing delays. Parties wishing to file untimely
documents after a disaster must file a motion asking the Board to accept untimely
filing. See Chapter 3.1(c)(iii) (Untimely). Parties must include documentary
evidence to support their motion, including such evidence as affidavits and
declarations under the penalty of perjury. The Board will consider each motion on a
case-by-case basis.
(vi) Effect of extension requests. – All deadlines must be met. A pending
extension request does not excuse a party from meeting a filing deadline.
Unopposed requests are not automatically granted.
Extensions must be
affirmatively granted before a filing will be accepted past the original deadline. See
Chapters 4.5 (Appeal Deadlines), 4.7(c) (Extensions).
(c) Defective filings. –
(i) Meaning of “rejected.” – When the Board “rejects” a filing, the filing is
returned to the sender. The term “rejected” means that the filing is defective, and
the Board cannot consider the filing. It is not an adjudication017 the filing or a
2 of
r 5,
tobe
decision regarding its content.
Oc
rch
ao a

ived

on

(ii) Improperly filed. – If an appeal, motion, or brief is not properly filed, it is
9
033
14-7
rejected by the Clerk’s Office ando.returned to the party with an explanation for the
N
ons,
rejection. Parties wishing essicorrect the defect and refile after a rejection must do so
S to
v.
by the original deadline, unless an extension is expressly granted by the Board. See
tinez
Mar
in
Chapter 4.5(b) (Extensions), 4.7(c) (Extensions), 5.3 (Motion Limits). The most
cited
common reasons for rejecting an appeal or motion are (A) failure to pay a fee or
submit a fee waiver application when a fee is required, and (B) failure to submit a
proof of service on the opposing party, which is always required. See Chapters 3.2
(Service), 3.4 (Filing Fees), Appendix G (Sample Proof of Service).
(iii) Untimely. – If an appeal is untimely, the appeal is dismissed. See
8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(G), 1003.38(b). If a motion is untimely, the motion is
denied. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2), (c)(2). If a brief is untimely, it is rejected and
returned to the party with an explanation for the rejection. Parties wishing to refile an
untimely brief must file a motion asking the Board to accept the untimely brief and
attach the original submission. See Chapter 4.7(d) (Untimely briefs). Parties must
include documentary evidence to support their motion, including such evidence as
affidavits and declarations under the penalty of perjury.

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Chapter 3

(d) Filing receipts. – The Board issues receipts for certain filings. Whether or not a
receipt is issued, however, parties are encouraged to obtain and retain corroborative
documentation of delivery, such as mail delivery receipts and courier tracking information.
(As a precaution against loss, parties should also keep copies of all items sent to the
Board.)
(i) Receipt issued. – The Board routinely issues receipts only for Notices of
Appeal (Form EOIR-26), motions to reopen, and motions to reconsider. A receipt is
not an adjudication of timeliness or a determination that a filing falls within the
Board’s jurisdiction, but an acknowledgment that a filing has been received by the
Board.
If a filing receipt is not received within approximately two weeks, parties may
call the Automated Case Information Hotline for current information on appeals or
the Clerk’s Office for current information on appeals or motions. See Appendix B
(Directory).
(ii) Receipt not issued. – A receipt is not issued for filings other than Notices
of Appeals, motions to reopen, and motions to reconsider. 5The 7Board does not
201
r ,
tobe
provide written receipts for other motions, briefs, or memoranda. See Chapter 4.7(b)
Oc
d on
(Processing).
hive
rc
39a

03
14-7

oa

(iii) Conformed copies. ,– o.
When a filing arrives at the Clerk’s Office, a times N
and-date stamp is placedeonon filing. If a filing party desires a “conformed copy”
ssi the
.S
ez v
(i.e., a copy of thertifiling bearing the Board’s time-and-date stamp), the original must
a n
in M
be accompanied by an accurate copy of the filing, prominently marked
cited
“CONFORMED COPY; RETURN TO SENDER.” The filing must also contain a selfaddressed stamped envelope or comparable return delivery packaging. The Board
does not return conformed copies without a prepaid return envelope or packaging.
3.2

Service
(a) Service requirement. – For all filings before the Board, a party must:
o

provide, or “serve,” a copy on the opposing party (or, if the party is
represented, the party’s representative), and

o

declare, in writing, that a copy has been served on the opposing party
(or, if the party is represented, the party’s representative)

For an alien in proceedings, the opposing party is the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS). In most instances, a DHS Chief Counsel or a specific Assistant Chief

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Chapter 3

Board of Immigration Appeals

Counsel is the designated officer to receive service. The opposing party is never the Board
or the Immigration Judge.
This written declaration is called a “Proof of Service,” which is also referred to as a
“Certificate of Service.” See subsection (d), below, and Appendix G (Sample Proof of
Service). See also 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.2 (g)(1), 1003.3(a)(1), 1003.3(c).
(b) Method of service. – Service may be accomplished by hand or by mail. Service
is complete upon hand delivery of papers to a responsible person at the address of the
person being served or upon the mailing of the papers.
(c) Timing of service. – The Proof of Service must bear the actual date of
transmission and accurately reflect the means of transmission (e.g., regular mail, hand
delivery, overnight courier or delivery). In all instances, service must be calculated to allow
the other party sufficient opportunity to act upon or respond to the served material.
(d) Proof of Service. – An appeal or motion, and all subsequent filings in support of
an appeal or motion, must be accompanied by Proof of Service on the opposing party. See
8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.2(g)(1), 1003.3(a)(1), 1003.3(c). See also Appendix, 201(Sample Proof of
G 7
er 5 contain a Certificate
Service). Some forms, such as the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26),
tob
n Oc
ed o
of Service, which functions as a Proof of Service. The cBoard rejects any submission that is
r hiv
filed without Proof of Service on the opposing339ao a See Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of
party.
70
. that
“rejected”). The only exception is a motion 14- is agreed upon by all parties and jointly filed
, No
ns
(because both parties are presumedoto have seen the motion they are filing together).
ssi
. Se
tinez

ar
in M

v

A Proof of itService must specify the following:
c ed
o

the name or title of the party served

o

the precise and complete address of the party served

o

the date of service

o

the means of service (e.g., 1st class mail, overnight delivery,
hand-delivery)

o

the document or documents being served

o

the name of the person serving the document

Every Proof of Service must be signed by the person serving the document. Unlike
the document being served, the Proof of Service need not be signed by the party but may
be signed by someone designated by the party.

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Chapter 3

(e) Representatives and service. –
(i) Service upon a representative. – Service upon a representative
constitutes service upon the person or entity represented. For example, if an alien is
represented by an attorney, DHS must serve the attorney and need not serve the
alien. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.5(a).
(ii) Service by a represented alien. – The Board recommends that,
whenever an alien is represented, the alien allow his or her representative to handle
a filing with the Board. See Chapter 2.1(d) (Filings and communications). If,
however, a represented alien wishes to file a document without the assistance of his
or her representative, the alien should serve copies of that document on both DHS
and the representative, with a separate Proof of Service for each.
See
subsection (d), above.
(f) Proof of Service and the Notice of Appearance. – All filings with the Board
must include a Proof of Service that identifies the item being filed. See subsection (d),
above. Thus, the completed Proof of Service on counsel’s Notice of Appearance (Form
17
EOIR-27) by itself is not considered sufficient proof of service of documents accompanying
, 20
er 5
b
the Notice of Appearance.
Octo
rch
ao a

ived

on

The electronic submission of a Notice of0Appearance (Form EOIR-27) with the Board
339
47
is not proof of service on DHS. Registered- attorney and accredited representatives who
o. 1
s, N
sion
electronically submit a Form EOIR-27 still must serve DHS with the completed printed copy
Ses
v.
of the electronic submission.z
tine
Mar
cited

3.3

in

Documents

(a) Language. – All Notices of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be submitted in the
English language or be accompanied by a certified English translation. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.3(a)(3).
All motions and documentation filed in support of an appeal or motion must either be
in the English language or be accompanied by an English language translation and a
certification signed by the translator, printed or typed, in accordance with the regulations.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(g)(1). Such certification must include a statement that the translator
is competent to translate the language of the document and that the translation is true and
accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.33. See also
Appendix H (Sample Certificate of Translation).
(b) Signatures. – No appeal, motion, brief, or request for Board action is properly
filed without a signature from either the alien, the alien’s representative, or a representative

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Chapter 3

Board of Immigration Appeals

of DHS. A Proof of Service also requires a signature, but may be signed by someone
designated by the filing party. See Chapter 3.2(d) (Proof of Service).
A signature represents a certification by the signer that: he or she has read the
document; to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after
reasonable inquiry, the document is grounded in fact; the document is submitted in good
faith; and the document has not been filed for any improper purpose.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.102(j)(1).
A signature represents the signer’s authorization,
attestation, and accountability.
Every signature must be accompanied by a typed or printed version of the name.
(i) Paper submissions. – Signature stamps, computer-generated, and typed
signatures are not acceptable for documents filed with the Board. These signatures
do not convey the signer’s personal authorization, attestation, and accountability for
the filing. Reproductions of signatures are acceptable when contained in a
photocopy or fax of an original document as long as the original is available to the
Board upon request. See subsection (d), below. See also Chapter 3.1(a) (Filing).

17
, 20
er 5 of Appearance as
(ii) Electronic submissions. – When a NoticeOof b
to Entry
n c
ed o
Attorney or Representative Before the Board ofhiImmigration Appeals (Form EOIRrc v
27) is electronically submitted, the electronic o a
39a acknowledgment and submission of the
-703
. 14
Form EOIR-27 constitutes the Nsignature of the alien’s representative. Other
, o
ons
computer-generated signatures created outside of the EOIR electronic filing process
essi
v. S
ne
are not acceptabletionzdocuments filed with the Board.
Mar
d in
cite

(iii) Law firms. – Only the attorney of record – not a law firm, law office, or
other attorney – may sign a submission to the Board. See Chapters 2.3(d)
(Appearances), 2.3(f) (Multiple representatives), 2.3(g) (Law firms).

(iv) Accredited representatives. – Accredited representatives must sign
their own submissions. See Chapter 2.4(i) (Signatures).
(v) Paralegals and other staff. – Paralegals and other staff are not
authorized to practice before the Board and may not sign a submission to the Board.
See Chapter 2.6 (Paralegals). However, paralegals may sign a Proof of Service
when authorized by the filing party. See Chapter 3.2(d) (Proof of Service).
(vi) Other representatives. – Only those individuals who have been
authorized by the Board to represent a party and have submitted a Notice of
Appearance (Form EOIR-27) may sign submissions to the Board. See Chapters 2.5
(Law Students and Law Graduates), 2.9 (Others).
Non-lawyer “immigration
specialists,” “notarios,” and “visa consultants” are not authorized to represent a party
before the Board. See Chapter 2.7 (Immigration Specialists).
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Chapter 3

(vii) Family members. – A family member may sign submissions on behalf of
a party only under certain circumstances. See Chapter 2.8 (Family Members).
(c) Format. – The Board prefers all filings and (where appropriate) supporting
documents to be typed or printed, but will accept handwritten filings. The filing party should
make sure that items submitted to the Board are legible.
The Board does not accept electronic media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, audio
cassette tapes, thumb drives, or other electronic medium). Where possible, the Board will
return electronic media to the sender. The Board also does not accept faxes or other
electronic transmissions without prior authorization by the Board. See Chapter 3.1(a)(vi)
(Faxes).
(i) Order of documents. – Filings should be assembled as follows. All forms
should be filled out completely.
(A) Appeals. – An appeal package should comply with the instructions
on the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26). The appeal package should
contain (in order):
17
, 20
cto
on O

1.
2.

ber

5

filing fee (if applicable, stapleded the Notice of Appeal)
to
rchiv
a a
Notice of Appeal (Formo EOIR-26) (with its Certificate of
339
4-70
Service completed)
o. 1
N
ons,
3.
FeeSWaiver Request (Form EOIR-26A, if unable to pay
essi
z v.
tinethe filing fee)
Mar
in
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27, if the person
cited 4.
appealing is represented)
5.
supporting documentation (if any)
See Chapters 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance), 3.2(d) (Proof of Service), 3.4
(Filing Fees), 4.4 (Filing an Appeal).
(B) Motions. – A motion package should contain (in order):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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filing fee (if applicable, stapled to the cover page of the
motion)
motion (with appropriate cover page)
supporting documentation (if any)
Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A, if unable to pay
the filing fee)
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27, if the moving
party is represented)

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Chapter 3

Board of Immigration Appeals

6.
7.

Change of Address (Form EOIR-33/BIA, which is
recommended even if the alien’s address has not
changed)
Proof of Service

See Chapters 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance), 3.2(d) (Proof of Service),
3.3(c)(vi) (Cover page and caption), 3.4 (Filing Fees), 5.1(b)
(Representatives), 5.2 (Filing a Motion).
(C) Supplementary filings. – The Board accepts supplementary
filings only in limited situations. See, e.g., Chapter 4.6(g) (Supplemental
briefs). A supplementary filing should contain (in order):
1.
2.
3.
4.

supplementary filing (with cover page and caption)
supporting documentation
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27, if represented
and a new appearance is being made)
Proof of Service

See also Chapters 2.1(b) (Entering an
3.3(c)(vi) (Cover page and caption).

17
, 20
er 5 (Proof
appearance), b
to 3.2(d)
n Oc
ed o
iv
arch

of Service),

o
39a
703
14-the original of each appeal or motion need be
(ii) Number of copies. – No.
Only
n ,
filed with the Board. Similarly,s only one set of supporting documents need be filed
ssio
e
v. S
with the Board. arMultiple copies of any appeal, motion, or supporting document
tinez
in M
should nottebe filed, unless otherwise instructed. Where there is a consolidated
ci d

proceeding, only one copy need be filed for the entire group. See Chapters 4.6(e)
(Consolidated briefs), 4.10(a) (Consolidated appeals).

(iii) Number of pages. – Briefs and other submissions should always be
paginated. There are no limits or expectations on the number of pages in an appeal
or motion filing. However, parties are encouraged to limit the body of their briefs or
motions to 25 pages, provided that such length can adequately dispose of the issues
in the case.
(iv) Paper size and quality. – All documents should be submitted on
standard 8 ½” x 11” paper, in order to fit into the record of proceedings. See
8 C.F.R. § 1003.32(b). Use of legal size paper (8½” x 14”) is discouraged, as is
paper of other sizes. See subsection (x), below.
Paper should be of standard stock – white, opaque, and unglazed. Given its
fragility and its tendency to fade, photo-sensitive facsimile paper should never be
used. Ink should be dark, preferably black.

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Chapter 3

Briefs and motions should be one-sided. Supporting documentation should
also be one-sided.
(v) Tabs. – Parties are strongly encouraged to use indexing tabs to separate
the distinct portions of an appeal or motion package. Because Immigration Courts
generally refer to court exhibits by number, the Board prefers that parties use
alphabetic tabs of a permanent nature to avoid confusion.
(vi) Cover page and caption. – All motions, briefs, and supplemental filings
should include a cover page. The cover page should include a caption and contain
the following information:
o

the name and address of the filing party

o

the title of the filing (such as “RESPONDENT’S MOTION TO
REOPEN” OR “DHS BRIEF ON APPEAL”)

o

the full name for each alien covered by the filing (as it appears
7
on the charging document)
201
r 5,
e
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on O
number (“A ed
number”) for
rchiv
ao a
39
-703

o

the alien registration
covered by the filing

o

s,
the type of proceeding involved (such as removal, deportation,
sion
Ses
zv
exclusion,. bond, visa petition)
rtine

4

1
No.

cited

each alien

a

in M

See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). If the filing involves special circumstances,
that information should appear prominently on the cover page, preferably in the top
right corner and highlighted (e.g., “DETAINED,” “EXPEDITE REQUEST,” “JOINT
MOTION”).
(vii) Fonts and spacing. – Font and type size must be easily readable.
“Times New Roman 12 point” font is preferred. Double-spaced text and singlespaced footnotes are also preferred. Both proportionally spaced and monospaced
fonts are acceptable.
(viii) Binding. – The Immigration Courts and the Board use a two-hole punch
system to maintain files. The Board appreciates receiving briefs and materials prepunched with two holes along the top (centered and 2¾” apart). Submissions should
neither be bound on the side nor commercially bound, as such items must be
disassembled to fit into the record of proceedings and might be inadvertently
damaged in the process. Submissions may be stapled in the top left corner. The
use of removable binder clips is unacceptable. The use of ACCO-type fasteners is
discouraged.
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(ix) Forms. – Forms should be completed in full and must comply with certain
requirements. See Chapter 12 (Forms). See also Appendix E (Forms).
(x) Photographs and odd-sized documents. – The Board recommends that
parties not submit original photographs or other original documents unless instructed
to do so. See subsection (d), below. If a party nonetheless wishes to submit a
photograph, the party should: print identifying information on the back of the
photograph, including the alien’s name and alien registration number (“A number”),
display the photograph on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper, and print the same
identifying information on the sheet of paper as well. The Board does not accept
photographs submitted on electronic media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, audio
cassette tapes, thumb drives, or other electronic medium). See subsection (c)
above.
The Board also discourages the submission of other odd-sized materials,
such as official certificates, and strongly advises that parties submit photocopies.
See Chapter 3.3(d)(iv) (Supporting documents). If a party nonetheless wishes to
submit an odd-sized document, the document should be prepared in the same way
17
as a photograph. The Board will not accept odd-sized materials submitted on
, 20
er 5
tob
electronic media. See subsection (c) above.
n Oc
(d) Originals and reproductions. –

339

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ao a

4-70

o. 1
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ived

o

o
(i) Notices of Appeal. – The original Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must
essi
v. S
always bear the artinez
original signature of the person filing the appeal or that person’s
in M
representative. See Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures). A copy of a signed original is
ited
c
acceptable, provided that the signed original is available to the Board upon request.
See Chapter 3.1(a) (Filing).

(ii) Motions. – The original of a motion must always bear an original
signature. See Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures). A copy of a signed original is
acceptable, provided that the signed original is available to the Board upon request.
However, a Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) may not be used to file a motion.
(iii) Forms. – The original of a form must always bear a signature.
Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures), 12.3 (Submitting Completed Forms).

See

(iv) Supporting documents. – The Board strongly recommends that parties
submit copies of supporting documents, not originals, unless instructed otherwise.
The Board does not accept electronic media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, audio
cassette tapes, thumb drives, or other electronic medium) in place of original
supporting documents. See Chapter 3.3(c) (Format). Parties should retain original
documents in the event that an Immigration Judge or the Board requests them at a

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Chapter 3

later date. The Board does not as a practice return original documents, nor can the
Board ensure the return of any original documents submitted to it.
All reproductions should be clear, legible, and made on standard-sized paper.
See Chapter 3.3(c)(iv) (Paper size and quality). Photographs, illustrations, and
tables may be reproduced by any method that results in a good copy of the original,
but not by electronic media. See Chapter 3.3(c) (Format). The Board prefers that all
documents, unless voluminous, be one-sided.
Parties wishing to submit original photographs, certificates, or other odd-sized
documents should consult Chapter 3.3(c)(x) (Photographs and odd-sized
documents).
(e) Source materials. – When a party relies on a source of law that is not readily
and publicly available free of charge, a copy of that source of law must be provided to the
Board and the other party. When a party relies upon any supporting document, a copy of
that document must be provided to the Board and the other party.
(i) Source of law. – When a party relies on a source of law1that is not readily
0 7
5, 2
erattached to the brief.
available, that source of law should be reproduced Octob
in or
n
ed o
Similarly, if citation is made to governmental memoranda, legal opinions, advisory
chiv
o ar
opinions, communiques, or other ancillary 9legal authority or source, copies of such
3 a
03
14 7
items should be provided by the ,citing -party, along with the brief.
No.
.S
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(ii) Sourcertof factual information. – Photocopied secondary source material
in
Ma
d in of an appeal or motion must be clearly marked and have identifying
filed in support
cite
information, including the precise title, date, and page of the material being provided.
The Board strongly encourages the submission of title pages containing identifying
information for the published matter (e.g., author, year of publication). Identifying
information should appear on the document itself and not just in a list of exhibits or
table of contents. Any copy of the State Department Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices must indicate the year of that particular report.
Regarding the propriety of submitting evidence, see Chapter 4.8 (Evidence
on Appeal).
(iii) Highlighting. – When a party submits voluminous secondary source
material, that party should highlight or otherwise indicate the pertinent passages of
that secondary source material.
(f) Federal court remands. –
(i) Circuit court or district court orders. – When a federal court orders
further action in a case before the Board, the parties are asked to provide a copy of
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Board of Immigration Appeals

the federal court order to the Board. Parties should not assume federal court orders
are provided by the federal court to the Board.
(ii) Copies of certified record. – When a decision of the Board is reviewed
by a federal court, the Board provides that court with a certified copy of the record
before the Board. Copies of a certified record do not need to be included with
submissions to the Board.
(iii) Documents filed with federal court. – Proceedings before a federal
court are separate from proceedings before the Board. Documents submitted by
parties to the federal court are not part of the record before the Board and may need
to be submitted directly to the Board. However, parties should wait to submit such
documents until the Board confirms that it has received the federal court’s order.
See 4.2(j) (Federal court remands).
Also, parties must meet all other filing
requirements covered in this chapter.
(g) Criminal conviction documents. – Documents regarding criminal convictions
must comport with the requirements set forth in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.41.
3.4

Filing Fees

ao

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, 20

17

(a) When required. – A filing fee. 14-70 be submitted together with an appeal or
must
No
ons,
motion in the following instances:essi
.S

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tin
Mar

o ited in
any appeal filed with the Board (except an appeal of a custody
c
bond determination)
o

a motion to reopen (except a motion that is based exclusively
on a claim for asylum)

o

a motion to reconsider (except a motion that is based on an
underlying claim for asylum)

See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.2(g)(2)(i), 1003.3, 1003.8, 1103.7. For purposes of determining filing
fee requirements, the term “asylum” here includes withholding of removal, withholding of
deportation, and claims under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
If the filing party is unable to pay the fee, he or she should request that the fee be
waived. See subsection (c), below.
Filing fees should not be confused with application fees. See subsection (i), below.

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Chapter 3

(b) When not required. – A filing fee is not required in the following instances:
o

a custody bond appeal

o

a motion to reopen that is based exclusively on a claim for
asylum

o

a motion to reconsider that is based on an underlying claim for
asylum

o

a motion filed while an appeal, a motion to reopen, or a motion
to reconsider is already pending before the Board

o

a motion requesting only a stay of removal, deportation, or
exclusion

o

a motion to recalendar

o

any appeal or motion filed by DHS

o

O
a motion that is agreed upon by all parties and is jointly filed (a
d on
hive
rc
“joint motion”)
ao a
339

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. 14
, No filed under
an appeal or sions
motion
es
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that does .not require a filing fee
tinez
Mar
d in
e

, 20

17

a law, regulation, or directive

it
See 8 C.F.R. §§ c1003.2(g)(2)(i), 1003.3, 1003.8, 1103.7. For purposes of determining filing
fee requirements, the term “asylum” here includes withholding of removal, withholding of
deportation, and claims under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

(c) When waived. – When an appeal or motion normally requires a filing fee, the
Board has the discretion to waive that fee upon a showing of economic hardship or
incapacity.
Fee waivers are not automatic but must be requested through the filing of a Fee
Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A). The Fee Waiver Request form must be filed along with
the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) or the motion. The form requests information about
monthly income and expenses and requires the applicant to declare, under penalty of
perjury, that he or she is unable to pay the fee due to personal economic hardship.
Fees are not reimbursed merely because the appeal is sustained, the motion is
granted, or a party withdraws the appeal or motion.

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(d) Amount of payment. – The filing fee, in all cases in which a fee is required, is
$110 and must be paid in the precise amount. If a fee is required, but is paid in any other
amount other than $110, the filing will be rejected. See Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of
“rejected”).
(e) Number of payments for a consolidated proceeding. – Only one fee should
be paid in a consolidated proceeding. See Chapter 4.10(a) (Consolidated appeals). For
example, if family members appeared in consolidated proceeding before an Immigration
Judge, they need file only one appeal and pay only one filing fee on appeal.
If the proceedings were not consolidated below by an Immigration Judge, a separate
filing fee is required for each family member. For example, if spouses filed separate claims
for relief and those claims were ruled upon separately by an Immigration Judge, their
appeals would have to be filed separately, with a separate fee for each.
(f) Form of payment. – When a filing fee is required for an appeal or motion, the fee
must be paid by check or money order in U.S. dollars and be drawn from a bank or
institution that is located within the United States. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.8(a). Checks and
money orders are to be made payable to the “United States Department 2of17
0 Justice.”
5,
er
ctob
on O alien
named and
ive
arch

Fee payment should always bear the full
registration number
ao
(“A number”) of the alien or, in the case of a consolidated proceeding, the lead alien. Fee
339
4-70
payments in fine cases should bear the, assigned case number.
o. 1
N
.S
ez v

ns

o
essi

The Board does notnaccept cash, credit cards, or any form of electronic payment.
arti
cited

in M

(g) Defective or missing payment. – If a filing fee is required for an appeal or
motion but is not submitted, the filing will be rejected. See Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of
“rejected”). If a fee payment is not in the correct amount of $110, the filing will be rejected.
If a fee payment is uncollectible (for example, a check “bounces”), the appeal or motion will
be dismissed or denied as improperly filed.
(h) Attaching the fee. – For appeals filed with the Board, any filing fee payment
should be stapled to the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26 or Form EOIR-45) as indicated on
the form. For motions, any fee payment should be stapled to the cover sheet.
(i) Application fees. – The Board does not collect fees for underlying applications
for relief (e.g., adjustment of status, cancellation of removal). Application fees should be
paid to DHS or other agency in accordance with the instructions on the application form.
The fee structure for applications for relief and other immigration benefits is set forth in the
regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 1103.7.
When a motion before the Board is based upon newly available eligibility for relief,
payment of the fee for the underlying application is not a prerequisite to filing the motion.
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Chapter 3

Jurisdiction over an application for new relief lies with the Immigration Courts, and thus the
application fee need not be paid unless and until the application comes before an
Immigration Judge.
3.5

Briefs

The requirements for briefs are discussed elsewhere in this manual.
Chapters 4.6 (Appeal Briefs), 5.4 (Motion Briefs).
3.6

See

Expedite Requests

Parties seeking urgent Board action should follow the procedures set forth in
Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite Requests).

033

in
cited

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Chapter 4

4 Appeals of Immigration Judge Decisions
4.1

Types of Appeals

The Board entertains appeals from the decisions of Immigration Judges and certain
decisions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
See Chapter 1.4(a)
(Jurisdiction). Unless otherwise indicated, this chapter is limited to appeals from the
decisions of Immigration Judges pertaining to the removal, deportation, or exclusion of
aliens.
Other kinds of appeals are discussed in the following chapters:
Chapter 7
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
4.2

Bond
Visa Petitions
Fines
Discipline

Process

ive
arch

d on

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r5
tobe

, 20

17

(a) Immigration Judge decision. – An Immigration Judge presides over courtroom
9ao
033
14-7 and other proceedings. See Chapter 1.2(c)
proceedings in removal, deportation, exclusion,
o.
ns, N
(Relationship to the ImmigrationSCourts). The parties in such proceedings are the alien and
ssio
. e
ez v
DHS. See Chapter 1.2(d)ti(Relationship to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)).
ar n
cited

in M

(i) Oral vs. written. – The decision of an Immigration Judge may be rendered
either orally or in writing. When a decision is rendered orally, the Immigration Judge
recites the entire decision in the parties’ presence and provides them with a written
memorandum order summarizing the oral decision. When a decision is rendered in
writing, the decision is served on the parties by first class mail or by personal
service. See 8 C.F.R § 1003.37.
(ii) Appeal to the Board vs. motion before the Immigration Judge. – After
the Immigration Judge renders a decision, a party may either file an appeal with the
Board or file a motion with the Immigration Judge. Once a party files an appeal with
the Board, jurisdiction is vested with the Board, and the Immigration Judge is
divested of jurisdiction over the case. Accordingly, once an appeal has been filed
with the Board, an Immigration Judge may no longer entertain a motion to reopen or
a motion to reconsider. For that reason, if a party first files a motion with the
Immigration Judge and then files an appeal with the Board, the Immigration Judge
loses jurisdiction over the motion, and the record of proceedings is transferred to the
Board for consideration of the appeal.

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(iii) Certification vs. appeal. – Certification to the Board is entirely separate
and distinct from the filing of an appeal, and the two should not be confused. See
Chapter 4.18 (Certification by an Immigration Judge).
(b) Filing. – If an appeal is taken from the decision of an Immigration Judge, it must
be filed properly and within the time allowed. See Chapters 3 (Filing with the Board), 4.5
(Appeal Deadlines). An appeal of an Immigration Judge decision must be filed directly with
the Board, using the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26). 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a). See
Chapter 3.1 (Delivery and Receipt). The appeal may not be filed with DHS or an
Immigration Court. Erroneous filing of an appeal with DHS or an Immigration Court does
not constitute filing with the Board and will not excuse the filing party from the appeal
deadline.
If an appeal is received by the Board but has not been properly filed (for example,
the filing fee is missing or Proof of Service has not been completed), the appeal may be
rejected. See Chapter 3.1(c) (Defective filings); Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of “rejected”).
Rejection does not extend the filing deadline. Instead, it can result in an untimely filing and,
ultimately, dismissal of the appeal. See Chapter 4.5(b) (Extensions).
17
, 20
er 5 of removal
b
or stay
Octo

(c) Stays. – An alien may seek a stay of deportation
while an
n
ed o
appeal is pending before the Board. Stays are rchiv
automatic in some instances, but
a
discretionary in others. Stays are discussed in 0339ao 6 (Stays and Expedite Requests).
Chapter
7

14No.
ons,
(d) Processing. – Once Sessappeal is properly filed, a written receipt is sent to both
an i
v.
nez
the alien and DHS. MThe Board will then obtain the record of proceedings from the
arti
Immigration Court. d in appropriate cases, a briefing schedule is provided to both sides.
ite In
c

Also, in appropriate cases, a transcript is prepared, and copies are sent to the parties along
with the briefing schedule. See subsections (e), (f) below.

(e) Briefing schedule. – When a Notice of Appeal is filed, a receipt is issued to
acknowledge receipt of the appeal. A briefing schedule is then issued in which the parties
are notified of the deadlines for filing a brief. See Chapter 4.7 (Briefing Deadlines). The
briefs must arrive at the Board by the dates set in the briefing schedule. See Chapter 3.1
(Delivery and Receipt). In the event that a briefing extension is requested and granted, a
briefing extension notice is issued. See Chapter 4.7(c) (Extensions).
For federal court remands, the Board determines whether a brief is required. If a
briefing schedule is set, the parties are notified of the deadlines for filing, and the briefs
must arrive at the Board by the set dates. See Chapters 3.1 (Delivery and Receipt), 4.7
(Briefing Deadlines).
(f) Transcription. – The Board transcribes Immigration Court proceedings in
appropriate cases.

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Chapter 4

(i) Preparation of transcripts. – The Board transcribes proceedings, where
appropriate, after receiving a properly filed appeal from the decision of an
Immigration Judge. Where a transcript is prepared, the transcript is sent to both
parties along with the briefing schedule via regular mail. The Board does not
entertain requests to send transcripts by overnight delivery or other means.
(ii) Requests for transcripts. - Transcripts are not normally prepared for the
following types of appeals: bond determinations; denials of motions to reopen
(including motions to reopen in absentia proceedings); denials of motions to
reconsider; and interlocutory appeals.
Proceedings of these types may in some instances be transcribed at the
discretion of the Board. If a party desires a transcript for any of these types of
proceedings, he or she should send correspondence with a cover page labeled
“REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPTION.” See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). That
correspondence should briefly state the reasons for the request. However, a request
for transcription does not affect the briefing schedule. Parties are still required to
meet briefing deadlines.

17
, 20
er 5
Digitally recorded hearings may be listened to at OctobBoard or an Immigration
the
n
ed o Immigration Court to make
Court.
Contact the Clerk’s Office or the rclocal
hiv
oa
arrangements to listen to the digitally recorded hearings.
39a
-703
. 14
, No
s
Hearings recorded essiocassette tapes can be listened to only where the tapes
on n
v. S
are stored. Contactez Clerk’s Office or the local Immigration Court to determine
tin the
Mar
d in
where the ite
c cassette recordings are located and available for listening. Arrangements

for parties to listen to cassette tapes

For more information on digitally or cassette recorded hearings, parties
should consult the Immigration Court Practice Manual, which is available on the
EOIR website.
(iii) Defects in the transcript. – Obvious defects in the transcript (e.g.,
photocopying errors, large gaps in the recorded record) should be brought to the
immediate attention of the Clerk’s Office. Such requests should be filed separately
under a cover page titled “REQUEST FOR CORRECTION OF TRANSCRIPT.” See
Appendix B (Directory), Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). The Board, in its
discretion, may remedy the defect where appropriate and feasible.
Defects do not excuse the parties from existing briefing deadlines. Those
deadlines remain in effect until the parties are notified otherwise. See Chapter 4.7(c)
(Extensions).

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Where the Board does not or cannot remedy the purported defect in the
transcript, and the party believes that defect to be significant to the party’s argument
or the adjudication of the appeal, the party should identify the defect and argue its
significance with specificity in the appeal brief. The Board recommends that the brief
be supported by a sworn, detailed statement. The Board will consider any
allegations of transcript error in the course of adjudicating the appeal.
(iv) Corrected oral decisions. – When an Immigration Judge issues an oral
decision, the Immigration Judge reviews the transcription of the oral decision and
may make minor, clerical corrections to the decision. These corrected decisions are
returned to the Board and served on the parties. If a party believes the corrections
are significant to the party’s argument or the adjudication of the appeal, the party
should identify the correction and its significance with specificity in the appeal brief.
Corrections do not excuse the parties from existing briefing deadlines. If the
corrected decision is served after the briefing schedule has expired, the parties
should file a “Motion to Accept Supplemental Brief.”
See Chapter 4.6(g)
(Supplemental Briefs).
017
(v) Stipulated record of proceedings. – Whether or, 2not a transcript is
er 5
available, the alien and DHS may prepare and sign a n Octob
stipulation regarding the facts
o
of events that transpired below. The parties mayived correct errors or omissions in
h also
c
o ar
39a
the record by stipulation.
703
-

14
No.
ons, occasionally grants oral argument at the request
ssi
(g) Oral argument. – TheeBoard
v. S
nezcases, parties present their case orally to a panel of three
one of the parties. InMarti
such
in
more Board Members in a courtroom setting. See Chapter 8 (Oral Argument).
ited
c

of
or

(h) Record on appeal. – The actual contents of the record on appeal vary from case
to case, but generally include the following items: charging documents; hearing notices;
notices of appearance; applications for relief and any accompanying documents; court-filed
papers and exhibits; transcript of proceedings and oral decision of the Immigration Judge, if
prepared; written memorandum order or decision of the Immigration Judge; Notice of
Appeal; briefing schedules; briefs; motions; correspondence; and any prior decisions by the
Board.
(i) Decision. – Upon entry of a decision, the Board serves its decision upon the
parties. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board decisions). The decision is sent by regular mail to the
parties.

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4.3

Chapter 4

Parties
(a) Parties to an appeal. –
(i) The alien. – Only an alien who was the subject of an Immigration Court
proceeding, or the alien’s representative, may file an appeal. The Notice of Appeal
(Form EOIR-26) must identify the names and alien registration numbers
(”A numbers”) of every person included in the appeal. The appeal is limited to those
persons identified. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(1). Thus, families should take special care
– in each and every filing – to identify by name and alien registration number
(“A number”) every family member included in the appeal. See Chapters 4.4(b)(iii)
(How many to file), 4.10 (Combining and Separating Appeals).
(ii) DHS. – DHS is deemed a party to the Immigration Court proceeding. See
Chapter 1.2(d) (Relationship to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)). Thus,
DHS is entitled to appeal an Immigration Judge decision and is deemed a party for
any appeal filed by the alien. An appeal filed by DHS must also identify the names
and alien registration numbers of every person from whose proceeding DHS is filing
that appeal.
017
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(iii) Other persons or entities. – No chived person or entity may file an
other
r
ao a
appeal of an Immigration Judge decision.339
-70
. 14
, No
o s
(b) Parties who have waivednappeal. –
essi
v. S
tinez
Mar
(i) cEffect of appeal waiver. – If the opportunity to appeal is knowingly and
d in
ite

intelligently waived, the decision of the Immigration Judge becomes final. See
8 C.F.R. § 1003.39. If a party waives appeal at the conclusion of proceedings
before the Immigration Judge, that party generally may not file an appeal thereafter.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(1); Matter of Shih, 20 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 1993). See also
8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(G).
(ii) Challenging a waiver of appeal. – Generally, a party who waives appeal
cannot retract, withdraw, or otherwise undo that waiver. If a party wishes to
challenge the validity of his or her waiver of appeal, the party may do so in one of
two ways: either in a timely motion filed with the Immigration Judge that explains
why the appeal waiver was not valid, or in an appeal filed directly with the Board that
explains why the appeal waiver was not valid. Matter of Patino, 23 I&N Dec. 74 (BIA
2001). Once an appeal is filed, jurisdiction vests with the Board, and the motion can
no longer be ruled upon by the Immigration Judge. See Chapter 4.2(a)(ii) (Appeal to
the Board vs. motion before the Immigration Judge).
(c) Representation. – A party to an appeal may appear without representation (“pro
se”) or with representation. See Chapter 2 (Appearances before the Board). If a party
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wishes to be represented, he or she may be represented by an individual authorized to
provide representation under the regulations. See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1. See also Chapter 2
(Appearances before the Board). Whenever a party is represented, the party should submit
all filings, documents, and communications to the Board through his or her representative.
See Chapter 2.1(d) (Filings and communications).
(d) Persons not party to the appeal. – Only a party to an appeal, or a party’s
representative, may file an appeal, motion, or document or send correspondence regarding
that appeal. Family members, employers, and other third parties may not submit appeals,
filings, or supporting documents and material. Filings received from third parties will be
returned to the sender where possible.
If anyone who is not a party to the appeal wishes to make a submission to the Board
regarding a particular case, that person or entity should make the submission through one
of the parties. Third parties who wish to appear as amicus curiae should consult
Chapter 2.10 (Amicus Curiae).
4.4

Filing an Appeal

r5
tobe

Oc

, 20

17

(a) Rules for filing. – An appeal must be filed inived on
accordance with the general rules
rch
for filing. See Chapter 3.1 (Delivery and Receipt).9ao a the order in which documents should
For
033
be filed, see Chapter 3.3(c)(i)(A) (Appeals). 14-7
o.
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ns,

o
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v. S

(b) Notice of Appeal. – For any appeal of an Immigration Judge decision, a
tinez
Mar
completed and executed Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be timely filed with the
d in
cite
Board. See Chapter 4.5 (Appeal Deadlines). See also 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(1). Parties
must read carefully and comply with the instructions on the Notice of Appeal (Form
EOIR-26).
(i) When to file. – See Chapter 4.5 (Appeal Deadlines).
(ii) Where to file. – For appeals of Immigration Judge decisions, the Notice of
Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be filed with the Board. It may not be filed with DHS or
an Immigration Court. Filing an appeal of an Immigration Judge decision with DHS
or an Immigration Court will not be accepted as proper filing with the Board. See
Chapter 1.6(d) (Mail and other forms of delivery).
(iii) How many to file. – A single Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be
filed for each alien who is appealing the decision of an Immigration Judge, unless
the appeal is from proceedings that were consolidated by the Immigration Judge.
See Chapters 4.3(a) (Parties to an appeal), 4.10(a) (Consolidated appeals). Only
the original Notice of Appeal must be filed. Additional copies of the Notice of Appeal
need not be submitted.
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(iv) Completing the Notice of Appeal. – For appeals of Immigration Judge
decisions, the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) contains instructions on how to
complete the form. Parties should be careful to complete the form accurately and
completely.
(A) A numbers. – The alien registration number (”A number”) of every
person included in the appeal should appear on the form.
(B) Important data. – The party appealing should make sure the form
is completed in full, including the parts of the form that request the date of the
Immigration Judge’s oral decision or written order, and the type of proceeding
(removal, deportation, exclusion, asylum, bond, denial of a motion to reopen
by an Immigration Judge, or denial of a motion to reconsider by an
Immigration Judge).
(C) Brief in support of the appeal. – The appealing party must
indicate on the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) whether or not a brief will be
filed in support of the appeal. If a party indicates that a brief will be filed and
thereafter fails to file a brief, the appeal may be summarily 7dismissed. See
201
r 5,
tobe
Chapters 4.7(e) (Decision not to file a brief), 4.16 (Summary Dismissal). The
c
on O
Board strongly encourages the filing of hbriefs. See Chapter 4.6 (Appeal
ived
c
o ar
Briefs).
39a
703

14No.
ons,the appeal. – Space is provided on the Notice of
(D) Groundsssfor
e i
v. S
nez
Appeal for ra concise statement to identify the grounds for the appeal. The
a ti
in M
statement of appeal is not limited to the space on the form but may be
ited
c

continued on additional sheets of paper. Any additional sheets, however,
should be attached to the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) and labeled with
the name and alien registration number (”A number”) of everyone included in
the appeal.

Parties are advised that vague generalities, generic recitations of the
law, and general assertions of Immigration Judge error are unlikely to apprise
the Board of the reasons for appeal.
(E) Summary dismissal. – If neither the Notice of Appeal (Form
EOIR-26) nor the documents filed with it adequately identify the basis for the
appeal, the appeal may be summarily dismissed. See Chapter 4.16(b)
(Failure to specify grounds for appeal). If a party indicates on the Notice of
Appeal that a brief will be filed in support of the appeal and thereafter fails to
file a brief, the appeal may be summarily dismissed. See Chapter 4.7(e)
(Decision not to file a brief). There are other grounds for summary dismissal.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2). See also Chapter 4.16 (Summary Dismissal).

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(v) Mistakes to avoid. –
(A) Mixing unrelated appeals. – Parties and representatives should
not “mix” unrelated appeals on one Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26). Each
Immigration Judge decision must be appealed separately. For example, one
Notice of Appeal should not combine the appeal of a bond determination and
the appeal of an Immigration Judge decision regarding eligibility for relief.
See Chapter 7.3(a)(i) (Separate Notice of Appeal). The appealing party
should attach a copy of the decision being appealed to the Notice of Appeal.
(B) Using the Notice of Appeal for motions. – A Notice of Appeal
(Form EOIR-26) may not be used to file a motion with the Board. See
Chapter 5 (Motions before the Board).
(C) Using the Notice of Appeal to appeal to a federal court. – A
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) may not be used to challenge a decision
made by the Board. In this instance, the proper filing is a motion to
reconsider with the Board or an action in the appropriate United States district
or circuit court.
017
5, 2

er
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on O
e
(c) Proof of Service. – The Certificate of Service dportion of the Notice of Appeal
rchiv
ao a
(Form EOIR-26) must be completed. See Chapter 3.2(d) (Proof of Service).
339
4-70
o. 1
,N
(d) Fee or fee waiver. –STheons
essi appeal must be accompanied by the appropriate filing
.
fee or a completed Feetinez v
Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A). 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.3(a)(1),
Mar
i
1003.8. See Chaptern3.4 (Filing Fees).
cited

(e) Notice of Appearance. – If a party is represented, a Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form
EOIR-27) must accompany the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26). See Chapter 4.3(c)
(Representation). Registered representatives must submit a paper copy of the Form
EOIR-27 with the Notice of Appeal. An electronically filed Form EOIR-27 may be submitted
after the Board receives the Notice of Appeal. If the electronic submission of the Form
EOIR-27 precedes the receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the electronic submission may be
rejected.
(f) Copy of order. – Parties are encouraged to include a copy of either the
memorandum order of the oral decision or the written decision being appealed.
(g) Confirmation of receipt. – The Board routinely issues receipts for Notices of
Appeal (Form EOIR-26). The Board does not provide receipts for appellate briefs or
supplemental filings. See Chapter 3.1(d) (Filing receipts).

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4.5

Chapter 4

Appeal Deadlines

(a) Due date. – A Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be filed no later than 30
calendar days after the Immigration Judge renders an oral decision or mails a written
decision. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.38(b).
The 30-day period is computed as described in Chapter 3.1(b)(ii) (Computation of
time). The Board does not follow the “mailbox rule” but calculates deadlines according to
the time of receipt at the Clerk’s Office. See Chapter 3.1 (Delivery and Receipt). The
30-day deadline and method of computation applies to all parties, including persons
detained by DHS or other federal or state authorities.
(b) Extensions. – The regulations set strict deadlines for the filing of an appeal, and
the Board does not have the authority to extend the time in which to file a Notice of Appeal
(Form EOIR-26). See 8 C.F.R § 1003.38(b).
(c) Detained persons. – Detained persons are subject to the same 30-day appeal
deadline. All appeals, regardless of origin, must be received by the Board in the time
allotted. An appeal is not timely filed simply because it is deposited in the 17
0 detention facility’s
5, 2
internal mail system or is given to facility staff to mail prior to the ctober
deadline.
O
4.6

Appeal Briefs

339

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4-70

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ived

on

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appeal brief must
ez
artin

(a) Filing. – An
comply with the general requirements for filing.
M
See Chapter 3.1 (Delivery and Receipt). The appeal brief must be timely. See Chapter 4.7
d in
cite
(Briefing Deadlines). It should have a cover page. See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
The briefing notice from the Board should be stapled on top of the cover page or otherwise
attached to the brief in accordance with the instructions on the briefing notice. The brief
must be served on the other party. See Chapter 3.2(d) (Proof of Service). There is no fee
for filing a brief.
(i) Appeals from Immigration Judge decisions. – For appeals from
Immigration Judge decisions, the appeal brief must be filed directly with the Board.
8 C.F.R § 1003.3(c)(1).
(ii) Appeals from Department of Homeland Security decisions. – For
appeals from decisions of the Department of Homeland Security, the brief should be
filed with DHS, not the Board, and in accordance with the instructions on the appeal
form.
(b) Brief-writing guidelines. – A brief advises the Board of a party’s position and
arguments. A well-written brief is in any party’s best interest and is therefore of great

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importance to the Board. The brief should be clear, concise, well-organized, and should
cite the record and legal authorities fully, fairly, and accurately.
Briefs should always recite those facts which are appropriate and germane to the
adjudication of the appeal, and should cite proper legal authority, where such authority is
available. See Chapter 4.6(d) (Citation). Briefs should not belabor facts or law that are not
in dispute. Parties are encouraged to expressly identify in their briefs when they agree with
the Immigration Judge’s recitation of facts or law.
There are no limits on the number of pages in an appeal brief. Parties are
encouraged, however, to limit the body of their briefs to 25 pages, provided that such length
can adequately dispose of the issues in the case. Briefs should always be paginated.
(c) Format. – Briefs should comport with the requirements set out in Chapter 3.3
(Documents).
(i) Signature. – Briefs should be signed by the person who prepared the
brief. See Chapter 3.3(b) (Signatures). If prepared by a registered attorney or
accredited representative, the EOIR ID number should also, 2017 provided. See
be
r5
Chapter 2.1(b)(ii) (Registry requirement).
tobe
Oc

on
ived
arch
ao
(ii) A number. – The alien registration number (“A number”) of each alien
339
4-70
1the brief and on the bottom right corner of each
should appear on the cover page of
o.
ns, N
page thereafter.
ssio
. Se
ez v
artin
in M
If an dalien has more than one alien registration number assigned to him or
cite

her, then every alien registration number should appear on the cover page of the
brief.

If a brief is filed in a consolidated appeal and a comprehensive listing of alien
registration numbers is impractical on every page, the first page of the brief should
contain the name and alien registration number of every alien included in the appeal.
The alien registration number of the lead alien, followed by “et al.”, should appear as
a footer on the bottom right corner of each page thereafter. See Chapter 4.10(a)
(Consolidated appeals).
Unrelated proceedings should not be addressed in the same brief, unless
proceedings have been consolidated by the Immigration Judge or the Board. If
proceedings have been consolidated, this should be stated in the introductory
portion of the brief. If proceedings have not been consolidated, a separate brief
should be filed for each individual case. If a party wishes unrelated appeals to be
considered together (but not consolidated), this may be requested in the introductory
portion of the brief. See Chapter 4.10 (Combining and Separating Appeals).

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(iii) Caption. – Parties should use captions and cover pages in all filings.
See Chapter 3.3(c)(vi) (Cover page and caption), Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
(iv) Recommended contents. – The following items should be included in
the brief:
o

a concise statement of facts and procedural history of the case

o

a statement of issues presented for review

o

the standard of review

o

a summary of the argument

o

the argument

o

a short conclusion stating the precise relief or remedy sought

(v) References to parties. – To avoid confusion, use of7 “appellant” and
01
“appellee” is discouraged. When litigation titles are desired2 or necessary, the
r 5,
tobe
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following guidelines should be followed:
ed o
9a
033

o

o ar

chiv

removal proceedings: 1the alien is referred to as “respondent”
-7
. 4

o
cit

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deportation e proceedings:
ez v
artin
M
“respondent”
ed in

the alien is referred to as

o

exclusion proceedings: the alien is referred to as “applicant”

o

bond proceedings: the alien is referred to as “respondent”

o

visa petition proceedings: the sponsoring individual or entity is
referred to as “petitioner” and the alien being petitioned for is
referred to as “beneficiary”

o

all proceedings: the Immigration Judge should be referred to
as “the Immigration Judge”

o

all proceedings: the Department of Homeland Security should
be referred to as “DHS” or “Department of Homeland Security”

Care must be taken not to confuse DHS with the Immigration Court or the
Immigration Judge. See Chapter 1.4(f) (Department of Homeland Security).

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Complete names, titles, agency designations, or descriptive terms are
preferred when referring to third parties.
(vi) Statement of facts. – A brief’s statement of facts should be concise. If
facts are not in dispute, the brief should simply and expressly adopt the facts as set
forth in the decision of the Immigration Judge. If facts are in dispute or, in the party’s
estimation, are insufficiently developed in the decision of the Immigration Judge, the
party’s brief should set out the facts clearly and expressly identify the points of
contention.
Facts, like case law, require citations. Parties should support factual
assertions by citation to the record. When referring to the record, parties should
follow Chapter 4.6(d) (Citation). Sweeping assertions of fact that are made without
citation to their location in the record are not helpful. Likewise, facts that were not
established on the record may not be introduced for the first time on appeal. Matter
of Fedorenko, 19 I&N Dec. 57 (BIA 1984).
The Board admonishes all parties: Do not misstate or misrepresent the facts,
or omit unfavorable facts that are relevant to the adjudication of ,the 7
201 appeal. A brief’s
r5
to e
accuracy and integrity are paramount to the persuasivenessbof the argument and the
Oc
d on
proper adjudication of the appeal.
hive
rc
39a

03
14-7

oa

(vii) Footnotes. – Substantive arguments should be restricted to the text of
o.
s, N
the brief. Excessive use Sesfootnotes is discouraged.
of sion
.
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v

(viii) d
cite Headings and other markers. – The brief should employ headings,
subheadings, and spacing to make the brief more readable. Short paragraphs with
topic sentences and proper headings facilitate the coherence and cohesion of an
argument.
(ix) Chronologies. – A brief should contain a chronology of the facts,
especially in those instances where the facts are complicated or involve several
events. Chart or similar graphic representations that chronicle events are welcome.
(x) Multiple briefs. – The Board prefers that arguments in an appeal brief not
incorporate by cross-reference arguments that have been made elsewhere, such as
in a pretrial brief or motion brief. Whenever possible, arguments should be
contained in full in the appeal brief.
(d) Citation. – Parties are expected to provide complete and clear citation to all
authorities, factual or legal. The Board asks all parties to comply with the citation
conventions articulated here and in Appendix J (Citation Guidelines).

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(i) Board decisions (precedent). – In the past, the Board issued precedent
decisions in slip opinion or “Interim Decision” form. See Chapter 1.4(d)(i)(C) (Interim
Decisions). Citations to the Interim Decisions form are now greatly disfavored.
Precedent Board decisions are published in an “I&N Dec.” form. See Chapter
1.4(d) (Board decisions).
Citations to Board decisions should be made in
accordance with their publication in Administrative Decisions Under Immigration &
Nationality Laws of the United States. The proper citation form includes the volume
number, the reporter abbreviation (“I&N Dec.”), the first page of the decision, the
name of the adjudicator (BIA, A.G., etc.), and the year of the decision. Example:
Matter of Gomez-Giraldo, 20 I&N Dec. 957 (BIA 1995).
All precedent decisions should be cited as “Matter of.” The use of “In re” is
not favored. Example: Matter of Yanez, 23 I&N Dec. 390 (BIA 2002), not In re
Yanez, 23 I&N Dec. 390 (BIA 2002).
Citations to a specific point in a precedent decision should include the precise
page number(s) on which the point appears. Example: Matter of Artigas, 23 I&N
Dec. 99, 100 (BIA 2001).
017
5, 2
er
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on O decision
precedent
ived
arch

Citations to a separate opinion in a
should include a
ao or concurrence. Example: Matter of
parenthetical identifying whether it is a dissent
39
703
Artigas, 23 I&N Dec. 99, 109-110No. 14-2001) (dissent).
(BIA
,
.S
ez v

ns

o
essi

(ii) Boardardecisions (non-precedent). – Citation to non-precedent Board
tin
M
d in not bound by the decision is discouraged. When it is necessary to
cases by cite
parties
refer to an unpublished decision, the reference should include the alien’s full name,
alien registration number, the adjudicator, and the decision date. Because the Board
uses “Matter of” as a signal for a published case, its use with unpublished cases is
discouraged. Example: Jane Smith, A012 345 678 (BIA July 1, 2009). A copy of
the decision should be provided whenever possible.
See Chapter 1.4(d)(ii)
(Unpublished decisions).
(iii) Attorney General (precedent). – When the Attorney General issues a
precedent decision, the decision is published in the Administrative Decisions Under
Immigration & Nationality Laws of the United States. Attorney General precedent
decisions should be cited in accordance with the same rules set forth in
subsections (i) and (ii), above.
(iv) Department of Homeland Security (precedent). – Certain precedent
decisions of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as those of the former
Immigration and Naturalization Service, appear in the Administrative Decisions
Under Immigration & Nationality Laws of the United States. These decisions should
be cited in accordance with the same rules set forth in subsections (i) and (ii), above.
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(v) Federal and state court cases. – Federal and state court decisions
should be cited according to standard legal convention, as identified by the latest
edition of A Uniform System of Citation, commonly known as the “Blue Book.” If the
case being cited is unpublished, a copy of that case should be provided.
(vi) Statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities and
sources. – Statutes, rules, regulations, and other standard sources of law should be
cited according to standard legal convention, as identified by the latest edition of A
Uniform System of Citation, commonly known as the “Blue Book.” Sources of law or
information that are peculiar to immigration law (e.g., the Foreign Affairs Manual)
should be cited according to the convention of the immigration bar or cited in such a
way as to make the source clear and accessible to the reader. Where citation is
made to a source that is not readily available to the Board or the other party, a copy
should be attached to the brief. See Chapter 3.3(e) (Source materials).
(vii) Transcript of proceedings. – If an argument on appeal is based on an
error in fact, procedure, or conduct that is manifested in the transcript, the Notice of
Appeal or brief should provide citations to the transcript. Passages in the transcript
of proceedings should be cited according to page number: 5“Tr.17 _____.” Line
20 at
r ,
tobe
citations are welcome, but not necessary.
n Oc
rch
ao a

ived

o

Where a transcript is not prepared, the audio recording should be cited as
39
-703
“Hearing for” and include the, No. 14 name, the alien registration number (“A
alien’s
ions
number”), and the datev.and stime of the hearing. Example: “Hearing for John Smith,
Ses
A012 345 679, Martinez
February 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.” If a party obtains a compact disk
in
te
(“CD”) ofcia dhearing that was digitally recorded, the numbered tracks of the CD
should not be cited. Rather, the relevant portion of the recording should be quoted
in the citing party’s brief, identifying what portion of the hearing the quotation took
place (e.g., direct examination, cross-examination).
See Chapter 4.2(f)
(Transcription).
(viii) Decision of the Immigration Judge. –- If an argument on appeal is
based on an error in the Immigration Judge’s decision, the decision of the
Immigration Judge, whether rendered orally or in writing, should be cited as “I.J. at
_____.” If the reference is to a decision other than the decision being appealed, the
citation should indicate the nature of the proceeding and the date. Example: “I.J.
bond decision at 5 (Jan. 2, 2013).”
(ix) Text from briefs. – Text from the alien’s brief should be cited as
“Applicant’s brief at _____” or “Respondent’s brief at _____”, whichever is
appropriate. Text from the DHS brief should be cited as “DHS brief at _____.”
(x) Exhibits. – Exhibits designated during the hearing should be cited as they
were designated by the Immigration Judge. Example: “Exh. _____.” Exhibits
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accompanying an appeal, brief, or motion should identify the exhibit and what it is
attached to. Example: “Motion to Reopen Exh. 2.”
(xi) Certified record. – When a decision of the Board is reviewed by a
federal court, the Board provides that court with a certified copy of the record before
the Board. See Chapter 1.4(h). The Board does not cite to the certified record in
subsequent proceedings, and neither should the parties. Parties should instead
follow the citation conventions discussed in the subsections above.
(e) Consolidated briefs. – Where cases have been consolidated, one brief may be
submitted on behalf of all the aliens in the consolidated proceeding, provided that every
alien’s full name and alien registration number (“A number”) appear on the consolidated
brief. See generally Chapters 4.6(c)(ii) (A number), 4.10(a) (Consolidated appeals). A
consolidated brief may not be filed if the cases have not been consolidated by the Board or
an Immigration Judge.
(f) Response briefs. – When the appealing party files an appeal brief, the other
party may file a “response brief,” in accordance with the briefing schedule issued by the
Board. See Chapter 4.7 (Briefing Deadlines).
017
5, 2
er
ctob
on O may
other d
ive party
arch

If the appealing party fails to file a brief, the
nonetheless file one,
ao
provided it is filed in accordance with the briefing 39
schedule issued by the Board.
03
4-7

1
No.
ons,

(g) Supplemental briefs.e–sThe Board usually does not accept supplemental briefs
s i
v. S
filed outside the period granted in the briefing schedule, except as described below.
nez
arti
cited

in M

(i) New authorities. – Whenever a party discovers new authority subsequent
to filing of a brief in a particular case, the party should notify the Board of the new
authority through correspondence with a cover page entitled “STATEMENT OF NEW
LEGAL AUTHORITIES.”
See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
Such
correspondence must be served upon the other party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). It
must also be limited to the citation of new authorities and may not contain any legal
argument or discussion. Parties are admonished that the Board will not consider
any correspondence that appears in form or substance to be a supplemental brief.
(ii) New argument. – If a party discovers new authority and wishes to file a
supplemental brief, or in any way substitute for the original brief, the party should
submit the brief along with a “MOTION TO ACCEPT SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF” that
complies generally with the rules for motions, including service on the opposing
party. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion). The motion should set forth the reason or
reasons why the Board should permit the moving party to supplement the original
brief. (For example, if a motion to file a supplemental brief is based on a change in
the law, the moving party would identify that change and argue the significance of
the new authority to the appeal.)
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(h) Reply briefs. – The Board does not normally accept briefs outside the time set in
the briefing schedule, including any brief filed by the appealing party in reply to the
response brief of the opposing party. See subsection (f), above.
The Board may, in its discretion, consider an appealing party’s “reply brief” when the
following conditions are met: (i) the brief is accompanied by a “MOTION TO ACCCEPT
REPLY BRIEF,” (ii) the motion is premised upon and asserts surprise at the assertions of
the other party, (iii) the brief identifies and challenges the assertions of the other party, and
(iv) the motion and brief are filed with the Board within 21 days of the filing of the other
party’s brief. The brief should comply generally with the rules for motions. See Chapter 5.2
(Filing a Motion). If the appeal was filed by a detained alien, see Chapter 4.7 (a)(ii)
(Detained cases).
The Board will not suspend or delay adjudication of the appeal in anticipation of, or
in response to, the filing of a reply brief.
(i) Amicus curiae briefs. – Amicus curiae briefs are subject to the same rules as
parties’ briefs. See Chapter 4.6 (Appeal Briefs), 4.7 (Briefing Deadlines). The filing of
17
multiple coordinated briefs from different amici that raise similar 5points is disfavored.
, 20
er
to
Rather, prospective amici should submit a joint brief along withOtheb request to appear. See
n c
ed o Board may, at its discretion,
generally Chapter 2.10 (Amicus Curiae). In addition,hiv
c the
o ar
acknowledge helpful amicus curiae brief(s) and0contributors.
39a
7 3
4.7

s,
sion
Ses
.

4-

1
No.

Briefing Deadlinesnez v
arti
cited

in M

(a) Due Date. – In appropriate cases, the Board sets briefing schedules and informs
the parties of their respective deadlines for filing briefs. See Chapters 4.2 (Process). A
party may not file a brief beyond the deadline set in the briefing schedule, unless the brief is
filed with the appropriate motion. See Chapter 4.6(g) (Supplemental briefs), 4.6(h) (Reply
briefs), 4.7(d) (Untimely briefs).
(i) Non-detained cases. – When the alien is not detained, the parties are
generally granted 21 calendar days each, sequentially, to file their initial briefs. See
Chapter 3.1(b)(i) (Construction of “day”). The appealing party is provided 21 days
from the date of the briefing schedule notice to file an appeal brief, and the opposing
party will have an additional 21 days (marked from the date the appealing party’s
brief was due) in which to file a response brief. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(c)(1)
If both parties file an appeal (i.e. cross-appeals), then both parties are
granted the same 21-day period in which to file an appeal brief. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.3(c)(1). If either party wishes to reply to the appeal brief of the other, that
party should comply with the rules for reply briefs. See Chapter 4.6(h) (Reply briefs).

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(ii) Detained cases. – When an appeal is filed in the case of a detained alien,
the alien and DHS are both given the same 21 calendar days in which to file their
initial briefs. The Board will accept reply briefs filed by DHS or by the alien within 14
days after expiration of the briefing schedule. However, the Board will not suspend
or delay adjudication of the appeal in anticipation of, or in response to, the filing of a
reply brief. See Chapter 4.6(h) (Reply briefs).
(iii) Federal court remands. – If a briefing schedule is set, the parties are
both given the same 21 calendar days in which to file their initial briefs. If either
party wishes to reply to the appeal brief of the other, that party should comply with
the rules for reply briefs. See (Chapter 4.6(h) (Reply briefs). The Board, however,
will not suspend or delay adjudication of the appeal in anticipation of, or in response
to the filing of a reply brief.
(b) Processing. – If a brief arrives at the Board and is timely, the brief is added to
the record of proceedings and considered in the course of the adjudication of the appeal. If
a brief arrives at the Board and is untimely, the brief is rejected and returned to the sender.
See Chapter 3.1(c)(i) (Meaning of “rejected”). The Board may reject a brief as untimely at
017
any time prior to the final adjudication of the appeal.
5, 2
er

ctob

nO
ed o

The Board does not issue receipts for briefs. If rahparty wishes to confirm the Board’s
c iv
oa
receipt of a brief, the party should call the Automated Case Information Hotline for that
39a
-703
.1
information or, in the alternative, contactNthe4Clerk’s Office. See Chapter 1.6(b) (Telephone
, o
ons
calls), Appendix B (Directory), . Appendix I (Telephonic Information). If a party wishes to
essi
v S
ez
document the Board’sMreceipt of a brief, the party should either (i) save proof of delivery
artin
in
ddelivery confirmation or a return receipt from the U.S. Postal Service) or
(such as a courier’s
cite
(ii) request a conformed copy. See Chapter 3.1(d)(iii) (Conformed copies).
(c) Extensions. – The Board has the authority to set briefing deadlines and to
extend them. The filing of an extension request does not automatically extend the filing
deadline, nor can the filing party assume that a request will be granted. Until such time as
the Board affirmatively grants an extension request, the existing deadline stands.
(i) Policy. – In the interest of fairness and the efficient use of administrative
resources, extension requests are not favored. A briefing deadline must be met
unless the Board expressly extends it.
(A) Non-detained cases. – It is the Board’s policy to grant one
briefing extension per party, if requested in a timely fashion. When a briefing
extension is requested, the Board’s policy is to grant an additional 21 days to
file a brief regardless of the amount of time requested. The 21 days are
added to the original filing deadline. Extensions are not calculated from the
date the request was made or the date the briefing notice was received. It is

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also the Board’s policy not to grant second briefing extension requests.
Second requests are granted only in rare circumstances.
(B) Detained cases. – It is the Board’s policy to grant one briefing
extension per case, if requested in a timely fashion. When a briefing
extension is requested, the Board’s policy is to grant an additional 21 days to
file a brief regardless of the amount of time requested. The 21 days are
added to the original filing deadline and applies to both parties. Extensions
are not calculated from the date the request was made or the date the
briefing notice was received. It is also the Board’s policy not to grant second
briefing extension requests. Second requests are granted only in rare
circumstances.
(ii) Request deadline. – Extension requests must be received by the Board
by the brief’s original due date. Extension requests received after the due date will
not be granted.
The timely filing of an extension request does not relieve the requesting party
of the obligation to meet the filing deadline. Until the 5, 2017
extension request is
r
tobe
affirmatively granted by the Board, the original deadline remains in effect.
Oc
rch
ao a

ived

on

(iii) Duty to avoid delay. – All 0parties have an ethical obligation to avoid
339
4-7
delay. The Board’s deadlines are . designed to provide ample opportunity for filing,
o 1
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and a conscientious party ession be able to meet these deadlines.
S should
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v

(iv)itContents. – Extension requests should be labeled “BRIEFING
c ed
EXTENSION REQUEST” and be captioned accordingly. See Appendix F (Sample
Cover Page). An extension request should indicate clearly:
o

when the brief is due

o

the reason for requesting an extension

o

a representation that the party has exercised due diligence to
meet the current deadline

o

that the party will meet a revised deadline

o

Proof of Service upon the other party

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(d) Untimely briefs. – If a party wishes the Board to consider a brief despite its
untimeliness, the brief must be accompanied by a “MOTION TO ACCEPT LATE-FILED
BRIEF” and comply generally with the rules for motions. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion).
If the motion is filed without the brief, the motion will be rejected. See Chapter 3.1(c)(i)
(Meaning of “rejected”). Thus, the motion and the brief must be submitted together.
The Board has the discretion to consider a late-filed brief, but does so rarely. A
motion to accept late-filed brief must set forth in detail the reasons for the untimeliness, and
it should be supported by affidavits, declarations, or other evidence. If the motion is
granted, the motion and brief are incorporated into the record, and the brief is considered by
the Board. If the motion is denied, the motion is retained as part of the record, but the brief
is returned without consideration. In either case, the parties are notified of the Board’s
decision on the motion.
Parties may file a motion to accept a late-filed brief only once. Subsequent late-filed
brief motions will not be considered. Motions to reconsider denials of late-filed brief motions
will also not be considered.
(e) Decision not to file a brief. – If a party indicates on a Notice 7 Appeal (Form
201 of
r 5,
EOIR-26) that a brief will be filed but later decides not to file a Octobe that party should notify
brief,
n
the Board in writing before the date the brief is due. rchivedfiling should have a cover page
The o
a
9a
clearly labeled “BRIEFING WAIVER” and expressly o
033 indicate that the party will not be filing a
14-7
.
brief. See Appendix F (Sample Cover sPage).
, No
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essi

Failure to file Martbrief after an extension request has been granted is highly
a in
d in
disfavored. See cChapter 4.16 (Summary Dismissal).
ite
(f) Failure to file a brief. – When a party indicates on the Notice of Appeal (Form
EOIR-26) that he or she will file a brief and thereafter fails to file a brief and fails to explain
the failure to do so, the Board may summarily dismiss the appeal on that basis. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(E). See Chapter 4.16 (Summary Dismissal).
4.8

Evidence on Appeal

(a) Record evidence. – The Board considers only that evidence that was admitted
in the proceedings below.
(b) New evidence on appeal. – The Board does not consider new evidence on
appeal. If new evidence is submitted, that submission may be deemed a motion to remand
proceedings to the Immigration Judge for consideration of that evidence and treated
accordingly. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(iv). See Chapter 5.8 (Motions to Remand).

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(c) Administrative notice on appeal. – The Board may, at its discretion, take
administrative notice of commonly known facts not appearing in the record.
8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3)(iv). For example, the Board may take administrative notice of
current events and contents of official documents, such as country condition reports
prepared by the U.S. Department of State.
(d) Representations of counsel. – Representations made by counsel in a brief or
motion are not evidence. Matter of Ramirez-Sanchez, 17 I&N Dec. 503 (BIA 1980).
4.9

New Authorities Subsequent to Appeal

Whenever a party discovers new authority subsequent to the filing of a Notice of
Appeal or brief, whether that authority supports or detracts from the party’s arguments, that
party should notify the Board of the new authority. See Chapter 4.6(g)(i) (New authorities).
If either party wishes to brief new authority, that party should consult Chapter 4.6(g)(ii) (New
argument).
4.10

Combining and Separating Appeals
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arch

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, 20

17

(a) Consolidated appeals. – Consolidation o appeals is the administrative joining
a of
339
of separate appeals into a single adjudication70 all the parties involved. Consolidation is
14- for
No.
generally limited to appeals involvingns,
ssio immediate family members, although the Board may
Se
z v.
consolidate other appealstiwhere the cases are sufficiently interrelated.
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cited

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in M

Most of the consolidated cases before the Board were consolidated by the
Immigration Judge in the proceedings below. The Board may consolidate appeals at its
discretion or upon request of one or both of the parties, when appropriate. For example, the
Board may grant consolidation when spouses or siblings have separate but overlapping
circumstances or claims for relief. Consolidation must be sought through the filing of a
written request that states the reasons for requesting consolidation. Such a request should
include a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR CONSOLIDATION OF APPEALS.”
See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). A copy of the request should be filed for each case
included in the request for consolidation. The request should be filed as soon as possible.
(b) Concurrent consideration of appeals. – Concurrent consideration is the
adjudication of unrelated appeals in tandem for the purposes of consistent adjudication and
administrative efficiency. The Board may concurrently consider unrelated appeals at its
discretion or upon request of one or both of the parties. Concurrent consideration must be
sought through the filing of a written request that states the reasons for concurrent
consideration. Such a request should include a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR
CONCURRENT CONSIDERATION OF APPEALS.” See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
Concurrent consideration differs from consolidated appeals in that, however similar the case
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Chapter 4

or the adjudications, the appeals remain separate and distinct from one another.
Concurrent consideration is appropriate, for example, when unrelated cases involve the
same legal issue.
(c) Severance of appeals. – Severance of appeals is the division of a consolidated
appeal into separate appeals, relative to each individual involved. The Board may sever
appeals at its discretion or upon request of one or both of the parties. See Matter of
Taerghodsi, 16 I&N Dec. 260 (BIA 1977). Severance must be sought through the filing of a
written request that states the reasons for requesting severance. Such a request should
include a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR SEVERANCE OF APPEALS.” See
Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). Parties are advised, however, that such a request must
be clear and filed as soon as possible.
4.11

Withdrawing an Appeal

(a) Procedure. – An appealing party may, at any time prior to the entry of a decision
by the Board, voluntarily withdraw his or her appeal, with or without the consent of the
opposing party. The withdrawal must be in writing and filed with the Board.7 The cover page
201
r 5,
to the withdrawal should be labeled “MOTION TO WITHDRAW cAPPEAL” and comply with
tobe
nO
the requirements for filing. See Chapter 3 (Filing withived o Board), Appendix F (Sample
h the
arc
Cover Page).
9ao
033
4-7

1
No.
ons,

(b) Untimely withdrawal.e–siIf a withdrawal is not received by the Board prior to the
s
.S
Board’s rendering of a artinez v
decision, the withdrawal will not be recognized, and the Board’s
M
decision will becomein
cited binding.
(c) Effect of withdrawal. – When an appeal is withdrawn, the decision of the
Immigration Judge becomes immediately final and binding as if no appeal had ever been
filed, and the alien is then subject to the Immigration Judge’s original decision. See
8 C.F.R. § 1003.4. Thus, if the alien appeals an Immigration Judge’s order of removal or
deportation, and then withdraws the appeal, the DHS may at that point remove or deport the
alien. If the alien appeals an Immigration Judge’s order in which the alien was granted
voluntary departure, and then withdraws the appeal, the period of voluntary departure runs
from the date of the Immigration Judge’s decision, not the date of the appeal’s withdrawal.
(d) Distinction from motion to remand. – Parties should not confuse a motion to
withdraw appeal with a motion to remand. The two motions are distinct from one another
and have very different consequences. While a motion to withdraw appeal is filed by a
party who chooses to accept the decision of the Immigration Judge, a motion to remand is
filed by a party who wants the case returned to the Immigration Judge for further
consideration. See Chapter 5.8 (Motion to Remand).

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(e) Represented aliens. – If a represented alien wishes to withdraw an appeal, the
alien’s representative should file the withdrawal. If a represented alien insists on filing the
withdrawal himself or herself, the withdrawal should indicate whether it is being made with
the advice and consent of the representative. The withdrawal should also be filed with
Proof of Service on the alien’s representative. See Chapter 3.2(d) (Proof of Service),
Appendix G (Sample Proof of Service).
4.12

Non-Opposition to Appeal

(a) Failure to oppose. – The failure of the opposing party to affirmatively oppose an
appeal does not automatically result in the appeal being sustained. While the Board may
consider the opposing party’s silence in adjudicating the appeal, the silence does not dictate
the disposition of the appeal.
(b) Express non-opposition. – The opposing party may affirmatively express nonopposition to an appeal at any time prior to the entry of a decision by the Board. Such nonopposition should be expressed either in the response to the appeal or in the form of a
notice labeled “NON-OPPOSITION TO APPEAL” and should be properly served on the
17
, 20
er 5
other party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service), Appendix F (Sample CoverbPage). While the Board
to
n Oc
ed o
may weigh the opposing party’s non-opposition in cadjudicating the appeal, that nonhiv
o ar
opposition does not dictate the disposition of the3appeal.
39a
0
4-7

1
No.
ons,

(c) Withdrawal of opposition. – The opposing party may withdraw opposition to an
ssi
. Se
appeal at any time prior artinez ventry of a decision by the Board. Such non-opposition should
to the
in M
be expressed initethe form of a notice labeled “WITHDRAWAL OF OPPOSITION TO
c d
APPEAL” and be properly served on the other party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service),
Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). While the Board may weigh the opposing party’s
withdrawal of opposition in adjudication of the appeal, that withdrawal does not dictate that
disposition of the appeal.
4.13

Effect of Departure

(a) Alien appeal. – Departure from the United States can jeopardize an alien’s right
to appeal, even when the departure is authorized or compelled by DHS. Departure from the
United States prior to filing an appeal may be construed as a waiver of the right to appeal.
Departure from the United States while an appeal is pending may be construed as a
withdrawal of that appeal. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.3(e), 1003.4.
(b) DHS appeal. – The alien’s departure from the United States while a DHS appeal
is pending does not constitute a withdrawal of the DHS appeal, nor does it render the DHS
appeal moot.

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4.14

Chapter 4

Interlocutory Appeals

(a) Nature of interlocutory appeals. – Most appeals are filed after the Immigration
Judge issues a final decision in the case. In contrast, an interlocutory appeal asks the
Board to review a ruling by the Immigration Judge before the Immigration Judge issues a
final decision.
(b) Bond appeals. – Bond appeals should not be confused with interlocutory
appeals. There are separate rules for bond appeals. See Chapter 7 (Bond).
(c) Scope of interlocutory appeals. – The Board does not normally entertain
interlocutory appeals and generally limits interlocutory appeals to instances involving either
important jurisdictional questions regarding the administration of the immigration laws or
recurring questions in the handling of cases by Immigration Judges. See Matter of K-,
20 I&N Dec. 418 (BIA 1991).
(d) Filing an interlocutory appeal. – Interlocutory appeals should be timely filed on
a Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26). Next to the words “What decision are you appealing?”
in box 5, type or write in the words “INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL.” Do ,not 7
01 check any of the
5 2
three options in box 5. The appeal must indicate the date October Immigration Judge’s
of the
on
decision, the precise nature and disposition of that decision, and the precise issue being
ived
arch
appealed. If the interlocutory appeal is based39ao
upon a written decision, a copy of that
703
decision should be included with the appeal. 4o. 1
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.S
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essi

(e) Briefing. – aThe Board does not normally issue briefing schedules for
tin
M r
d in
interlocutory appeals. If an appealing party wishes to file a brief, the brief should
cite
accompany the Notice of Appeal or be promptly submitted after the Notice of Appeal is filed.
If an opposing party wishes to file a brief, the brief should be filed as soon as possible after
the appeal is filed. The Board will not, however, suspend or delay adjudication of an
interlocutory appeal in anticipation of, or in response to, the filing of a brief.
4.15

Summary Affirmance

Under certain circumstances, the Board may affirm, without opinion, the decision of
an Immigration Judge or DHS officer. The Board may affirm a decision if all of these
conditions are met:
o

the Immigration Judge or DHS decision reached the correct result

o

any errors in the decision were harmless or nonmaterial

o

either (a) the issues on appeal are squarely controlled by existing
Board or federal court precedent and do not involve the application of

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a precedent to a novel factual situation, or (b) the factual and legal
issues raised on appeal are not so substantial that the case warrants
the issuance of a written opinion
See 8 C.F.R § 1003.1(e)(4). By regulation, a summary affirmance order reads: “The Board
affirms, without opinion, the result of the decision below. The decision below is, therefore,
the final agency determination. See 8 C.F.R. 3.1(e)(4).” 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(4)(ii).
A summary affirmance order will not contain further explanation or reasoning. Such
an order approves the result reached by the Immigration Judge or DHS. Summary
affirmance does not mean that the Board approves of all the reasoning of that decision, but
it does reflect that any errors in the decision were considered harmless or not material to
the outcome of the case. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(4).
Note that any motion to reconsider or motion to reopen filed after a summary
affirmance order should be filed with the Board. See Chapters 5.6 (Motions to Reopen) and
5.7 (Motions to Reconsider). However, by regulation, the Board cannot entertain a motion
based solely on an argument that the case should not have been affirmed7 without opinion.
01
5, 2
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(3).
ber
4.16

Summary Dismissal

39a

03
14-7

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do
hive

o.
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sion
sdismissal. – Under certain circumstances, the Board is
(a) Nature of “summary”
Se
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rtine
authorized to dismissnanaappeal without reaching its merits. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(i).
i M
cited

(b) Failure to specify grounds for appeal. – When a party takes an appeal, the
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must identify the reasons for the appeal. A party should
be specific and detailed in stating the grounds of the appeal, specifically identifying the
finding of fact, the conclusions of law, or both, that are being challenged. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.3(b). An appeal, or any portion of an appeal, may be summarily dismissed if the
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26), and any brief or attachment, fails to adequately inform
the Board of the specific reasons for the appeal. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(A).
(c) Failure to file a brief. – An appeal may be summarily dismissed if the Notice of
Appeal (Form EOIR-26) indicates that a brief or statement will be filed in support of the
appeal, but no brief, statement, or explanation for not filing a brief is filed within the briefing
deadline. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(E). See Chapter 4.7(e) (Decision not to file a brief).

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Chapter 4

(d) Other grounds for summary dismissal. – An appeal can also be summarily
dismissed for the following reasons:
o

the appeal is based on a finding of fact or conclusion of law that has
already been conceded by the appealing party

o

the appeal is from an order granting the relief requested

o

the appeal is filed for an improper purpose

o

the appeal does not fall within the Board’s jurisdiction

o

the appeal is untimely

o

the appeal is barred by an affirmative waiver of the right of appeal

o

the appeal fails to meet essential statutory or regulatory requirements

o

er 5
the appeal is expressly prohibited by statute or regulation,
ctob

See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(i).

033

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. 14
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arch

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201

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(e) Sanctions. – Attorneysssio accredited representatives are admonished that the
e and
v. S
filing of an appeal that is rsummarily dismissed may be deemed frivolous behavior and may
nez
a ti
i M
result in discipline.ed8nC.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(iii). See Chapters 4.17 (Frivolous Appeals), 11
it
c
(Discipline of Practitioners).
4.17

Frivolous Appeals

If it appears to the Board, at any time, that an appeal is filed for an improper purpose
or to cause unnecessary delay, the appeal may be dismissed.
See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.1(d)(2)(i)(D). The filing of a frivolous appeal may be grounds for discipline against
the attorney or accredited representative. See Chapter 11.4 (Conduct).
4.18

Certification by an Immigration Judge

An Immigration Judge may ask the Board to review his or her decision. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.7. To “certify” a case to the Board, an Immigration Court serves a notice of
certification on the parties. That notice informs the parties that the case has been certified
and sets a briefing schedule.

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The right to appeal is separate and distinct from certification. To safeguard the
opportunity to appeal and be heard by the Board, parties should file an appeal even if an
Immigration Judge has certified the case. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(d).
4.19

Federal Court Remands

(a) Nature of federal court remands. – The decisions of the Board are reviewable
in certain federal courts, depending on the nature of the appeal. Where an appeal is taken
from a Board decision regarding of an Immigration Judge’s ruling, the federal court may
remand the case back to the Board for further proceedings. For example, the federal court
may remand to allow the Board to consider our prior decision because of a change in law or
ask the Board to re-examine our prior decision in light of the court’s rulings.
(b) Notification. – When the Board receives notification of a federal court’s order
from the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) or the United States Attorney’s Office, a
written notification is sent to both the alien and DHS.
(c) Notice of Appearance. – If a party is represented, a 2017
Notice of Entry of
,
er 5
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of ctob
Immigration Appeals (Form
nO
EOIR-27) must be submitted. See Chapter 4.3 (Representation). An electronically filed
ed o
rchiv
Form EOIR-27 may be submitted after the Board ao a
39 sends notification of receipt of a federal
03
court remand. If the electronic submission -7 the Form EOIR-27 precedes issuance of
. 14 of
, No
s
sio
notification of a federal court remand,nthe electronic submission may be rejected.
Ses
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in M

v.

(d) Briefing dand transcript. – In appropriate cases, a briefing schedule is provided
cite
to both parties and informs the parties of their respective deadlines for filing briefs. If a
briefing schedule is set, the parties are both given the same 21 calendar days in which to
file their initial briefs. See Chapter 4.7(a) (Due dates). Filing guidance can be found
Chapter 3 (Filing with the Board) and Chapter 4.2(e) (Briefing schedule), 4.6 (Appeal briefs),
4.7(c) (Briefing extensions). Also, in appropriate cases, a transcript is sent to the parties
along with the briefing schedule. See Chapter 4.2(f) (Transcription).

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Chapter 5

5 Motions before the Board
5.1

Who May File

(a) Parties. – Only an alien who is the subject of an underlying appeal before the
Board, the alien’s representative, or DHS may file a motion. A motion must identify all
parties covered by the motion and state clearly their full names and alien registration
numbers (“A numbers”), including all family members. See Appendix F (Sample Cover
Page). The Board will not assume that a motion includes all family members (or group
members in a consolidated proceeding). See Chapter 4.10 (Combining and Separating
Appeals).
(b) Representatives. – Motions may be filed either by a party, if unrepresented (“pro
se”), or by a party’s representative. See Chapter 2 (Appearances before the Board).
Whenever a party is represented, the party should submit all motions to the Board through
the representative. See Chapter 2.1(d) (Filings and communications).
(i) Motions to reopen and motions to reconsider. – 5, 2017
All motions to reopen
r
tobeof Entry of Appearance
and motions to reconsider must be accompanied by a n Oc
Notice
o
as Attorney or Representatives Before the Boardd of Immigration Appeals (Form
hive
arc
EOIR-27), even if the representative -is0339ao
7 already the representative of record. See
4
o 1
Chapter 2 (Appearances before ,the. Board).
ns N
.S
ez v

o
essi

(ii) All othern motions. – On any motion that is not a motion to reopen or a
arti
in M
ted
motion tocireconsider, if a representative is already the representative of record, the
motion need not be accompanied by a Notice of Appearance. However, if a
representative is appearing for the first time, the representative must file a Notice of
Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration
Appeals (Form EOIR-27) along with that motion. See Chapter 2 (Appearances
before the Board).
(c) Persons not party to the proceeding. – Only a party to a proceeding, or a
party’s representative, may file a motion pertaining to that proceeding. Family members,
employers, and other third parties may not file a motion. If a third party seeks Board action
in a particular case, the request should be made through one of the parties. Third parties
who wish to appear as amicus curiae should consult Chapter 2.10 (Amicus Curiae).

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Chapter 5

5.2

Board of Immigration Appeals

Filing a Motion

(a) Jurisdiction. – Motions must be filed in the right place. See Appendix K (Where
to File a Motion). The Board may entertain motions only in those cases in which it has
jurisdiction.
(i) Cases never before the Board. – The Board cannot entertain motions for
cases that have never been before it. Cases “never before the Board” include both
appeals that were never filed and appeals that were rejected for a filing defect that
was never remedied.
(ii) Cases pending before the Board. – Where an appeal is pending before
the Board, all motions regarding that appeal should be filed with the Board.
(iii) Cases already decided by the Board. –
(A) Motions to reopen and motion to reconsider. – As a general
rule, where an appeal has been decided by the Board and no case is
currently pending, a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider may be filed
17
, 20
er 5
with the Board. See Chapters 5.6 (Motions to cReopen), 5.7 (Motions to
tob
nO
Reconsider). Parties should be mindful ofhthe strict time and number limits on
ed o
c iv
o ar
motions to reopen and motions 3to areconsider. See Chapter 5.6(c) (Time
39
0
limits), 5.6(d) (Number limits),14-7
No. 5.7(c) (Time limits), 5.7(d) (Number limits).
ns,

o
essi
v. S

(B) Motions subsequent to remand. – Once a case has been
tinez
Mar
remanded to the Immigration Judge, the only motion that the Board will
d in
cite
entertain is a motion to reconsider the decision to remand. All other motions
must be filed with the Immigration Judge. Motions to reconsider a remand
order are not favored, and concerns regarding the decision to remand should
be presented to the Immigration Judge.
(C) Motions on appeals dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. – Where
an appeal has been dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, the Board cannot
consider a motion to reopen. See Matter of Mladineo, 14 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA
1974). The only motion that the Board may entertain is a motion to
reconsider the Board’s finding that it lacks jurisdiction.
(D) Motions on appeals dismissed as untimely. – Where an appeal
has been dismissed as untimely, the Board does not have jurisdiction to
consider a motion to reopen. The only motion that the Board may entertain is
a motion to reconsider the Board’s finding that the appeal was untimely. See
Matter of Lopez, 22 I&N Dec. 16 (BIA 1998).

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Chapter 5

(E) Motion on appeals affirmed without opinion. – By regulation,
the Board cannot entertain a motion based solely on an argument that the
case should not have been affirmed without opinion. See Chapter 4.15
(Summary Affirmance). Otherwise, the Board retains jurisdiction over any
motion to reconsider or motion to reopen filed after a summary affirmance
order.
See Chapters 5.6 (Motions to Reopen) and 5.7 (Motions to
Reconsider).
(b) Form. – There is no official form for filing a motion before the Board. Motions
should not be filed on a Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26), which is used exclusively for the
filing of appeals.
Motions and supporting documents must comply with the general rules and
procedures for filing. See Chapter 3 (Filing with the Board). The Board prefers that motions
and supporting documents be assembled in a certain order. See Chapter 3.3(c)(i)(B)
(Motions).
A motion should be characterized and labeled as accurately as possible. The Board
construes a motion according to its content, not its title, and applies time017 number limits
2 and
r 5,
tobe
accordingly. See Chapter 5.3 (Motion Limits).
Oc
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ao a

ived

on

Motions should clearly contain all pertinent9 information, and the Board recommends
33
4-70
that parties use captions containing the, following material:
o. 1
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title r(Example: “Respondent’s Motion to Reopen”)
a tin

in
cited

M

the full name (as it appears on the charging document) for each
alien included in the motion

o

the alien registration number (“A number”) for each alien
involved in the motion

o

the type of hearing or adjudication underlying the motion (e.g.,
removal, deportation, exclusion, bond, visa petition)

o

the adjudicator whose decision underlies the motion (e.g., the
Immigration Court, the DHS officer, or the Board), where
appropriate

All motions must be made in writing, signed, and served on all parties. A motion
must identify all persons included in the motion. See Chapter 5.1(a) (Parties). A motion
must state with particularity the grounds on which it is based and must identify the relief or
remedy sought by the moving party.

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Board of Immigration Appeals

If a motion involves a detained or incarcerated alien, the motion should clearly state
that information. The Board recommends that the cover page to the motion be prominently
marked “DETAINED” in the upper right corner and highlighted, if possible. See Appendix F
(Sample Cover Page).
(c) Proof of Service. – All motions must be served on the other party and must
contain Proof of Service. See Chapter 3.2 (Service), Appendix G (Sample Proof of
Service).
(d) Motion fee and fee waivers. – Where required, a motion must be accompanied
by the appropriate filing fee or Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A). See Chapter 3.4
(Filing Fees).
(e) Copy of underlying order. – Motions to reopen and motions to reconsider
should be accompanied by a copy of the Board’s order.
(f) Evidence. – Statements made in a motion are not evidence. If a motion is
predicated upon evidence that was not made part of the record by the Immigration Judge,
that evidence should be submitted with the motion. Such evidence 7 includes sworn
201
r 5,
affidavits, declarations under the penalty of perjury, and documentary evidence. The Board
tobe
Oc
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will not suspend or delay adjudication of a motion pending the receipt of supplemental
hive
arc
evidence.
9ao
033
4-7

1
No.
ons,

Any material that is not inethe English language must be accompanied by a certified
ssi
.S
English translation. 8. C.F.Rv §§ 1003.2(g)(1), 1003.33. See Chapter 3.3(a) (Language).
nez
arti
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Documents regarding criminal convictions must comport with the requirements set forth in
ited
c
8 C.F.R. § 1003.41.
(g) Application for relief. – A motion based upon eligibility for relief must be
accompanied by a copy of the application for that relief, if an application is normally
required. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(1).
The application for relief must be duly completed and executed in accordance with
the requirements for such relief. The original of an application for relief is generally not
required, but should be held by the filing party for submission to the Immigration Judge or
DHS following the Board’s ruling on the motion. See Chapter 12.3 (Submitting Completed
Forms). The copy that is submitted to the Board should be accompanied by a copy of the
appropriate supporting documents.
If a certain form of relief requires an application, prima facie eligibility for that relief
cannot be shown without it. For example, if a motion to reopen is based on adjustment of
status, a copy of the application for that relief (Form I-485) should be filed with the motion,
along with the necessary documents. See subsection (h), below.

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Chapter 5

Application fees are not paid to the Board and should not accompany the motion.
Fees for applications should be paid if and when the case is remanded to the Immigration
Judge in accordance with the filing procedures for that application. See Chapter 3.4(i)
(Application fees).
(h) Visa Petitions. – If a motion is based on adjustment of status and there is an
underlying visa petition that has been approved, evidence of the approved visa petition
should accompany the motion. When a petition is subject to visa availability, evidence that
a visa is immediately available to the beneficiary should also accompany the motion (e.g., a
copy of the State Department’s Visa Bulletin reflecting that the petition is “current”).
If a motion is based on adjustment of status and the underlying visa petition has not
yet been adjudicated, a copy of that visa petition should accompany the motion. If the visa
petition has already been filed with DHS, evidence of that filing should accompany the
motion.
Parties are advised that, in certain instances, an approved visa petition is required.
See e.g., Matter of H-A-, 22 I&N Dec. 728 (BIA 1999), modified by Matter of Velarde, 23
17
I&N Dec. 253 (BIA 2002).
, 20
er 5
b
to

n Oc

ed and should not accompany the
Filing fees for visa petitions are not paid to the Board o
rchiv
ao ato DHS when the petition is filed with
motion. The filing fee for a visa petition is submitted
339
4-70
DHS.
o. 1
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.S
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o
essi

(i) Oral argument.tin The Board generally does not grant requests for oral argument
–
Mar
d in
on a motion. Seeite
c Chapter 8.2(b) (Motions).
(j) Draft orders. – Parties should not include draft orders in the motion filing. The
Board always issues its own order.
(k) Confirmation of receipt. – The Board issues filing receipts for motions to reopen
and motions to reconsider. The Board does not issue filing receipts for other types of
motions. See Chapter 3.1(d) (Filing receipts). The Board will, however, return a conformed
copy of a filed motion if it complies with Chapter 3.1(d)(iii) (Conformed copies).
5.3

Motion Limits

Certain motions are limited in time (when the motion must be filed) and number (how
many motions may be filed). Motions to reopen and motions to reconsider are limited in
both time and number. See Chapters 5.6 (Motion to Reopen), 5.7 (Motions to Reconsider).
Motions to accept a late-filed brief are limited in number. See Chapter 4.7(d) (Untimely
briefs). These time and number limits are strictly enforced.

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A compound motion is a motion that combines a motion to reopen or a motion to
reconsider with another motion (or with each other). Time and number limits on motions to
reopen and motions to reconsider apply even when part of a compound motion, and the
Board will consider only that portion of the motion that is not time or number barred. For
example, if a motion seeks both reopening and reconsideration, and is filed more than 30
days after the Board’s decision but within 90 days of that decision, the Board will entertain
the portion of the motion that seeks reopening, but not the portion that seeks
reconsideration.
5.4

Motion Briefs

A motion need not be supported by a brief. However, if a brief is filed, it should
accompany the motion. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(g)(3). A brief filed in opposition to a motion
must be filed within 13 days from the date of service of the motion. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(g)(3).
Motion briefs should generally follow the filing requirements, writing guidelines,
formatting requirements, and citation conventions set forth in Chapter 4.6 (Appeal Briefs).
Motion briefs should also comport with the requirements set ,out 7 in Chapter 3.3
01
5 2
(Documents). The Board does not issue briefing schedules on October
motions.
5.5

Transcript Requests

339

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ao a

4-70

o. 1
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ived

on

o
essi
v. S
Board does notnez
prepare a transcript of proceedings in response to a motion. If
arti
that aited in M
transcript is necessary, the party should file a motion articulating why
c

The
party feels
transcript is necessary. See generally Chapter 4.2(f) (Transcription).

a
a

Digitally recorded hearings may be listened to at the Board or the Immigration Court.
Contact the Clerk’s Office or the local Immigration Court to make arrangements to listen to
the digitally recorded hearings.
Hearings recorded on cassette tapes can be listened to only where the tapes are
stored. Contact the Clerk’s Office or the local Immigration Court on where the cassette
recordings are located and available for listening.
For more information on digitally or cassette recorded hearings, parties should
consult the Immigration Court Practice Manual, which is available on the EOIR website.

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5.6

Chapter 5

Motions to Reopen

(a) Purpose. – A motion to reopen asks the Board to reopen proceedings in which
the Board has already rendered a decision in order to consider new facts or evidence in the
case.
(b) Requirements. –
(i) Filing. – Motions to reopen must comply with the general requirements for
filing a motion. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion). Depending on the nature of the
motion, a filing fee may be required. See Chapter 3.4 (Filing Fees).
(ii) Content. – A motion to reopen must state the new facts that will be
proven at a reopened hearing, and the motion must be supported by affidavits or
other evidentiary material. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(1).
A motion to reopen will not be granted unless it appears to the Board that the
evidence offered is material and was not available and could not have been
discovered or presented at an earlier stage in the proceedings. See 8 C.F.R.
17
, 20
er 5
§ 1003.2(c)(1).
ctob
ive
arch

d on

O

A motion to reopen based on an application for relief will not be granted if it
ao
339
appears the alien’s right to applyNo. 1that relief was fully explained and the alien had
for 4-70
,
an opportunity to apply forssions relief at an earlier stage in the proceedings (unless
that
Se
v.
the relief is soughtrtonzthe basis of circumstances that have arisen subsequent to that
ine
Ma
stage of the d in
proceedings). See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(1).
cite
(c) Time limits. – As a general rule, a motion to reopen must be filed within 90 days
of the Board’s final administrative decision. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(2). (For cases decided by
the Board before July 1, 1996, the motion to reopen was due on or before September 30,
1996. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(2).) There are few exceptions. See subsection (f), below.
(d) Number limits. – A party is permitted only one motion to reopen.
§ 1003.2(c)(2). There are few exceptions. See subsection (e), below.

8 C.F.R.

(e) Exceptions to the limits on motions to reopen. – A motion to reopen may be
filed outside the time and number limits in very specific circumstances. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.2(c)(3).
(i) Changed circumstances. – When a motion to reopen is based on a
request for asylum, withholding or removal, or relief under the Convention Against
Torture, and it is premised on new circumstances, the motion must contain a
complete description of the new facts that comprise those circumstances and
articulate how those circumstances affect the party’s eligibility for relief. See
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Board of Immigration Appeals

8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(3)(ii). Motions based on changed circumstances must also be
accompanied by evidence of the changed circumstances alleged. See 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.2(c).
(ii) In absentia proceedings. – There are special rules pertaining to motions
to reopen following an alien’s failure to appear for a hearing. An “in absentia” order
(an order entered when the alien did not come to the hearing) cannot be appealed to
the Board. Matter of Guzman, 22 I&N Dec. 722 (BIA 1999). If an alien misses a
hearing and the Immigration Judge orders the alien removed from the United States,
the alien must file a motion to reopen with the Immigration Judge, explaining why he
or she missed the hearing. (Unlike the in absentia order, the Immigration Judge’s
ruling on the motion can be appealed.) Such motions are subject to strict deadlines
under certain circumstances. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.2(c)(3)(i), 1003.23(b)(4)(ii),
1003.23(b)(4)(iii).
(iii) Joint motions. – Motions that are agreed upon by all parties and are
jointly filed are not limited in time or number. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(3)(iii).
(iv) DHS motions. – For cases in removal proceedings,017
2 DHS may not be
r 5,
subject to time and number limits on motions to ctobe
reopen.
See 8 C.F.R.
nO
ed o exclusion, DHS is subject to
§ 1003.2(c)(2), (3). For cases brought in deportation or
iv
arch
the time and number limits on motions 0339ao
to reopen, unless the basis of the motion is
4-7
fraud in the original proceedings,or oa 1crime that would support termination of asylum.
N .
on
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(3)(iv).
essi
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in
(v)ciPre-9/30/96
te

motions. – Motions filed before September 30, 1996, do not
count toward the one-motion limit.
(vi) Battered spouses, children, and parents. – There are special rules for
certain motions to reopen by battered spouses, children, and parents. See
Immigration and Nationality Act § 240(c)(7)(C)(iv).
(vii) Other. – In addition to the regulatory exceptions for motions to reopen,
exceptions may be created in accordance with special statutes, case law, directives,
or other special legal circumstances. The Board may also reopen proceedings at
any time on its own initiative. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(a).
(f) Evidence. – A motion to reopen must be supported by evidence.
Chapter 5.2(f) (Evidence).

See

(g) Motions filed while an appeal is pending. – Once an appeal is filed with the
Board, the Immigration Judge no longer has jurisdiction over the case.
See
Chapter 4.2(a)(ii) (Appeal to the Board vs. motion before the Immigration Judge). Thus,
motions to reopen should not be filed with an Immigration Judge after an appeal is taken to
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Chapter 5

the Board. A motion to reopen that is filed with the Board during the pendency of an appeal
is generally treated as a motion to remand for further proceedings before an Immigration
Judge. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(4). See Chapter 5.8 (Motions to Remand).
(h) Administratively closed cases. – When proceedings have been
administratively closed, the proper motion is a motion to recalendar, not a motion to reopen.
See Chapter 5.9(h) (Motion to recalendar).
(i) Automatic stays. – A motion to reopen that is filed with the Board does not
automatically stay an order of removal or deportation. See Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite
Requests).
(j) Criminal convictions. – A motion claiming that a criminal conviction has been
overturned, vacated, modified, or disturbed in some way must be accompanied by clear
evidence that the conviction has actually been disturbed. Thus, neither an intention to seek
post-conviction relief nor the mere eligibility for post-conviction relief, without more, is
sufficient to reopen proceedings.
5.7

Motions to Reconsider
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arch

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tobe

, 20

17

(a) Purpose. – A motion to reconsider either identifies an error in law or fact in a
ao
339
prior Board decision or identifies a change 4in 0law that affects a prior Board decision and
1 -7
o.
s, N
asks the Board to re-examine its sruling. A motion to reconsider is based on the existing
sion
Se
record and does not seekrtto z v.
ine introduce new facts or evidence.
cited

a

in M

(b) Requirements. – Motions to reconsider must comply with the general
requirements for filing a motion. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion). A filing fee or a fee
waiver request may be required. See Chapter 3.4 (Filing Fees).
(c) Time limits. – A motion to reconsider must be filed within 30 days of the Board’s
decision. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2). (For cases decided by the Board before July 1, 1996,
the motion to reconsider was due on or before July 31, 1996.) 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2).
(d) Number limits. – As a general rule, a party may file only one motion to
reconsider. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2). Motions filed prior to July 31, 1996, do not count
toward the one-motion limit. Although a party may file a motion to reconsider the denial of a
motion to reopen, a party may not file a motion to reconsider the denial of a motion to
reconsider. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2).
(e) Summary affirmance orders. – A motion to reconsider may not be based solely
on an argument that an Immigration Judge’s decision should not have been affirmed without
opinion. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(3).

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Board of Immigration Appeals

(f) Exceptions to the limits on motions to reconsider. –
(i) Alien motions. – There are no exceptions to the time and number
limitations on motions to reconsider when filed by an alien.
(ii) DHS motions. – DHS motions to reconsider are subject to certain
limitations. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(2).
(iii) Other. – Exceptions to the time and number limits on motions to
reconsider may be created by statute, published case law, or regulations. The
Board may also reconsider proceedings at any time on its own initiative. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.2(a).
(g) Identification of error. – A motion to reconsider must state with particularity the
errors of fact or law in the prior Board decision, with appropriate citation to authority and the
record. If a motion to reconsider is premised upon changes in the law, the motion should
identify the changes and, where appropriate, provide copies of that law.
See
Chapter 4.6(d)(vi) (Statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities and sources).

7
201
r 5,
eappeal is filed with the
(h) Motions filed while an appeal is pending. – Once can
tob
nO
Board, the Immigration Judge no longer has jurisdiction over the case.
See
ed o
rchiv
a a
Chapter 4.2(a)(ii) (Appeal to the Board vs. motion obefore the Immigration Judge). Thus,
339
4 0
motions to reconsider should not be filed with-7 Immigration Judge after an appeal is taken
o. 1 an
,N
sio that is filed with the Board during the pendency of an
to the Board. A motion to reconsiderns
Ses
v.
appeal is generally treatedz as a motion to remand for further proceedings before an
tine
Mar
Immigration judge.ed8inC.F.R. § 1003.2(b)(1). See Chapter 5.8 (Motions to Remand).
cit

(i) Automatic stays. – A motion to reconsider does not automatically stay an order
or removal or deportation. See Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite Requests).
(j) Criminal convictions. – When a criminal conviction has been overturned,
vacated, modified, or disturbed in some way, the proper motion is a motion to reopen, not a
motion to reconsider. See Chapter 5.6(j) (Criminal convictions).
5.8

Motions to Remand

(a) Purpose. – A motion to remand seeks to return jurisdiction of a case pending
before the Board to the Immigration Judge. Parties may, in appropriate circumstances,
move to remand proceedings to the Immigration Judge to consider newly available
evidence or newly acquired eligibility for relief.
(b) Requirements. – Motions to remand are subject to the same substantive
requirements as motions to reopen. See Matter of Coelho, 20 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 1992).

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Accordingly, evidence and applications for relief, if involved, must be submitted with the
motion.
The Board may deny a motion to remand where the evidence was discoverable at
an earlier stage in the proceedings, is not material or probative, or is otherwise defective.
As with motions to reopen, parties submitting new evidence should articulate the purpose of
the new evidence and explain its prior unavailability. See Chapter 5.2(f) (Evidence).
(c) Limitations. – Unlike motions to reopen, motions to remand are not limited in
time or number because they are made during the pendency of an appeal.
(d) Remands to DHS. – Where an appeal is taken from a decision made by a DHS
officer, the Board may remand the case to DHS. For example, the Board may remand a
visa petition denial to DHS for further development of the petition record. Where an appeal
is taken from an Immigration Judge decision, however, the Board cannot remand
proceedings to DHS. For example, the Board cannot remand proceedings to a DHS
Asylum Office once an Immigration Judge has ruled on an asylum application.
(e) Post-remand appeals. – If the Board grants a motion to remand resulting in a
17
, 20
er 5that new appeal, the
new Immigration Judge decision, a party may file a new appeal.ob In
t
n Oc
e o
party may pursue any new issues or any unresolved issuesdfrom the prior appeal.
chiv
5.9

Other Motions
(a)

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ssio
. Se

v
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Motionted in
to expedite.
ci

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o ar

– See Chapter 6.5 (Expedite Requests).

(b) Motion to withdraw appeal. – Motions to withdraw an appeal are discussed in
Chapter 4.11 (Withdrawing an Appeal). Parties are reminded not to confuse a motion to
withdraw an appeal with a motion to remand. If a party wishes a case returned to the
Immigration Judge for consideration of a newly available form of relief (e.g. adjustment of
status), the correct motion is a motion to remand. In contrast, when a motion to withdraw
an appeal is filed, the decision of the Immigration Judge immediately becomes final as if no
appeal had ever been filed. If an appeal is withdrawn, DHS may remove or deport the alien,
if the Immigration Judge so ordered. See Chapter 4.11 (Withdrawing an Appeal), 5.8
(Motions to Remand).
(c) Motion to withdraw as counsel or representative. – See Chapter 2.3(j)
(Change in representation).
(d) Motion to stay deportation or removal. – See Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite
Requests).

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(e) Motion to consolidate. – See Chapter 4.10 (Combining and Separating
Appeals).
(f) Motion to sever. – See Chapter 4.10 (Combining and Separating Appeals).
(g) Motion to join. – See Chapter 4.10 (Combining and Separating Appeals).
(h) Motion to recalendar. – When proceedings have been administratively closed
or continued indefinitely and a party wishes to “reopen” those proceedings, the proper
motion is a motion to recalendar, not a motion to reopen. A motion to recalendar should
provide the date and the reason for the case being closed. If available, a copy of the
closure order should be attached to the motion. Motions to recalendar should be properly
filed, clearly captioned, and comply with the general motion requirements. See Chapter 5.2
(Filing a Motion), Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). To ensure that the Board has the
alien’s current address, a Change of Address Form (EOIR-33/BIA) should also be filed.
Motions to recalendar are not subject to time and number restrictions, nor do they require a
fee or Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A).
(i) Motion to hold in abeyance. – The Board does not normally 2017
entertain motions to
5,
hold cases in abeyance while other matters are pending (e.g.,October for a visa petition to
waiting
n
ed o
become current, waiting for criminal conviction to be overturned).
chiv
39a

03
14-7

o ar

(j) Motion to stay suspension. No.Motions involving the discipline of an attorney or
–
ns,
accredited representative are discussed in Chapter 11 (Discipline).
ssio
Se
tinez

ar
in M

v.

(k) Motionted amend. – The Board will entertain a motion to amend a previous filing
to
ci
in limited situations (e.g., to correct a clerical error in a filing). The motion should clearly
articulate what needs to be corrected in the previous filing. The filing of a motion to amend
does not affect any existing appeal or motion deadlines.
(l) Other types of motions. – The Board will entertain other types of motions, as
appropriate to the facts and law of each particular case, provided that the motion is properly
filed, is clearly captioned, and complies with the general motion requirements. See
Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion), Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
5.10

Decisions

Upon the entry of a decision, the Board serves its decision upon the parties by
regular mail. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board decisions).

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5.11

Chapter 5

Non-Opposition to Motion

A motion will be deemed unopposed unless the opposing party responds within 13
days from the date of service of the motion. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(g)(3). However, the
opposing party’s failure to oppose a motion, or affirmative non-opposition to a motion, will
not necessarily result in a grant of that motion. See Chapter 4.12 (Non-Opposition to
Appeal).

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Chapter 6

6 Stays and Expedite Requests
6.1

Stays Generally

A stay prevents DHS from executing an order of removal, deportation or exclusion.
Stays are automatic in some instances and discretionary in others. This chapter provides
general guidance regarding stays. For particular cases, parties should consult the
controlling law and regulations. See Immigration and Nationality Act § 240(b)(5); 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1003.2(f), 1003.6, 1003.23(b)(1)(v), 1003.23(b)(4)(ii), 1003.23(b)(4)(iii)(C).
The Board also has the authority to stay the execution of an Immigration Judge’s
decision in bond proceedings. See Chapter 7.3(a)(iv) (Stays).
6.2

Automatic Stays

(a) Qualifying appeals. – There are limited circumstances in which an order of
removal, deportation, or exclusion is automatically stayed:
017
5, 2
o

o

er
ctob
on O on the merits of the
direct appeal of an Immigration Judge’s decision
ed
rchiv
ao a
case (not including credible fear 9 determinations, reasonable fear
33
4-70
o. 1
determinations, bond and N
s, custody determinations)
sion
Ses
v.
inez
appealin ofartan Immigration Judge’s denial of a motion to reopen
M
cited

deportation proceedings conducted in absentia
section 242B of the Immigration and Nationality Act

under

prior

o

the 30-day period for filing either of these appeals, unless the right to
appeal has been waived

o

certification of Immigration Judge decision

An appeal must be timely and properly filed for an automatic stay to take effect.
(b) Qualifying motions. – There are certain motions to reopen filed by battered
spouses, children, and parents that result in an automatic stay of removal, deportation, or
exclusion.
(c) Qualifying federal court remands. – There are limited circumstances in which
a federal court remand to the Board results in an automatic stay of an order of removal,
deportation, or exclusion:

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o

Board’s decision before the federal court involved a direct appeal of an
Immigration Judge’s decision on the merits of the case (not including
bond and custody determinations)

o

Board’s decision before the federal court involved an appeal of an
Immigration Judge’s denial of a motion to reopen deportation
proceedings conducted in absentia under prior section 242B of the
Immigration and Nationality Act

(d) Duration. – An automatic stay of removal, deportation, or exclusion expires
when the Board renders a final decision in the case. Occasionally, when the Board grants a
temporary stay, the Board may vacate or dissolve the stay before reaching the merits of the
appeal or motion.
(e) Adjudication and notice. – When a stay is automatic, the Board does not issue
a written order on the stay request.
6.3

Discretionary Stays

ive
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17

(a) Jurisdiction. – The Board is authorizedao grant stays as a matter of discretion,
9 to
033
14-7
but only for matters within the Board’so.jurisdiction. See Chapter 1.4 (Jurisdiction and
,N
ions
Authority). The Board entertainsssstays only when an appeal, a motion to reopen, or a
Se
.
ez v
motion to reconsider is pending before the Board.
artin
cited

in M

(b) Motion required. – A request for a discretionary stay of removal, deportation, or
exclusion should be made in the form of a written motion. See Chapter 6.4 (Procedure for
Requesting a Discretionary Stay). When circumstances require immediate attention from
the Board, the Board may, at its discretion, entertain a telephonic stay request. See
Chapter 6.4(d)(i) (Emergency).
Motions requesting a discretionary stay are not
automatically granted.
(c) Pending motions. – A pending motion to stay removal, deportation, or exclusion
does not itself stay execution of the order. An order of removal, deportation, or exclusion
remains executable unless and until such time as the Board grants the motion to stay.
(d) Adjudication and notice. – When a stay is granted as a matter of discretion, the
Board issues a written order.
(e) Duration. – A discretionary stay of removal, deportation, or exclusion expires
when the Board renders a final decision in the case.

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6.4

Chapter 6

Procedure for Requesting a Discretionary Stay

(a) Who may request. – An alien (or an alien’s representative) may request a
discretionary stay of removal, deportation, or exclusion only if the alien’s case is currently
before the Board and the alien is subject to a removal, deportation, or exclusion order.
(b) Timing of request. – A request to stay removal, deportation, or exclusion may
be submitted at any time during the pendency of a case before the Board.
(c) Form of request. – Requests to stay removal, deportation, or exclusion must be
made in writing. The Board prefers that stay requests be submitted in the form of a
“MOTION TO STAY REMOVAL.” See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page).
(i) Contents. – The motion should contain a complete recitation of the
relevant facts and case history and indicate the current status of the case. The
motion must also contain a specific statement of the time exigencies involved.
Motions containing vague or general statements of urgency are not persuasive.
A copy of the existing Immigration Judge or Board order 2017
should be included,
,
er 5
b
when available. When the moving party does not havetoa copy of the order, the
n Oc
moving party should provide the date of the Immigration Judge’s decision and a
ed o
chiv
o r
detailed description of both the ruling and 9thea basis of that ruling, as articulated by
3 a
-703
the Immigration Judge. If the facts 1are in dispute, the moving party should furnish
. 4
, No
sion
evidence supporting the motionsto stay.
Ses
tinez

ar
in M

v.

(ii) iFormat. – The motion should comply with the general rules for filing
c ted
motions. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion). The motion must include a Proof of
Service. See Chapter 3.2 (Service), Appendix G (Sample Proof of Service).
(iii) Fee. – A motion to stay removal, deportation, or exclusion does not, by
itself, require a filing fee. The underlying appeal or motion, however, may still
require a fee. See Chapter 3.4 (Filing Fees).
(d) Submitting the request. – The Board categorizes stay requests into two
categories: emergency and non-emergency.
(i) Emergency. – The Board may rule immediately on an “emergency” stay
request. An emergency stay request may be submitted only when an alien is in
physical custody and is facing imminent removal. Accordingly, an alien not in DHS
custody must surrender to DHS custody, pursuant to a request by DHS, before an
emergency stay will be considered by the Board.
Instructions for filing a stay motion in an emergency situation can be obtained
by calling [phone]. The Board will entertain an emergency stay request only
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on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), except federal holidays.
The Board promptly notifies the parties of its decision.
(ii) Non-emergency. – The Board does not rule immediately on a “nonemergency” stay request, but considers the request during the normal course of
adjudication. A non-emergency stay request may be submitted by an alien who
either is not in detention or is in detention but is not facing imminent removal,
deportation, or exclusion. A non-emergency stay request may be submitted
concurrently with an appeal or motion, or at a later date.
A non-emergency stay request may be supplemented by an emergency stay
request if the qualifying circumstances transpire (such as when an alien reports to
DHS custody for deportation).
6.5

Expedite Requests

(a) Requirements. – Appeals and motions may be expedited only upon the filing of
a motion to expedite and a demonstration of impending and irreparable7 harm or similar
1
, 20
good cause. The motion must contain a complete articulation ctobthe reasons to expedite
of er 5
O
and the consequences to the moving party if the requesthiised on granted.
v not

rc
ao a
339
70favored and should be requested only in
Expedited requests are generally . 14not
No
ons,
compelling circumstances.
Examples of appropriate reasons to request expedited
essi
v. S
treatment include: (i) imminent removal from the United States; (ii) imminent ineligibility for
nez
ti
Mar
relief, such as a itminor “aging out” of derivative status; (iii) circumstances threatening to
ed in
c

moot the appeal absent prompt action by the Board; and (iv) a health crisis precipitating a
need for immediate Board action.

(b) Procedure. – Motions to expedite should be filed in accordance with the general
rules and procedures for other motions. See Chapter 5.2 (Filing a Motion). Any request for
expeditious processing should be made through a written “MOTION TO EXPEDITE” that
bears the name and alien registration number (“A number”) of the affected alien and
articulates the grounds for the request. Use of a cover page is highly recommended. See
Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). In a genuine emergency, a party may contact the
Clerk’s Office of the Board by telephone. See Appendix B (Directory). Even in such
situations, the moving party must be prepared to file a written “MOTION TO EXPEDITE”
immediately.
(c) Response. – The Board will consider all expedited requests that are properly
filed. When a request is granted, the Board will expedite the case without notifying the
parties that the request has been granted. For administrative reasons, the Board cannot
reply to all requests.

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Chapter 7

7 Bond
7.1

Bond Appeals Generally

In certain circumstances, an alien detained by the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) can be released from custody. When an alien asks an Immigration Judge to review
a DHS custody decision, it is called a “bond redetermination.” Appeals from custody
decisions are commonly called “bond appeals.” Bond proceedings are separate from
removal proceedings. See generally 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.19, 1236.1.
Bond proceedings differ procedurally from other immigration proceedings. For
example, an alien can request a bond redetermination without a formal motion, without
paying a fee, and without the usual filing deadlines.
7.2

Jurisdiction

7
(a) Continuing jurisdiction. – An alien may ask the Immigration 1Judge or DHS to
, 20
er 5
change a bond decision if:
ctob
on O

o

ed

rchiv

oa
the alien is in detention (or awas in detention within the last
39
703
14seven days),
No.
ns,

o
o

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essi
v. S

thearalien’s removal or deportation proceedings
tinez
M
before an Immigration Judge or the Board, and
d in
cite

are still open

the request for a change in bond is not moot as described in
Chapter 7.4 (Mootness)

The alien may ask even if:
o

the alien has previously asked the Immigration Judge to
change a bond decision, provided the alien can show that his
or her circumstances have changed materially since the last
bond decision

o

the alien appealed a previous bond decision to the Board

(b) Appellate jurisdiction. –
(i) Immigration Judge decisions. – The Board has jurisdiction over appeals
of Immigration Judge bond rulings. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(b)(7), 1003.19(f),
1003.38, 1236.1(d)(3)(i). The Board also has general emergency stay authority

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when DHS appeals an Immigration Judge’s custody decision.
§ 1003.19(h)(4)(i).

See 8 C.F.R.

(ii) DHS decisions. – The Board has jurisdiction over certain appeals
involving DHS bond decisions made subsequent to an Immigration Judge ruling.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(3). The Board does not have jurisdiction over appeals
from DHS custody decisions involving:
o

aliens in exclusion proceedings

o

arriving aliens in removal proceedings

o

aliens ineligible for release on security or related
grounds

o

aliens ineligible for release on certain criminal grounds

8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(h)(2)(i).
201

7

,
(iii) Jurisdictional issues. – The Board has jurisdiction5to rule on whether an
ber
Octo
on
Immigration Judge has jurisdiction to make a bondvdetermination.
i ed
9a
033

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ch

(c) No jurisdiction. – The Board does7not have authority to review a bond decision
14No.
when the alien:
ons,
ssi
. Se
o

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v

cite

Mar
departs the United States, whether voluntarily or involuntarily
d in

o

is granted relief by the Immigration Judge and DHS does not
appeal

o

is granted relief from removal by the Board

o

is denied relief from removal by the Immigration Judge and the
alien does not appeal

o

is denied relief from removal by the Board

o

is released on the conditions requested in the bond appeal

o

is released on conditions more favorable than those requested
in the bond appeal

o

has a subsequent bond redetermination request granted by an
Immigration Judge and DHS does not appeal

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7.3

Chapter 7

Procedure

(a) Filing. – When an alien may appeal the bond decision of an Immigration Judge,
the appeal is filed in the same manner as any other appeal of an Immigration Judge
decision. See Chapters 3 (Filing with the Board), 4 (Appeals of Immigration Judge
Decisions). In those few instances in which an alien may appeal to the Board from the
custody determination of DHS, the appeal is filed in the same manner as a visa petition
appeal. See Chapters 7.2(b)(ii) (DHS decisions), 9 (Visa Petitions).
(i) Separate Notice of Appeal. – A bond appeal must be filed on its own
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26, if an Immigration Judge decision, or Form
EOIR-29, if a DHS decision) and must not be combined with an appeal of a decision
regarding the alien’s removal or deportation (often referred to as the decision “on the
merits” of the case). The Notice of Appeal should be completed in full and specify
the date of the bond decision being appealed.
(ii) Deadline. –
(A) Immigration Judge decision. – When an, 2Immigration Judge
017
er 5
renders the bond decision, the appeal has the same 30-day deadline as any
tob
n Oc
other appeal from an Immigration Judgechived o
decision. See Chapter 4.5 (Appeal
ar
Deadlines).
9ao
033
4-7

1
No.
ons,

(B) Department of Homeland Security decision. – In the limited
ssi
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instances aininwhich the Board has jurisdiction over the appeal from a DHS
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in M
bondddecision, the deadline for filing an appeal is 10 days from the date of the
ite
c
DHS bond decision. See 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(3). See also Chapter 3.1(b)
(Must be “timely”).
(iii) Fee. – Generally, there is no filing fee for a bond appeal. However, when
an alien is appealing the amount of a voluntary departure bond in removal
proceedings, there is a $110 filing fee.
(iv) Stays –
(A) Stays of deportation or removal. – Stays of deportation or
removal are not available in bond proceedings. See 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(4).
See also Chapter 6 (Stays and Expedite Requests).
(B) Stays of bond decisions. – If an alien appeals a bond decision,
that decision remains in effect while the appeal is pending. The same is true
for a DHS appeal, unless the decision is “stayed” by regulation (which here
means that the Immigration Judge’s decision does not go into effect and the

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DHS decision to detain the alien remains in effect until the Board decides the
appeal). See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(i)(2).
A bond decision is stayed by regulation when either:
o

DHS has determined that an alien should not be
released, but the Immigration Judge authorized
the alien’s release

o

DHS sets a bond of $10,000 or more, but the
Immigration Judge sets a lower bond amount

For such a stay to take effect, DHS must file a Notice of Service Intent to
Appeal Custody Redetermination (Form EOIR-43) with the Immigration Court
within one business day of the Immigration Judge’s bond order, and file the
appeal within 10 business days. The stay remains in effect until the Board
decides the appeal, or 90 days from the filing of the appeal, whichever occurs
first. The 90 days is tolled 21 days if the Board grants 0an alien’s briefing
17
5, 2
er stay is pending or for
extension request, and is extended if a discretionary
tob
n Oc
referral to the Attorney General.
ed o
iv
9a
033

o ar

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-7
When a stay is not oautomatic, DHS may ask the Board to grant an
. 14
,N
emergency stay. essions8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(i)(1), Matter of Joseph, 22 I&N
See
v. S
Dec. 660 (BIA z
1999).
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cited

a

in M

(b) Processing. – Appeals of bond decisions made by Immigration Judges are
briefed and processed in the same manner as appeals of Immigration Judge removal
decisions, except that bond hearings are not transcribed. See Chapters 3 (Filing with the
Board), 4 (Appeals of Immigration Judge Decisions). Appeals of bond decisions made by
DHS officers are briefed and processed in the same manner as visa petition appeals. See
Chapter 9 (Visa Petitions).
(i) Briefing schedule. – Where the appeal is taken from an Immigration
Judge decision, the Board issues a filing receipt and a briefing schedule. See
Chapter 4.2(e) (Briefing schedule). Where the appeal is taken from a DHS decision,
DHS is responsible for the briefing. See Chapter 9.3(d)(ii) (Briefing schedule).
Briefs, when submitted, should comply with the general rules for briefing. See
Chapter 4.6 (Appeal Briefs).
(ii) Transcripts. – Bond proceedings are less formal than other Immigration
Court proceedings. See Matter of Chirinos, 16 I&N Dec. 276 (BIA 1977). Bond
hearings are seldom recorded and are not routinely transcribed. See generally
Chapter 4.2(f) (Transcription).
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Chapter 7

(iii) Decision. – Upon entry of a decision regarding a bond appeal, the Board
serves the decision on the parties by regular mail. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board
decisions).
7.4

Mootness
A bond appeal is deemed moot whenever the alien:
o

departs the United States, whether voluntarily or involuntarily

o

is granted relief by the Immigration Judge and the DHS does
not appeal

o

is granted relief by the Board

o

is denied relief by the Immigration Judge and the alien does not
appeal

o

is denied relief by the Board

o

is released on the
ns,

in
cited

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on
ived
conditions requested in
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Chapter 8

8 Oral Argument
8.1

Oral Argument Coordinator

All inquiries and requests (not coming from the news media) regarding the
scheduling, attendance, seating, and administration of oral argument should be directed to
the Oral Argument Coordinator. News media should contact the Office of Communications
and Legislative Affairs. See Chapter 8.5(c) (News media).
All correspondence must be addressed as follows:
Oral Argument Coordinator
Clerk’s Office
Board of Immigration Appeals
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2000
Falls Church, Virginia 22041
017
5, 2
er605-1007.
The Oral Argument Coordinator may also be reached at Octob
(703)
n
ed o
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o ar
39a
-703
8.2
Selection of Cases
. 14
, No
ons
essi
v. S
z
(a) Appeals. – Oral eargument is held at the discretion of the Board and is rarely
artin
granted. When an d in M has been taken, oral argument, if desired, must be requested on
appeal
cite

the Notice of Appeal. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(7). Oral argument must be requested at the
outset of the appeal, or oral argument may be deemed waived. In either the Notice of
Appeal or a brief, the appealing party should explain the reason for requesting oral
argument and articulate how oral argument would supplement any written submissions.
The Board generally does not seek oral argument from parties who do not request it.

(b) Motions. – Oral argument is available, though infrequently granted, to parties
moving to have the Board reopen or reconsider their case. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(h). The
moving party should request oral argument in a separate but accompanying document with
a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT.” See Appendix F (Sample
Cover Page). The request must explain the reason for requesting oral argument and
articulate how oral argument would supplement any written submissions. While the Board
reserves the authority to schedule oral argument, the Board generally does not seek oral
argument from parties who did not initially request it.
(c) Requests by responding parties. – Either party to an appeal or motion may
request oral argument.

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(i) Appeals. – In the event the party opposing the appeal wishes to request
oral argument, the request must be made prior to the expiration of the briefing
schedule. That party should request oral argument in a separate but accompanying
document with a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT.” See
Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). The request must explain the reason for
requesting oral argument and articulate how oral argument would supplement any
written submissions.
(ii) Motions. – In the event that a party responding to a motion wishes to
request oral argument, the request should accompany the reply to the motion, which
itself must be filed in accordance with the deadline set in the regulations. See
8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(g)(3). That party should request oral argument in a separate, but
accompanying document with a cover page labeled “REQUEST FOR ORAL
ARGUMENT.” See Appendix F (Sample Cover Page). The request must explain
the reason for requesting oral argument and articulate how oral argument would
supplement any written submissions.
(d) Criteria. – Cases are selected for oral argument because they meet one or more
01
of a number of criteria, including but not limited to: (i) the resolution2of 7an issue of first
r 5,
obe
texisting rule of law; (iii)
impression; (ii) alteration, modification, or clarification of n Oc
an
do
reaffirmation of an existing rule of law; (iv) the resolutioneof a conflict of authority; and (v)
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discussion of an issue of significant public interest. ao
703
8.3

Notification

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v

(a) Request granted. – If a request for oral argument is granted, the Board notifies
the parties through a notice of selection sent after the briefing schedule has concluded. The
notice will specify the time and place scheduled for oral arguments, and the issues the
parties need to address. Parties are generally provided at least 30 days’ advance notice of
the date scheduled for oral argument. The parties are also provided with a copy of this
chapter, and any other materials the Board deems appropriate.
(i) Confirmation received. – Once a party confirms interest in oral argument,
the oral argument calendar is fixed, and the parties are subject to the rules and
obligations that attach to oral argument. Supplemental briefs may be filed, but the
parties are not sent a supplemental briefing schedule. See Chapter 8.7(d)(v)
(Supplemental briefs).
(ii) Confirmation not received. – If a party does not confirm an interest in
oral argument, the Board deems the party’s request waived and adjudicates the
case on the existing record.

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Chapter 8

(iii) Continuance or postponement. – Parties are expected to make all
reasonable efforts to resolve conflicts in their schedules to permit them to attend oral
argument as scheduled. In view of the difficulty in meeting the scheduling needs of
the Board and the parties, the Board disfavors motions for continuance or
postponement.
(b) Request denied. – If a request for oral argument is denied, the Board does not
specifically notify the parties but simply adjudicates the merits of the appeal or motion.
Thus, parties should never assume that oral argument will be granted. The Board’s Oral
Argument Coordinator will notify the parties when a request for oral argument has been
granted.
8.4

Location

Oral argument is conducted on site at the Board in Falls Church, Virginia. In rare
instances, the Board may conduct oral argument in a location other than Falls Church.
8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(7).
8.5

Public Access
(a) General public. –

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(i) Oral argument. – With the exceptions noted below, oral argument is
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generally open M the public and employees of the Department of Justice, subject to
in to
cited
space limitations and priorities given to the parties and the news media. See
generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.27(a).

o

Oral arguments involving applications for asylum or withholding
of deportation/removal, or a claim brought under the
Convention Against Torture are open to the public unless the
alien (or the alien’s representative, if represented) expressly
requests that the oral argument be closed. In cases involving
such applications or claims, the Board will inquire of the alien
(or the alien’s representative) whether the oral argument should
be closed.

o

Exclusion proceedings are closed to the public unless alien (or
the alien’s representative, if represented) expressly requests
that the oral argument be open to the public.

o

Oral arguments involving an alien abused spouse or child are
closed to the public. Oral arguments involving an alien spouse

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may be open to the public if the abused spouse expressly
agrees that the oral argument and record of proceedings will be
open to the public.
o

Oral arguments are closed to the public if information is to be
presented or discussed which is subject to a protective order or
documents filed under seal by DHS.

See generally 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.27, 1003.31(d); 1003.46 1208.6, 1240.10(b),
1240.11(c)(3)(i), 1240.32, 1240.33(c)(1). Only parties, their representatives, and
persons authorized by the Board in advance, including employees of the Department
of Justice, may attend a closed argument. If classified information is to be
presented, or discussed during an oral argument, the proceedings are closed to the
public. Also, no one may be present in the oral argument room without, among other
things, the appropriate security clearance and a legitimate “need-to-know” the
information. See generally Executive Order 13526 and any related orders.
The Board may limit attendance or hold a closed hearing if appropriate to
17
protect parties or witnesses, or when a closed hearing is otherwise in the public
, 20
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b
interest. See generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.27(b).
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(ii) Requests to open oral argument. – In appropriate cases, parties may
339
4 70
waive their right to a closed hearing -and permit oral argument to be open to the
o. 1
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public. The request mustsion made in writing and sent to the Oral Argument
Ses be
v.
Coordinator at Martinez days prior to the scheduled date of oral argument. The
least 15
request mustinbe served upon the other party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). The
cited
request should be phrased as follows:
“I hereby request and consent that oral argument in the matter of
[name of party] be open to the public and, further, I hereby consent
that information contained within the record of proceedings may be
released to the public. I acknowledge that this waiver of confidentiality
may not be withdrawn after oral argument has begun.”
Parties may not retract their request within 24 hours of the scheduled time for
oral argument. Also, parties may not request that specific persons be excluded from
an open oral argument.
(iii) Requests to close oral argument. – Certain types of oral argument
cases are automatically closed to the public. See Chapter 8.5(a)(ii) (Closed
argument). The Board may, at its discretion, close oral argument. See generally
8 C.F.R. § 1003.27(b). A party may request that oral argument be closed, but must
do so in writing at least 15 days prior to the time of oral argument and serve the

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request on the other party. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). The request must set forth in
detail the rationale for closing the hearing.
(iv) Reserved seating. – A party may request that the Board reserve up to 5
gallery seats for the party’s invitees. A reserved seating request must be made to
the Oral Argument Coordinator at least 15 days prior to the scheduled date of oral
argument. The Board tries to accommodate all reasonable requests for additional
seating, subject to space limitations and any special considerations that may arise.
(b) Recording and broadcasting. – The public, including the parties and the news
media, may not bring any recording or broadcasting devices into oral argument, whether
photographic, audio, video, or electronic in nature. See generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.28.
(c) News media. – Representatives of the news media may attend oral argument
that is open to the public. The Board reserves 10 gallery seats for members of the media.
The news media are subject to the general prohibition on recording and broadcasting. See
subsection (b), above.
The news media are welcome to contact the Office of
Communications and Legislative Affairs for information about cases selected for oral
7
argument and to request reserved seating. Seating reservations should 1be made at least
, 20
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24 hours in advance of the scheduled time for oral argument. SeeoAppendix B (Directory).
Oct
8.6

Appearances

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(a) Notices of Appearance. – Only parties,
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invited by the cBoard may participate in oral
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their representatives, and amicus curiae
argument.
See generally Chapter 2
(Appearances before the Board). Every representative who wishes to argue before the
Board must file a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the
Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27).
See Chapter 2.1(b) (Entering an
appearance). If, at any time after the filing of the appeal, there is a change in
representation, the new representative must immediately file a Notice of Appearance. See
Chapters 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance), 2.3(d) (Appearances), 2.3(j) (Change in
representation).
(b) Multiple representation. – Parties are limited to one representative of record.
See Chapter 2.3(f) (Multiple representatives). If a representative of record wishes to share
oral argument with another person, or wishes another person to argue in his or her place,
he or she must submit a written request to the Oral Argument Coordinator at least 15 days
in advance of the scheduled oral argument. The request must also be served upon the
other party. That person must both satisfy the appearance requirements and file a separate
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27). See Chapter 2.1 (Representation Generally). The
Notice of Appearance should reflect that his or her appearance is solely for the purpose of
participating in oral argument, which is done by writing in large letters at the top of the form

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the words: “ORAL ARGUMENT ONLY.” The Notice of Appearance must be sent directly to
the Oral Argument Coordinator.
Representatives who appear solely for the purpose of oral argument are advised
that, once oral argument is concluded, all notices and Board correspondence will be sent
only to the representative of record. The representative of record is responsible for
providing copies of notices or correspondence to the representative who entered an
appearance strictly for oral argument purposes.
(c) Motions to withdraw. – Once oral argument is scheduled, motions to withdraw
as counsel are entertained only where good cause is shown. See Chapter 2.3(j)(iii)
(Withdrawal of counsel). Substitution of counsel is permitted. See Chapter 2.3(j)(i)
(Substitution of counsel).
8.7

Rules of Oral Argument

(a) Attire. – The Board expects all persons to respect the decorum of the court.
Representatives are expected to appear in business attire. All others 0in attendance are
17
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expected to dress in proper attire.
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(b) Electronic devices. –

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(i) Recording devices. – Only the Board may record oral argument. No
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v. including cameras, video recorders, and cassette/digital
devices of any kind,
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recorders, itmay M used by any person other than the Board to record any part of the
d in be
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oral argument.
(ii) Possession of electronic devices during oral argument. – Subject to
section (iii) below, all persons - including parties and members of the press - may
bring laptop computers, tablets, cellular telephones, electronic calendars, and other
electronic devices commonly used to conduct business activities, including electronic
devices which have collateral recording capability provided that they are not used to
record the oral argument. Cellular telephones must be turned off during the hearing.
All other devices must be turned off or made silent during oral argument.
(iii) Use of electronic devices during oral argument. – All persons,
including parties and members of the press, may use laptop computers, tablets,
electronic calendars, and other electronic devices commonly used to conduct
business activities provided they are not used to record the oral argument. Such
devices may only be used in silent mode. The use of such devices must not disrupt
oral argument. Cellular telephones must be turned off during oral argument.

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(c) Conduct. – All persons attending oral argument must respect the dignity of the
proceedings. Talking is not permitted in the gallery during oral argument, nor may
attendees depart or enter the room once oral argument has begun. Disruptive behavior is
not tolerated.
(i) Representatives. – Attorneys and other representatives are expected to
observe the professional conduct rules and regulations of their licensing authorities
and to present, at all times, a professional demeanor becoming of an officer of the
court.
(ii) Represented parties. – Parties who are represented are welcome, but
not required, to attend oral argument. Represented parties are permitted to observe
but may not speak during oral argument.
(iii) Detained aliens. – Detained aliens are not permitted to attend oral
argument.
(iv) Amici curiae. – Amici curiae are subject to the same rules of conduct as
representatives. See Chapter 8.7(d)(xiii) (Amicus curiae).
017
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(d) Prior to oral argument. –

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(i) Check in. – On the day oof 4-7 argument, parties are required to check in
1 oral
N .
ons,
i
at least 30 minutes priorssto the scheduled time for oral argument. The Oral
Se
Argument Coordinator v. advise the parties regarding the procedures for check in.
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(ii) Adverse weather conditions. – In the event of adverse weather
conditions, parties should contact the Oral Argument Coordinator for guidance or
otherwise comply with the instructions provided in the selection notice.
(iii) Failure to appear for oral argument. – In the event that either party fails
to appear for oral argument, the Board may hear the argument of the side that does
appear, in which case the argument is entered into the record and considered by the
Board in rendering its decision. Given the administrative burden of scheduling oral
argument, the Board considers an unexplained failure to appear to be a serious
discourtesy to both the Board and the other party and will sanction representatives
accordingly. The party whose representative fails to appear will not be penalized for
that failure, except insofar as that party will be deprived of the benefit of his or her
case being argued.
(iv) Late arrival for oral argument. – If a party is unable to arrive for oral
argument at the appointed time due to extenuating circumstances, such as travel
delays, the party should immediately contact the Oral Argument Coordinator or, if the

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Oral Argument Coordinator is not available, a senior manager in the Clerk’s Office.
See Appendix B (Directory).
(v) Supplemental briefs. – While the Board generally does not accept
supplemental briefs, an exception is made for cases that have been granted oral
argument. Parties may submit supplemental briefs in anticipation of oral argument,
but parties are not sent a supplementary briefing schedule. Parties may submit
supplemental briefs until 15 days prior to the date of oral argument. Parties may
reply to supplemental briefs up until 7 days prior to the date of oral argument.
Supplemental briefs should be directed to the Oral Argument Coordinator.
Supplemental briefs are subject to the same requirements as other briefs. See
generally Chapters 3 (Filing with the Board), 3.2 (Service), 4.6 (Appeal Briefs), 5.4
(Motion Briefs). Amicus curiae are subject to the same supplemental briefing rules
and limitations as the parties. See generally Chapters 2.10 (Amicus Curiae),
Chapter 4.6(i) (Amicus curiae briefs). Supplemental briefs must be served on the
opposing party as expeditiously as they are served on the Board.
(vi) Additional authorities. – Both oral argument and any supplemental
17
briefs should be based on a thorough research of legal authorities and should
, 20
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include all legal authority that a party might wish to rely cupon in oral argument. In
nO
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the event that a party locates additional legal aauthority
rchiv
3 the
supplemental brief, parties should observe 9ao following:
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No.
ons, authorities. – If a party inadvertently omits a legal
si
(A) Supplemental
Ses
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newishes to refer to it at oral argument, that party must so notify
authorityMand
arti
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theited i
Board (and provide a copy, where appropriate) in advance of oral
c

argument. See Chapter 3.2 (Service). Opposing parties must be informed
(and provided a copy, where appropriate) as expeditiously as the Board.
Parties may not use supplemental authority, however, as an excuse to file a
supplemental brief after the time for briefing has expired. Once the
supplemental briefing deadline has passed, see subsection (v), above, the
Board will not consider any filing that appears in form or substance to be a
brief.

(B) New authorities. – If a party discovers a newly available authority,
that party should inform the Oral Argument Coordinator and the opposing
party immediately. Parties should promptly submit a statement regarding the
significance, or lack thereof, of the new authority to the matter being argued.
The Board will thereafter determine what action, if any, will be taken in light of
the new authority.
(vii) Exhibits. – The Board accepts no new evidence on appeal. If a party
wishes to display exhibits used in the proceeding below, or wishes to use
presentation aids that do not constitute evidence, the party must make prior
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Chapter 8

arrangements with the Oral Argument Coordinator for delivery and display. The
party is also responsible for removing any exhibits or presentation aids at the
conclusion of the proceeding.
(viii) Reviewing the record of proceedings. – Parties wishing to review the
record of proceedings should make arrangements with the Oral Argument
Coordinator prior to oral argument. Absent special arrangements, the record is not
available for review in the 2 hours prior to the scheduled time for oral argument.
(e) Oral argument. – Oral argument should be approached as an opportunity to
expand upon, and not merely repeat, a party’s written arguments. The Board does not
accept new evidence on appeal, and the Board also does not hear testimony. Parties
arguing before the Board should follow the rules and guidelines below.
(i) Oral argument table. – Parties are generally limited to two legal staff each
at the oral argument table. This limit includes representatives, paralegals, and all
other personnel. Represented parties who attend oral argument may not sit at the
oral argument tables but are provided priority seating in the gallery.

17
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(ii) Addressing the Board. – Individual Board Members
tob
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as either “Board Member _________” or “Yourchived o
Honor.” Titles, such as “Chairman
o ar
_________” and “Vice Chairman _________,” may also be used. The Board
39a
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1 Members as a group may be referred4to either as “the Board” or “Your Honors.”
No.
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(iii) Standingezand sitting. – Parties should stand when addressing the
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Board. A itpodium is provided, and the parties must speak from that podium during
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opening and closing statements. At other times, parties may respond to the Board’s
questions from the oral argument table.

(iv) Familiarity with the record. – Parties are expected to be thoroughly
familiar with the record.
Parties should prepare oral argument with the
understanding that the Board Members have studied the briefs and are also
thoroughly familiar with the record.
(v) Opening statements. – At the commencement of oral argument, persons
to argue before the Board should rise and introduce themselves. Opening
statements are encouraged.
An opening statement should include a brief
introduction to the case and the core issue or issues being argued. Parties should
not read at length from briefs, authorities, or the record.
(vi) Recitation of facts. – A brief chronological statement of the pertinent
facts, where warranted, is welcome at the outset of oral argument. Extensive
recitation of facts, however, is discouraged.

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(vii) Recitation of law. – Oral argument should focus upon the critical points
of law that can be properly addressed during the time for oral argument. In their oral
presentation, parties may not cite to any case, reported or otherwise, that does not
appear in either of the parties’ briefs, unless one of two conditions is met: the Board
and opposing counsel have been notified in advance of the intention to cite to that
case, or the citation is in response to a Board Member’s question or the opposing
party’s oral argument. See Chapter 8.7(d)(vi) (Additional authorities).
(viii) Argument. – Parties are generally allotted 30 minutes per side to
present their arguments with a portion of time reserved for rebuttal, if desired by a
party. If a party anticipates needing more than 30 minutes, the party should submit a
request for additional time, in writing, to the Oral Argument Coordinator at least 15
days prior to the date of oral argument. A copy of the request should be served on
the opposing party as well.
If oral argument will be shared by two representatives, the Oral Argument
Coordinator must be notified in writing at least 15 days prior to the scheduled oral
argument. The allotted time may be apportioned between them according to their
017
discretion. Representatives should not duplicate each other’s arguments.
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(ix) Rebuttal. – At the outset of oral argument or at the conclusion of his or
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her presentation, a party may reserve339ao for rebuttal, provided there is time
time
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(x) Questions from the bench. – Board members may ask questions at any
tin
Mar
d in argument. Parties should answer the Board’s questions as directly
time duringeoral
cit
as possible. Board Member questions apply toward the 30 minutes allotted for
argument and do not extend that time.
(xi) Marking of time. – Parties are notified when their time for oral argument
has elapsed. Parties are expected to monitor their own time, especially when
reserving time for co-counsel or rebuttal. In the event of disagreement, the Board’s
timekeeping is controlling.
(xii) Cessation of oral argument. – At any point during oral argument, the
Board may terminate oral argument if further argument appears unnecessary. The
Board may terminate oral argument even if a party’s allotted time has not expired.
(xiii) Amicus curiae. – Amicus curiae may present oral argument only upon
advance permission of the Board. Such permission is granted sparingly. The time
allotted to amicus curiae is determined on a case-by-case basis. Amicus curiae
argue after both sides have concluded their arguments. Amicus curiae are subject
to the same oral argument rules and limitations as the parties.

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Where appropriate, the Board may provide parties an opportunity to respond
to the oral argument of amicus curiae.
8.8

Conclusion of Oral Argument

(a) Decision of the Board. – Decisions are normally not rendered on the day of oral
argument. Subsequent to oral argument, cases are processed in the standard manner.
See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board decisions).
(b) Supplemental briefs. – The Board expects all issues to be fully briefed and
argued by the conclusion of oral argument. Parties may not file supplemental briefs after
oral argument, unless they are expressly solicited by the Board or warranted by emergent
developments in the law or the case.
(c) Transcripts. – The Board digitally records oral argument.
prepared following oral argument and is served on the parties.

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Chapter 9

9 Visa Petitions
9.1

Visa Petitions Generally

A visa petition is the first step toward obtaining lawful permanent residence for a
foreign-born individual or family. It is usually filed by a United States citizen, lawful
permanent resident, or employer. Visa petitions are adjudicated by DHS and, once
approved, may be revoked or revalidated by DHS under certain circumstances. If a visa
petition is denied or revoked, or the revalidation of a visa petition is denied, an appeal may
be taken to the Board in some instances.
For visa petition appeals within the Board’s jurisdiction, DHS is initially responsible
for management of the appeal, including the processing of briefs. The Board’s role in the
appeal process does not begin until the completed record is received from DHS.
See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.5(b).
9.2

Jurisdiction Generally

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Visa petitions are adjudicated by the appropriate ived o
District Director or Service Center
rch
ao a petition. Upon adjudication of a visa
Director of the DHS office having jurisdiction over9the
33
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petition, revocation of a visa petition approval, or revalidation of a visa petition approval, the
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District Director or Service Center sDirector will notify the petitioner in writing of the decision.
Se
v.
An appeal may be takentinez the Board where authorized by statute and regulation. See
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8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(b)(5), 1205.2(d). See also Chapter 1.4 (Jurisdiction and Authority).
cited
9.3

Visa Petition Denials

(a) Jurisdiction. – The Board has appellate jurisdiction over family-based immigrant
petitions filed in accordance with section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with the
exception of petitions on behalf of certain orphans. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(b)(5). See
generally Chapter 1.4 (Jurisdiction and Authority). The Board does not have jurisdiction
over employment-based visa petitions. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 103.2, 103.3, 1205.2(d). See also
Chapters 1.2(g) (Relationship to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)), 1.4 (Jurisdiction
and Authority).
(b) Standing. – Only the petitioner, not the beneficiary or a third party, may appeal
the denial of a visa petition. Matter of Sano, 19 I&N Dec. 299 (BIA 1985). Self-petitioners –
including battered spouses, battered children, and certain relatives of deceased citizens –
also have standing to appeal. See Immigration and Nationality Act §§ 204(a)(1)(A)(ii), (iii),
(iv); 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), (iii), and 204(l); 8 C.F.R. § 204.2.

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(c) Filing the appeal. –
(i) How to file. – Appeals of all visa petition decisions are made on the Notice
of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer
(Form EOIR-29). 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(2). (This form is different from the Form
EOIR-26 used in Immigration Court proceedings.) This form is also used for petitionbased appeals from the decisions of Service Center Directors. The appeal form
must be signed by the petitioner, not the beneficiary. The rare exceptions to that
rule are those cases in which the alien “self-petitions,” such as battered spouses and
children, certain widows and widowers, and applicants seeking temporary admission
despite being inadmissible (section 212(d)(3)(A) waiver).
(ii) Where to file. – Unlike appeals from the decisions of Immigration Judges,
appeals of visa petition denials are filed directly with DHS, in accordance with the
applicable regulations, any instructions that appear on the DHS decision, and any
instructions that appear on the reverse of the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-29). See
generally 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(2). The appeal must be filed with the DHS office
having administrative control over the petition record.
017
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er days from the date of
b
(iii) When to file. – The deadline for the appealOisto30
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service of the decision being appealed.
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39a
703
1 petition-based appeal is $110. See 8 C.F.R.
(iv) Fee. – The filing fee , for. a4No
o s
§§ 1003.8(b), 1103.7. Unlike n
essi appeals of Immigration Judge decisions, the fee for a
v. S
petition-based appealzis filed directly with DHS, in accordance with DHS instructions.
tine
Mar
d in be paid in the manner instructed by DHS.
The fee should
cite

(v) Representation. – A petitioner may be represented by an attorney or
other authorized representative. See generally Chapter 2 (Appearances before the
Board). If a petitioner is represented, the appeal should be accompanied by a
completed and executed Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or
Representative Before the Board (Form EOIR-27). See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.4(a). Note
that this form is not the one used to practice before DHS (Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative (Form G-28)) and that the
Board will not recognize a representative using Form G-28. Registered attorneys
and fully accredited representatives should not submit any Form EOIR-27 until the
Board confirms that it has received the petition record from DHS. The Board will not
forward any Form EOIR-27 to DHS.
(vi) Supporting briefs. – Briefs, if desired, are filed with DHS, at the same
office as the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-29) and in accordance with any briefing
schedule set by DHS. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(c)(2). Requests to extend the time for
filing a brief should be directed to DHS. In rare instances, the Board may, in its

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Chapter 9

discretion, authorize briefs to be filed directly with the Board.
§ 1003.3(c)(2).

8 C.F.R.

Absent special instructions from DHS, briefs on visa petition appeals should
generally follow the guidelines set forth in Chapters 3.3 (Documents) and 4.6
(Appeal Briefs).
(vii) Evidence. – The Board does not consider new evidence on appeal. If
new evidence is submitted in the course of an appeal, the submission may be
deemed a motion to remand the petition to DHS for consideration of that new
evidence. If the petitioner wishes to submit new evidence, the petitioner should
articulate the purpose of the new evidence and explain its prior unavailability. Any
document submitted to the Board should comport with the guidelines set forth in
Chapter 3.3 (Documents).
However, the
petition – where the
petitioner was given
adjudicated by DHS.

Board will generally not consider evidence – or remand the
proffered evidence was expressly requested by DHS and the
a reasonable opportunity to provide it before the petition was
See Matter of Soriano, 19 I&N Dec. 764 (BIA 17
0 1988).
5, 2

er
ctob
on Oparties, whenever possible,
(viii) Stipulations. – The Board encouragesdthe
ive
arch
aoto the adjudication of the visa petition.
to stipulate to any facts or events that pertain
339
4-70
o. 1
,N
(d) Processing. – Once Sessions
an appeal has been properly filed with DHS and the petition
v.
record is complete, DHSrtiforwards the petition record to the Board for adjudication of the
nez
Ma
in
appeal. After theteBoard receives the record from DHS, the Board issues a notice to the
ci d

parties acknowledging it has the record and the appeal.

(i) Record on appeal. – The record on appeal consists of all decisions and
documents in the petition record, including some or all of the following items: visa
petition and supporting documentation, DHS notices, evidence submitted in
response to DHS notices, DHS decisions, the Notice of Appeal, any briefs on
appeal, the record of any prior DHS action, and the record of any prior Board action.
(ii) Briefing schedule. – Briefing schedules, if any, are issued by DHS and
are to be completed prior to the forwarding of the record to the Board. Accordingly,
the Board generally does not issue briefing schedules in visa petition cases. See
Chapter 9.3(c)(vi) (Supporting briefs).
(iii) Status inquiries/DHS. – Until the record is received by the Board, all
status inquiries must be directed to the DHS office where the appeal was filed. The
Board has no record of the appeal until the record is received by the Board. Since
the Board and DHS are distinct and separate entities, the Board cannot track or
provide information on cases that remain within the possession of DHS.
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(iv) Status inquiries/Board. – Confirmation that the Board has received a
petition record from DHS can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office. See Appendix B
(Directory). The Board tracks petition-based appeals by the beneficiary’s name and
alien registration number (”A number”). All status inquiries must contain this
information. See generally Chapter 1.6(a) (All communications).
(v) Adjudication. – Upon the entry of a decision, the Board serves the
decision upon the parties by regular mail. An order issued by the Board is final,
unless and until it is stayed, modified, rescinded, or overruled by the Board, the
Attorney General, or a federal court. An order is deemed effective as of its issuance
date, unless the order provides otherwise. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board decisions).
(e) Motions. – Motions filed during the pendency of an appeal should be filed where
the record is located. Motions may not be filed with the Board until the petition and record
have been received by the Board. See Chapter 9.3(d)(iv) (Status inquiries/Board).
All motions filed subsequent to the Board’s adjudication of an appeal, including
motions to reopen and motions to reconsider the Board’s decision are to be filed with the
DHS office having administrative control over the record, not with 5, 201Board. 8 C.F.R.
the 7
er
b
§ 1003.2(g)(2)(ii).
Octo
rch
ao a

ived

on

(f) Withdrawal of appeal. – The petitioner may, at any time prior to the entry of a
339
4-70
decision by the Board, voluntarily withdraw the appeal. To withdraw an appeal, the
o. 1
s, N
sion
petitioner should file a written request, with a cover page labeled “WITHDRAWAL OF VISA
Ses
v.
nez
PETITION APPEAL” withrtieither DHS or the Board, whichever holds the file at the time the
Ma
in
withdrawal is submitted. See Chapter 4.11 (Withdrawing an Appeal), Appendix F (Sample
cited
Cover Page).
9.4

Visa Revocation Appeals

(a) Jurisdiction. – The Board has appellate jurisdiction over the revocation of visa
petition approvals. 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(b)(5), 1205.2(d). The Board does not have
jurisdiction over automatic revocations of visa petitions. 8 C.F.R. § 1205.1. See Matter of
Zaidan, 19 I&N Dec. 297 (BIA 1985).
(b) Standing. – Only the petitioner, not the beneficiary or a third party, may appeal
the revocation of a visa petition approval. Matter of Sano, 19 I&N Dec. 299 (BIA 1985).
Self-petitioners – including battered spouses, battered children, and certain relatives of
deceased citizens – also have standing to appeal. 8 C.F.R. § 1205.2(d).
(c) Filing the appeal. – Revocation appeals are filed according to the same rules as
appeals of visa petition denials. See Chapter 9.3(c) (Filing the appeal). The only difference

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Chapter 9

is that the petitioner or self-petitioner must file the appeal within 15 days after the service of
notice of the revocation. 8 C.F.R. § 1205.2(d).
(d) Processing. – Revocation appeals are processed in the same manner as visa
petition denials. See Chapter 9.3(d) (Processing).
(e) Motions. – Motions related to revocation appeals are handled in the same
manner as motions for visa petition denials. See Chapter 9.3(e) (Motions).
(f) Withdrawal of appeal. – Withdrawals of revocation appeals are handled in the
same manner as withdrawals of visa petition appeals. See Chapter 9.3(f) (Withdrawal of
appeal).
9.5

Visa Revalidation Appeals

(a) Jurisdiction. – Certain immigrant petitions are valid for a limited period of time,
after which they expire unless revalidated. 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(k)(5). The Board has appellate
jurisdiction over the revalidation of visa petitions that fall within the Board’s 7
jurisdiction. See
201
er 5
Chapter 9.2 (Jurisdiction Generally). See also 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(b)(5). ,
ctob
ive
arch

d on

O

(b) Standing. – Only the petitioner, not the9beneficiary or a third party, may appeal a
ao
33
visa petition revalidation decision. Matteroof 4-70 19 I&N Dec. 299 (BIA 1985).
1 Sano,
.
s, N
sion
Ses
(c) Filing the appeal. v. Appeals of
–
tinez
Mar petition denials.
manner as appealsdof visa
in
cite

visa revalidation decisions are filed in the same
See Chapter 9.3(c) (Filing the appeal).

(d) Processing. – Revalidation appeals are processed in the same manner as visa
petition denials. See Chapter 9.3(d) (Processing).
(e) Motions. – Motions related to revalidation appeals are handled in the same
manner as motions for visa petition denials. See Chapter 9.3(e) (Motions).
(f) Withdrawal of appeal. – Withdrawals of revalidation appeals are handled in the
same manner as withdrawals of visa petition appeals. See Chapter 9.3(f) (Withdrawal of
appeal).
9.6

Federal Court Remands

(a) Generally. – When Board decisions involving visa petitions are reviewed by a
federal court, DHS provides that court with a certified copy of the record. Also, since the
Board is not a party before the federal courts, the United States government is represented
by the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) or the United States Attorney’s Office. See

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Chapter 1.2(h) (Relationship to the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL)). When a federal
court remands a case back to the Board for further action, the Board is notified by the office
representing the government in the proceedings before the federal court.
The Board cannot advise petitioners or self-petitioners regarding the propriety of or
means for seeking judicial review of Board decisions involving visa petitions.
(b) Processing. – When the Board receives notification of a federal court’s order
from the Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) or the United States Attorney’s Office, a
written notification is sent to the parties. The Board will obtain the record of proceedings
from DHS. In appropriate cases, a briefing schedule is provided to both parties.
(c) Representation. – If a petitioner is represented, a Notice of Entry of Appearance
as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27)
must be submitted. See generally Chapter 2 (Appearances before the Board). Note that
this form is not the one used to practice before DHS (Notice of Entry of Appearance as
Attorney or Accredited Representative (Form G-28)) and that the Board will not recognize a
representative using Form G-28. Registered attorneys or fully accredited representatives
should not submit any Form EOIR-27 until the Board confirms that, 2017 received the
it has
r5
petition record from DHS. The Board will not forward any FormOctobe
EOIR-27 to DHS.
339

4-70

in
cited

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Practice Manual

Chapter 10

10 Fines
10.1

Fines Generally

Certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act render individuals and
carriers liable for transporting unauthorized aliens into the United States. See Immigration
and Nationality Act § 273; 8 C.F.R. part 1280. Fines may be assessed by a DHS Special
Agent in Charge, the DHS Associate Director for Operations, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, or the DHS National Fines Office. 8 C.F.R. § 1280.1.
In fines cases, DHS is initially responsible for appeal management, including initial
briefing. The Board’s role in the appeal process does not begin until the completed record
is received from DHS.
10.2

Jurisdiction

17
Where a DHS officer enters an adverse decision against an individual or carrier in a
, 20
er 5
b
fines case, an appeal may be taken to the Board. 8 C.F.R. § 1280.13(b).
Octo

10.3

Processing

339

4-70

o. 1
ns, N

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ao a

ived

on

o
essi
v. S individual
Only the
ez
artin

(a) Standing. –
or carrier being fined may file an appeal.
M
However, if that individual or carrier admits the allegations in the Notice of Intent to Fine or
d in
cite
does not answer it, the opportunity to appeal is waived. 8 C.F.R. § 1280.13(a).
(b) Filing the appeal. –
(i) How to file. – Fine appeals are made on the Notice of Appeal (Form
EOIR-29). 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(a)(2). (This form is different from the Form EOIR-26
used in Immigration Court proceedings.)
(ii) Where to file. – Unlike appeals from the decisions of Immigration Judges,
fine appeals are filed with DHS, in accordance with the applicable regulations and
any instructions that appear on the DHS decision. See generally 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.3(a)(2). The appeal must be filed with the DHS office having administrative
control over the fine record.
(iii) When to file. – A fine appeal must be filed within 15 days after the
mailing of the notification of decision. See 8 C.F.R. § 1280.13(b).

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(iv) Fee. – The filing fee for a fine appeal is $110. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.8(b).
Unlike appeals of Immigration Judge decisions, the fee is filed directly with DHS, in
accordance with DHS instructions. The fee should be paid in the manner instructed
by DHS.
(v) Representation. – An individual or carrier appealing a fine decision may
be represented by an attorney or other authorized representative. See generally
Chapter 2 (Appearances before the Board).
If that individual or carrier is
represented, the appeal should be accompanied by a completed and executed
Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board
(Form EOIR-27). See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.4(a). Note that this form is not the one used
to practice before DHS (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited
Representative (Form G-28)) and that the Board will not recognize a representative
using Form G-28. Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives should
not submit any Form EOIR-27 until the Board confirms that it has received the record
and appeal from DHS. The Board will not forward any Form EOIR-27 to DHS.
(vi) Supporting briefs. – Briefs, if desired, are filed with DHS, at the same
17
office as the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-29) and in accordance with any briefing
, 20
er 5
tob
schedule set by DHS. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.3(c)(2). Requests to extend the time for
n Oc
ed o
filing a brief should be directed to DHS. The archiv may, in its discretion, authorize
Board
9ao
briefs to be filed directly with the Board. 083C.F.R. § 1003.3(c)(2).
7 3
4follow

1
No.
ons,
essi
Absent specialz instructions from DHS, briefs on fine appeals should generally
v. S
ne
arti
the guidelines set forth in Chapters 3.3 (Documents) and 4.6 (Appeal Briefs).
in M
ited
c

(vii) Evidence. – The Board does not consider new evidence on appeal. If
new evidence is submitted in the course of an appeal, the submission may be
deemed a motion to remand the matter to DHS for consideration of that new
evidence. If the individual or carrier wishes to submit new evidence, that individual
or carrier should articulate the purpose of the new evidence and explain its prior
unavailability. Any document submitted to the Board should comport with the
guidelines set forth in Chapter 3.3 (Documents).
However, the Board will not consider evidence or remand the matter where
the proffered evidence was expressly requested by DHS and a reasonable
opportunity to provide it was given before the matter was adjudicated by DHS.
Matter of Soriano, 19 I&N Dec. 764 (BIA 1988).
(viii) Stipulations. – The Board encourages the parties, whenever possible,
to stipulate to any facts or events that pertain to the adjudication of the appeal.
(c) Processing. – Once an appeal has been properly filed with DHS and the record
is complete, DHS forwards the record to the Board for adjudication of the appeal. After the
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Chapter 10

Board receives the record from DHS, the Board issues a notice to the parties
acknowledging receipt of the record and appeal.
(i) Record on appeal. – The record on appeal consists of all decisions and
documents in the record, including some or all of the following items: the Notice of
Intent to Fine, any written defense or correspondence, any documentary evidence
submitted to DHS, the record of any personal interviews, the DHS decision, the
Notice of Appeal, any briefs on appeal, the record of any prior DHS action, and the
record of any prior Board action.
(ii) Briefing schedule. – Briefing schedules are issued by DHS and are to be
completed prior to the forwarding of the record to the Board. Accordingly, the Board
generally does not issue briefing schedules in fine cases.
(iii) Status inquiries/DHS. – Until the record is received by the Board, all
status inquiries must be directed to the DHS office where the appeal was filed. The
Board has no record of the appeal until the record is received by the Board. Since
the Board and DHS are distinct and separate entities, the Board cannot track or
provide information on cases that remain within the possession5of 017
, 2 DHS.

er
ctob
on O the Board has received a
e
(iv) Status inquiries/Board. – Confirmationd that
rchiv
ao athe Clerk’s Office. See Appendix B
fine record from DHS can be obtained 3from
39
70
(Directory). The Board tracks , fine14o. appeals by the name and an assigned case
N
ons
number for the individual sior carrier. All status inquiries should contain this
Ses
v.
information. Seeagenerally Chapter 1.6(a) (All communications).
tinez
M r
in
cited

(v) Adjudication. – Upon the entry of a decision, the Board serves the
decision upon the parties by regular mail. An order issued by the Board is final,
unless and until it is stayed, modified, rescinded, or overruled by the Board, the
Attorney General, or a federal court. An order is deemed effective as of its issuance
date, unless the order provides otherwise. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Board decisions).

(d) Motions. – Motions filed during the pendency of an appeal should be filed where
the fine record is located. Motions may not be filed with the Board until the record has been
received by the Board. See Chapter 10.3(c)(iv) (Status inquiries/Board).
All motions filed subsequent to the Board’s adjudication of an appeal, including
motions to reopen and motions to reconsider the Board’s decision, are to be filed with the
DHS office having administrative control over the record, not with the Board. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.2(g)(2)(ii).
(e) Withdrawal of appeal. – The appeal may, at any time prior to the entry of a
decision by the Board, be voluntarily withdrawn. To withdraw an appeal, the individual or
carrier should file a written request, with a cover page labeled “WITHDRAWAL OF FINE
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APPEAL,” with either DHS or the Board, whichever holds the file at the time the withdrawal
is submitted. See Chapter 4.11 (Withdrawing an Appeal), Appendix F (Sample Cover
Page). If the appeal is before the Board, Proof of Service on DHS should be submitted with
the withdrawal. See Chapters 3.2(d) (Proof of Service), 4.11 (Withdrawing an Appeal).
10.4

Personal Interviews

(a) Remand. – The Board has the authority to request or direct a personal interview
of the individual or carrier. 8 C.F.R. § 1280.12. A remand may be warranted when DHS
enters a decision without granting a personal interview, either initially or on remand. See
8 C.F.R. §§ 1280.12, 1280.13(b). A remand may also be warranted when the DHS decision
does not adequately state the reasons for assessing the fine. Matter of Air India “Flight No.
101”, 21 I&N Dec. 890 (BIA 1997).
(b) Invalidation of fine. – If DHS fails to grant an interview, the Board may
invalidate the fine. Matter of “Beechcraft B-95, #N21JC”, 17 I&N Dec. 147 (BIA 1979).

033

in
cited

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Chapter 11

11 Discipline
11.1

Practitioner and Recognized Organization Discipline Generally

The Board has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions upon attorneys,
recognized organizations, and accredited representatives who violate rules of professional
conduct in practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS). 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.1(b)(13), 1003.1(d)(2)(iii), 1003.1(d)(5),
1003.101-111; 292.3; 1292.3. See also Matter of Gadda, 23 I&N Dec. 645 (BIA 2003)
11.2

Definition of Practitioner and Recognized Organization

For purposes of this Chapter, the term “practitioner” is defined as an attorney, as
defined in 8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(f), or accredited representative, as defined in 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1001.1(j), 1292.1(a)(4), unless otherwise specified.
For purposes of this Chapter, the term “recognized organization” 7 defined as an
01 is
5, 2
organization that has been approved by the OLAP Director October
to represent aliens, through
on
accredited representatives, before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and/or DHS. See
ived
arch
9ao
8 C.F.R. § 1292.11.
033
4-7

11.3

Jurisdiction

cited

in M

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artin

v. S

1
No.
ons,

essi

(a) Practitioners. – The Board is authorized
Board finds it to be in the public interest to do so.
Pursuant to regulations, it is in the public interest to
engaged in criminal, unethical, or unprofessional
8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.101(a), 1003.102, 292.3(b).

to discipline any practitioner if the
8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.101(a), 292.3(a).
discipline any practitioner who has
conduct or in frivolous behavior.

(b) Recognized organizations. – The Board is authorized to discipline a recognized
organization if the Board finds it to be in the public interest to do so. 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.110
and 1003.111. It is in the public interest to discipline a recognized organization that violates
one or more of the grounds specified in 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.110(b), 1292.3.
(c) DHS attorneys. – The Board’s disciplinary authority does not extend to attorneys
who represent DHS. The conduct of DHS attorneys is governed by DHS rules and
regulations. Concerns or complaints about the conduct of DHS attorneys should be raised
with DHS.

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(d) Immigration Judges. – The Board’s disciplinary authority does not extend to
Immigration Judges. Concerns regarding an Immigration Judge’s conduct may be directly
raised with the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ).
(e) Immigration specialists. – The Board does not have authority to discipline
individuals such as “immigration specialists,” “visa consultants,” “notarios,” and other
individuals who engage in the unauthorized practice of law. However, the Board has the
authority to discipline practitioners who assist in the unauthorized practice of law. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.102(m). The Board encourages anyone harmed by the unauthorized practice of law
to report it to the appropriate law enforcement, consumer protection, and other authorities.
In addition, persons harmed by such conduct are encouraged to contact the Executive
Office for Immigration Review Fraud Program. See Chapter 1.2(f)(ii) (Office of the General
Counsel), Appendix B (EOIR Directory).
11.4

Conduct
(a) Practitioners. – A practitioner may be disciplined by the Board for:
o
o
o ited
c

17
, 20
er 5
b
frivolous behavior, as defined in 8 C.F.R. to§ 1003.102(j) and
Oc
discussed at 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(2)(iii)on
ed
chiv
o ar
39a
7 3
ineffective assistance14-of0 counsel as provided in 8 C.F.R.
.
, No
§ 1003.102(k)sions
es
v. S
nez
arti
in M
misconduct resulting in disbarment from, suspension by, or

resignation from a state or federal licensing authority while a
disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending

o

conviction of a serious crime

o

a false statement of material fact or law made knowingly or with
reckless disregard

o

false certification of a copy of a document made knowingly or
with reckless disregard

o

assisting the unauthorized practice of law

o

grossly excessive fees

o

bribery, coercion, or an attempt at either, with the intention of
affecting the outcome of an immigration case

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Chapter 11

o

improper solicitation of clients or using “runners”

o

misrepresenting qualifications or services

o

repeated failure to appear for scheduled hearings in a timely
manner without good cause

o

courtroom conduct that would constitute contempt of court in a
judicial proceeding

o

engaging in conduct prejudicial to administration of justice

o

failing to provide competent representation

o

failing to abide by a client’s decision

o

failing to act with reasonable diligence

o

failing to maintain communication with a client

o

failing to disclose legal authority to an d on Oc
adjudicator

o

03
failing to submit a completed Notice of Appearance
14-7

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17

rchiv

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cit

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ns, N
ssio notices,
repeatedlySfiling
. e
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little or
M
ed in

oa
39a

motions, briefs, or claims that reflect
the specific factual or legal issues
applicable to a client’s case, but rather rely on boilerplate
language indicative of a substantive failure to completely and
diligently represent the client

See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.102. This list is not exhaustive or exclusive, and other grounds for
discipline may be identified by the Board. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.102.
(b) Recognized organizations. – A recognized organization may be disciplined by
the Board for:
o

Making false statements or providing misleading information in
applying for recognition or accreditation of its representative

o

misrepresenting scope of authority or services

o

failing to provide
representatives

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o

engaging in the practice of law through staff when organization
does not have an attorney or accredited representative

See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.110. This list is not exhaustive or exclusive, and other grounds for
discipline may be identified by the Board. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.110.
11.5

Complaints

(a) Who may file. – Anyone may file a complaint against a practitioner or recognized
organization, including aggrieved clients, adjudicators, DHS personnel, and other
practitioners. 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.104(a)(1), 1292.19(a).
(b) What to file. – Complaints must be submitted in writing on the Immigration
Practitioner/Organization Complaint Form (Form EOIR-44), which can be downloaded from
the Internet. See Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining forms), Appendix E (Forms). The complaint
form provides important information about the complaint process, confidentiality, and the
kinds of misconduct that the Board can discipline. Complaints should be specific and as
7
detailed as possible, providing supporting documentation when it is available.
201
(c) Where to file. –
3

ed

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oa
39a

cto
on O

ber

5,

0
(i) Misconduct before Board4or Immigration Judge. – Complaints alleging
1 -7
No.
, an Immigration Court are filed with the Office of the
ns
misconduct before the Boardoor
essi
v. S
General Counsel rtinez Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). 8 C.F.R.
of the
Ma
§ 1003.104(a)(1). The completed form and supporting documents should be sent to:
d in
ite
c

Office of the General Counsel
Executive Office for Immigration Review
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2600
Falls Church, VA 22041
Attn: Disciplinary Counsel
EOIR’s Disciplinary Counsel decides whether or not to initiate disciplinary
proceedings. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.104(b).
(ii) Misconduct before DHS. – Complaints involving such conduct before
DHS are to be filed with the DHS Disciplinary Counsel. 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.104(a)(2);
292.3(d).
(d) When to file. – Complaints based on ineffective assistance of counsel must be
filed within one year of a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel by the Board or the
Immigration Court. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.102(k).

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11.6

Chapter 11

Duty to Report

A practitioner who practices before the Board, the Immigration Courts, or DHS and, if
applicable, the authorized officer of each recognized organization with which a practitioner
is affiliated, has an affirmative duty to report whenever the practitioner:
o

has been found guilty of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, a
serious crime (as defined in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.102(h)), or

o

has been suspended or disbarred, or has resigned with an
admission of misconduct, or has resigned while a disciplinary
investigation or proceeding is pending

8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(c). The practitioner and, if applicable, the authorized official of each
recognized organization must report the misconduct, criminal conviction, or discipline to the
EOIR Disciplinary Counsel within 30 days of the issuance of the relevant initial order. The
practitioner also must report the misconduct, criminal conviction, or discipline to the DHS
Disciplinary Counsel within 30 days of issuance of the relevant initial order. 8 C.F.R.
§ 292.3(c)(4). The duty to report applies even if an appeal of the conviction or discipline is
17
, 20
er 5
b
pending.
Octo
11.7

Procedure

339

4-70

o. 1
ns, N

rch
ao a

ived

on

sio
Ses
v. the procedures for filing complaints and imposing sanctions
The regulations provide
ez
artin
misconduct before M Board and the Immigration Courts. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.101 et
d in the
cite

for
seq. The regulations also contain procedures for filing complaints regarding misconduct
before DHS. 8 C.F.R. §§ 292.3; 1292.3.
(a) Initiation of Proceedings. –

(i) Notice of Intent to Discipline. – Disciplinary proceedings begin when the
EOIR Disciplinary Counsel or the DHS Disciplinary Counsel files a Notice of Intent to
Discipline with the Board and serves a copy on the practitioner and/or authorized
officer of the organization. The Notice contains a statement of the charge(s) against
the practitioner and/or recognized organization, a copy of the inquiry report (if any),
proposed disciplinary sanctions, the procedure for filing an answer to the Notice or
requesting a hearing, and the contact information for the Board.
8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.105(a), 292.3.
(ii) Petition for Immediate Suspension. – When the Notice of Intent to
Discipline concerns a practitioner who has either been convicted of a serious crime
or is subject to suspension or disbarment by a state or federal licensing authority, the
EOIR Disciplinary Counsel or the DHS Disciplinary Counsel may petition for the
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Chapter 11

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immediate suspension of that attorney.
292.3(c).

8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.103(a)(1), 1292.3,

Usually filed in conjunction with the Notice of Intent to Discipline, the petition
for immediate suspension seeks the practitioner’s immediate suspension from
practice before the Board and the Immigration Courts. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(a).
DHS may ask that the practitioner be similarly suspended from practice before DHS.
The regulations direct that, upon the filing of a petition for immediate
suspension, the Board will suspend the practitioner for as long as disciplinary
proceedings are pending. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(a)(4). The regulations permit the
immediate suspension to be set aside when the Board deems it in the interest of
justice to do so. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(a)(4). The usual hardships that accompany a
suspension from practice (e.g., loss of income, duty to complete pending cases) are
generally not sufficient to set aside an immediate suspension order. Matter of
Rosenberg, 24 I&N Dec. 744, 745 (BIA 2009).
(iii) Petition for Interim Suspension. – In conjunction with the Notice of
17
Intent to Discipline or at any time during the disciplinary proceedings, the EOIR
, 20
er 5 from practice of an
tob
Disciplinary Counsel may petition for an interim suspension
n Oc
ed oImmigration Courts. 8 C.F.R.
accredited representative before the Board andhithe
v
arc
§ 1003.111(a)(1). DHS may ask that0339aoaccredited representative be similarly
the
14-7
suspended from practice before ,DHS. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.111(a)(2).
No.
s
.S
ez v

n

o
essi

In the Martin
petition, counsel for the government must demonstrate by a
in
preponderance of the evidence that the accredited representative poses a
ited
c
substantial threat of irreparable harm. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.111(a)(3).
(b) Response. – The subject of a Notice of Intent to Discipline has 30 days from the
date of service to file a written answer to the Notice and to request a hearing. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.105(c)(1). An answer is deemed filed at the time it is received by the Board. See
Chapter 3.1(b) (Must be “timely”). The answer should be served on both the EOIR
Disciplinary Counsel and the DHS Disciplinary Counsel. The time in which to file an answer
may be extended for good cause shown through the filing of a motion no later than
3 working days before the filing deadline. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.105(c)(1).
In the answer, the practitioner who is subject to summary disciplinary proceedings
must make a prima facie showing to the Board that there is a material issue of fact in
dispute with regard to the basis for the proceedings, or that one of the exceptions set forth
in the regulations applies. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.106(a)(1).
(i) Timely answer. – If the answer to summary disciplinary proceedings is
timely and the Board determines that there is a material issue of fact in dispute or
that one of the exceptions set forth in the regulations applies, the matter will be
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Chapter 11

referred to the Chief Immigration Judge for appointment of an appropriate
adjudicator, generally an Immigration Judge, to conduct a disciplinary hearing.
8 C.F.R. § 1003.106(a)(1). The answer of a practitioner or, in cases involving
recognized organizations, the organization, must specifically admit or deny each of
the allegations in the Notice of Intent to Discipline. Each allegation not denied is
deemed admitted. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.105(c)(2).
If the practitioner or, in cases involving recognized organizations, the
organization, wishes to have a hearing, the request for a hearing must be contained
in the written answer. Otherwise, the opportunity to request a hearing will be
deemed waived. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.105(c)(3).
Regardless of whether a hearing has been requested, the Board will refer a
case to the Chief Immigration Judge for appointment of an adjudicator if the case
involves a charge or charges that cannot be adjudicated under the summary
disciplinary proceeding provisions. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.106(a)(1). If the practitioner
fails to make a prima facie showing that there is a material issue of fact in dispute or
that one of the exceptions set forth in the regulations applies, the Board shall issue a
017
final order imposing discipline.
5, 2
er

ctob

nO
ed o

(ii) No answer or untimely answer. – Ifchiv Board does not receive a timely
the
o ar
answer, the failure to answer is deemed0an9admission of the allegations in the Notice
3 a
-7 3
of Intent to Discipline, and the s, No. 14
practitioner is thereafter precluded from requesting a
n
hearing on the matter. v8Sessio § 1003.105(d). The regulations require the Board to
. C.F.R.
tin z
enter a default ordereimposing the discipline recommended by the EOIR Disciplinary
Mar
d in the DHS Disciplinary Counsel, absent the presence of special
Counsel cand
ite
considerations. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.105(d)(2).
A practitioner or the organization subject to a default order may move to set
aside that order, provided that the motion is filed within 15 days of the date of service
of the default order and that his or her failure to answer was due to exceptional
circumstances beyond the control of the practitioner or recognized organization (e.g.,
the practitioner serious illness, death of an immediate relative).
8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.105(d)(2).
(c) Hearing. – If the matter is referred to the Chief Immigration Judge, the
disciplinary hearings will largely be conducted in the same manner as immigration
proceedings. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.106. However, the Immigration Judge presiding over the
disciplinary proceeding will not be one before whom the practitioner regularly appears.
8 C.F.R. § 1003.106(a)(1)(i).
(d) Appeals. – The regulations provide that the Board may entertain an appeal filed
by a practitioner or, in cases involving a recognized organization, the organization, wishing
to challenge the adjudicator’s disciplinary ruling. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.106(c). The appeal must
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be received by the Board within 30 days of the oral decision or, if no oral decision was
rendered, 30 days of the date of mailing of the written decision. The proper form for filing a
practitioner/organization discipline appeal is the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-45), which
can be downloaded from the Internet. See Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining forms), Appendix E
(Forms). This form is specific to disciplinary proceedings and is different from the Notices of
Appeal in other types of proceedings. See Appendix E (Forms). The parties must comply
with all of the other standard provisions for filing appeals with the Board. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.106(c). See Chapter 4 (Appeals of Immigration Judge Decisions).
(e) Motions. – As with most motions in immigration proceedings, motions should be
filed with the adjudicator who has jurisdiction over the case.
11.8

Sanctions

The Board is authorized to impose a broad range of sanctions against practitioners,
including “disbarment” (permanent suspension) from immigration practice, public or private
censure, and other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Board. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.101(a).
The Board may even increase the level of disciplinary sanction. Matter0of Gadda, 23 I&N
17
,2
er 5 sanctions against a
Dec. 645 (BIA 2003). The Board is also authorized to impose
tob
n Oc
ed
recognized organization, including revocation, termination, oand such other sanctions as
chiv
o ar
deemed appropriate. 8 C.F.R. 1003.110
39a
03
4-7

1
No.
ons,

When a practitioner has ebeen disbarred or suspended, that information is made
ssi
.S
available to the public ontinez vEOIR website, at the Board, and at the Immigration Courts.
the
Mar
See Chapter 11.9ited in
(Confidentiality).
c
11.9

Confidentiality

The regulations discuss confidentiality and public disclosure at the various stages of
disciplinary proceedings. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.108. As a general rule, action taken on a
Notice of Intent to Discipline may be disclosed to the public. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.108(c).
11.10 Effect on Cases before the Board
(a) Duty to advise clients. – A practitioner or organization that who is disciplined is
obligated to advise all clients with a case pending before either the Board or an Immigration
Court that they been disciplined by the Board.
(b) Pending cases deemed unrepresented. – Once a practitioner has been
disciplined by the Board and is currently not authorized to practice before the Board and the
Immigration Courts, the Board will deem that practitioner’s pending cases to be

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Chapter 11

unrepresented. Filings that are submitted after a practitioner has been disbarred or
suspended will be rejected and returned to the party whenever possible. If the practitioner
is later reinstated by the Board, he or she must file a new Notice of Entry of Appearance
(Form EOIR-27) in every case, even if he or she previously represented that party. See
Chapter 11.12(c) (Cases pending at the time of reinstatement).
(c) Ineffective assistance of counsel. – The imposition of discipline on an attorney
does not constitute per se evidence of ineffective assistance of counsel in any case formerly
represented by that attorney.
(d) Filing deadlines. – An order of practitioner or organization discipline does not
automatically excuse parties from meeting any applicable filing deadlines.
11.11 List of Suspended and Expelled Attorneys
A list of practitioners who have been suspended or disbarred from immigration
practice appears on EOIR’s website. The list is updated periodically. Copies are also
7
posted at the Board and in the Immigration Courts.
201
ed

rchiv

11.12 Reinstatement

oa
39a

cto
on O

ber

5,

-703
. 14
, No – When a period of suspension has run,
(a) Expiration of suspension.
ons
essi
v.
reinstatement is not automatic.S 8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(a). With exceptions for accredited
tinez
Mar
representatives specified in subsection (c), a practitioner who has been suspended from
d in
cite

immigration practice and who wishes to be reinstated must:
o

file a motion with the Board requesting to be reinstated

o

show that he or she can meet the definition of “attorney” set
forth in 8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(f) (or § 1001.1(j) if an “accredited
representative”)

o

serve a copy of such motion on the EOIR Disciplinary Counsel
and the DHS Disciplinary Counsel. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(a)(1)

The EOIR Disciplinary Counsel or the DHS Disciplinary Counsel may file a written
response, including supporting documents or evidence, objecting to reinstatement on the
ground that the practitioner failed to comply with the terms of the suspension. 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.107(a)(2). Failure to meet the definition of an attorney or accredited representative
will result in the request for reinstatement being denied. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(b)(3) ). If the
practitioner failed to comply with the terms of the suspension, the Board will deny the
motion and indicate the circumstances under which reinstatement may be sought.

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(b) Petition for early reinstatement. – With exceptions for accredited
representatives specified in subsection (c), a practitioner who has been disbarred or has
been suspended for a year or more may seek early reinstatement with the Board if he or
she:
o

petitions after one year or one-half of the term of suspension
has expired, whichever is greater

o

can meet the regulatory definition in 8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(f) or
§ 1001.1(j)

o

can demonstrate by clear, unequivocal, and convincing
evidence that he or she possesses the moral and professional
qualifications required to return to immigration practice

o

can show that reinstatement will not be detrimental to the
administration of justice

7
8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(b)(1). Matter of Krivonos, 24 I&N Dec. 292, 293 (BIA12007). Failure to
, 20
er 5
meet any one of these criteria will result in the request for reinstatement being denied.
tob
n Oc
Once a request for reinstatement is denied, the practitioner may not seek reinstatement for
ed o
rchiv
another full year unless the practitioner is eligible o a
39a under subsection (a) above. 8 C.F.R.
03
§ 1003.107(b)(3). The Board may, in Nits 14-7
. discretion, hold a hearing to determine if the
, o
ons
attorney meets all the regulatorySrequirements for reinstatement.
essi
tinez

ar
in M

v.

Requestscifor reinstatement must be served on the EOIR Disciplinary Counsel and
ted
the DHS Disciplinary Counsel. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(b)(1).
(c) Accredited representatives. –
(i) Suspended. – When an accredited representative is suspended past the
expiration of the period of accreditation, the representative may not seek
reinstatement. After the representative’s suspension period has expired, a new
request for accreditation may be submitted by the recognized organization pursuant
to 8 C.F.R. § 1292.138 C.F.R. § 1292.13.
8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(c)(1) 8 C.F.R.
§ 1003.107(c)(1).
(ii) Disbarred. – An accredited representative who has been disbarred may
not seek reinstatement. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.107(c)(2).
(d) Cases pending at the time of reinstatement. – Suspension or disbarment by
the Board terminates representation. A practitioner reinstated to immigration practice by the
Board who wishes to represent individuals before the Board or the Immigration Courts must
enter a new appearance in each case, even if he or she was the attorney of record at the
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Chapter 11

time that discipline was imposed. The practitioner should include proof of reinstatement
with each new appearance. See Chapter 2.3(d) (Appearances).

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Chapter 12

12 Forms
12.1

Forms Generally
There is an official form that must be used to:
o

file an appeal

- see Chapter 4.4(b) (Notice of Appeal)

o

request a fee waiver

- see Chapter 3.4 (Filing Fees)

o

appear as a representative

- see Chapter 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance)

o

report a change of address - see Chapter 2.2(c) (Address obligations)

o

request most kinds of relief - see 8 C.F.R. parts 299, 1299

There is an official form that should be used to:
o

file a practitioner complaint

There is no official form to:
o

file a motion
in
cited

.S
ez v

tin

Mar

201

7

r 5,
- see Chapter 11.5 (Complaints)
tobe
ive
arch

9ao
033
14-7
o.
ns, N - see Chapter

o
essi

d on

Oc

5.2(b) (Form)

An appeal form, such as the Form EOIR-26, should never be used to file a motion.
12.2

Obtaining Blank Forms

(a) Identifying EOIR forms. – Many forms used by the Executive Office for
Immigration Review (EOIR) do not appear in the regulations. Form names and numbers
can be obtained from the clerks of most Immigration Courts and the Clerk’s Office of the
Board. See Appendix B (Directory). All of the forms most commonly used by the public are
identified in this manual. See Appendix E (Forms).
(b) Obtaining forms. – Appendix E (Forms) contains a list of frequently requested
forms and information on where to obtain them. In general, EOIR forms are available from
the following sources:
o

the Internet at www.justice.gov/eoir

o

the local Immigration Court

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o

the Clerk’s Office of the Board

o

certain Government Printing Office (GPO) Bookstores

Parties should be sure to use the most recent version of each form, which will be available
from the sources listed here.
(c) Photocopied forms. – Photocopies of blank EOIR forms may be used, provided
that they are an accurate duplication of the government-issued form and are printed on the
correct size and stock of paper. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 299.4(a), 1299.1. The filing party is
responsible for the accuracy and legibility of the form. If colored paper is used, it should
comply with subsection (e) below. The paper used to photocopy the form should also
comply with Chapter 3.3(c)(iv) (Paper size and quality). The most recent version of the form
must be used and is available from the sources listed in subsection (b), above.
(d) Computer-generated forms. – Computer-generated versions of EOIR forms
may be used, provided that they are an accurate duplication of the government-issued form
and are printed on the correct size and stock of paper. See 8 C.F.R. §§ 299.4(a), 1299.1.
The filing party is responsible for the accuracy and legibility of the form.20If7colored paper is
1
5,
used, it should comply with subsection (e) below. The paper Octoberto photocopy the form
used
n
should also comply with Chapter 3.3(c)(iv) (Paper size ed o quality). The most recent
iv and
arch
ao
version of the form must be used and is available9from the sources listed in subsection (b),
033
14-7
.
above.
, No
.S
ez v

ns

o
essi

At this time, the artin
Board will accept either the electronic or paper submission of the
M
d in
Notice of Entrycite Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of
of
Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27). The electronic submission of the Form EOIR-27 may
only be made, at this time, by registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives.
See Chapter 2.1(b) (Entering an appearance); 3.1(a)(vii) (eFiling). The Board does not
have electronic filing for other forms or documents.
(e) Form colors. – The Board no longer requires forms to be filed on paper of a
specific color. All forms may now be filled on white paper. Any submission that is not a
form must be on white paper.
The use of colored paper is still welcome, but only in the following instances:
blue

EOIR-26

tan
yellow
pink
pink

EOIR-26A
EOIR-27
EOIR-29
EOIR-33/BIA

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(Notice of Appeal/Immigration
Judge decision)
(Fee Waiver Request)
(Notice of Appearance)
(Notice of Appeal/DHS decision)
(Change of Address)

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Chapter 12

(f) Non-form filings. – Where a filing is not form-based (e.g., a motion or a request),
the Board strongly recommends the use of a cover page. See Appendix F (Sample Cover
Page).
12.3

Submitted Completed Forms

The Board will accept photocopies of completed forms, provided that the original
completed form bears an original signature and is available to the Board upon request. The
most recent version of the form must be used and is available from the sources listed in
Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining forms). All filing requirements should be observed. See
Chapter 3 (Filings with the Board). See also Chapters 4 (Appeals of Immigration Judge
Decisions), 5 (Motions before the Board), 7 (Bond), 9 (Visa Petitions), 10 (Fines).

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Chapter 13

13 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
13.1

Generally

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides the public access, with certain
exceptions, to federal agency records. See 5 U.S.C. § 552. The Office of the General
Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review, responds to FOIA requests for Board
records. See Appendix B (Directory).
13.2

Requests
(a) Who may file. –
(i) Parties. –
(A) Inspecting the record. – Parties to a proceeding, and their legal
representatives, may inspect the official record of proceedings by prior
17
, 20
er 5 not required. See
arrangement with the Clerk’s Office. A FOIA request is
tob
n Oc
Chapter 1.5(d) (Records).
ed o
hiv

c
o ar
39a
703
(B) Obtaining copies 4of record. – As a general rule, parties who
1 No.
ons,
want a copy of thessi
e record of proceedings must file a FOIA request. See
v. S
subsection r(b),z below. However, when the record is small or only a portion of
ne
ti
Ma
theitrecord is needed, parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance in
ed in
c

obtaining a copy. See Chapter 1.5(d) (Records).

(ii) Non-parties. – Persons who are not party to a proceeding before the
Board must file a request with the Office of the General Counsel, Executive Office for
Immigration Review, if they wish to see or obtain copies of the record of
proceedings.
(b) How to file. –
(i) Form. – FOIA requests must be made in writing. See 28 C.F.R. § 16.1 et
seq. Requests may be sent to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Office of the General Counsel – FOIA Service Center
FOIA/Privacy Act Requests
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1903
Falls Church, VA 22041
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Chapter 13

Board of Immigration Appeals

(ii) Information required. – Requests should thoroughly describe the records
sought and include as much identifying information as possible regarding names,
dates, subject matter, and location of proceedings. For example, if a request
pertains to an alien in removal proceedings, the request should contain the full name
and alien registration number (“A number”) of that alien. The more precise and
comprehensive the information provided in the FOIA request, the better and more
expeditiously the request can be processed.
(iii) Fee. – There is no fee to file a FOIA request, but fees may be charged for
the review, search, and reproduction of records. See 28 C.F.R. § 16.3(c).
(iv) Processing times. – Processing times for FOIA requests vary,
depending on such factors as the nature of the request and the location of the
record.
(c) When to file. –
(i) Time. – A FOIA request should be filed as soon as, 2017
possible, especially
r5
tobe
when a party is facing a filing deadline. Parties should Oc wait to receive a briefing
not
d on
schedule or other response from the Board beforeivsubmitting a FOIA request.
h e
arc

9ao
033
14-7 – Parties should not delay the filing of an
(ii) Effect on filing deadlines.
o.
ns, N
ssio
appeal, motion, brief, or e other document while awaiting a response to a FOIA
v. S
request. Failure artinez
to receive FOIA materials prior to a filing deadline does not excuse
nM
the party cited i meeting a filing deadline.
from

(d) Limitations. –
(i) Statutory exemptions. – Certain information in agency records, such as
classified material and information that would cause a clearly unwarranted invasion
of personal privacy, is exempted from release under the Freedom of Information Act.
5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(1)-(9). Where appropriate, records of redacted (e.g., removed or
cut out) and copies of the redacted material are provided to the requested person.
When material is redacted, the reason or reasons for the redaction are indicated.
(ii) Agency’s duty. – The FOIA statute does not require the Executive Office
for Immigration Review, its Office of the General Counsel, or the Board to perform
legal research, nor does it entitle the requesting person to copies of documents that
are available for sale or on the internet.
(iii) Subject’s consent. – When a FOIA request seeks information that is
exempt from disclosure on the grounds of personal privacy, the subject of the record

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Chapter 13

(e.g., the alien, the petitioner, the carrier) must consent in writing to the release of
that information.
13.3

Denials

If a FOIA request is denied, in whole or in part, the requesting party may appeal that
decision to the office of Information and Privacy, Department of Justice. Information on how
to appeal the denial of a FOIA request is available on the Office of Information and Privacy’s
website at www.justice.gov/oip. The rules regarding FOIA appeals can be found at
28 C.F.R. § 16.9.

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Practice Manual

Chapter 14

14 Other Information
14.1

Reproduction of the Practice Manual

The Practice Manual is a public document and may be reproduced without advance
authorization from the Board.
14.2

Updates to the Practice Manual

The current version of the Practice Manual, which includes all updates, is posted on
EOIR’s website. The Practice Manual can be read, downloaded, and/or printed from that
site. Questions about accessing the Practice Manual should be directed to the Law Library
and Legal Research Center. See Appendix B (Directory).
14.3

Public Input

17
, 20
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(a) Practice Manual. – The Board welcomes and encourages
tob
n Oc
ed o
comments on this manual, to identify errors or ambiguities in this text, and to propose
chiv
o ar
revisions to improve this text in the future.
39a
-703
. 14
, No
s
Correspondence should Sessaddressed to the Chairman of the Board of Immigration
be ion
v.
Appeals. See Appendixinez (Mailing Address). The public is asked not to combine
t A
Mar
d in
comments on thetePractice Manual with inquiries regarding specific cases pending before
ci

the Board.

(b) Regulations and Published Rules. – Periodically, the Executive Office for
Immigration Review engages in federal rulemaking in the Federal Register. Immigration
regulations are revised to better effectuate existing law and to comport with new law as it is
promulgated. The public is encouraged to participate in the rulemaking process.
New regulations are published in the Federal Register, which is available online
at www.ofr.gov, in most law libraries, and in many public libraries. Copies of the Federal
Register are also available from the Government Printing Office (GPO) for purchase. Call
[phone] (not a toll free call) or [phone] (toll free), or visit the GPO website
at www.gpo.gov for more information on GPO publications and bookstore locations.

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Practice Manual

Appendix A

APPENDIX A
Board of Immigration Appeals
Mailing Address
The Board uses a single address for delivery regardless of the means of delivery. Parties
should use the following street address:
Board of Immigration Appeals
Clerk’s Office
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2000
Falls Church, VA 22041
Reminders:
o Deliveries must be received during normal window hours.
o Window hours are: 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Eastern Time), Monday –0Friday, except
17
,2
er 5
b
federal holidays.
Octo
o For further information, call (703)

o.
s, N

ch
o r
605-1007.a
39a
03
14-7

ived

on

o Use caution when there ssion filing deadline.
Se is a
tinez

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in M

v.

o Deadlines are determined by when the mailing is received by the Clerk’s Office.
cited

When the intended recipient of correspondence is a particular person or office within the
Board, the sender should label the envelope or packaging to the attention of that person or
office. Example: “ATTN: Oral Argument Coordinator.”

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Board of Immigration Appeals

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Appendix B

APPENDIX B
Directory

Automated Case Information Hotline………………........[phone] or [phone]
24 hours, 7 days a week
BIA Telephonic Instructions and Procedures System (BIA TIPS)………..[phone]
24 hours, 7 days a week
Clerk’s Office..……………………………………………………………………...[phone]
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday – Friday, except holidays
Emergency Stay Coordinator…………………………….…...………………...[phone]
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday – Friday, except holidays
17
Emergency Stay Telephonic Information……………………………………..[phone]
, 20
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ctob
24 hours, 7 days a week
on O
ed

rchiv

oa
39a

Oral Argument Coordinator……………………………………………………...[phone]
-703
. 14
, No
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time),sMonday – Friday, except holidays
on
essi
.S

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tin
Mar

in
Law Library anditImmigration Research Center (LLIRC)…………..……….[phone]
c ed
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday – Friday, except holidays

Office of the General Counsel, EOIR……………………………………….….[phone]
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday – Friday, except holidays
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs, EOIR…...……………..[phone]
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday – Friday, except holidays
Recognition & Accreditation Coordinator………………………………[e-mail]
Internet Address……………………………………………………………..www.justice.gov/eoir

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Board of Immigration Appeals

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Practice Manual

Appendix C

APPENDIX C
Organizational Chart

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This chart is a general illustration of the organizational relationship between certain components of the Department of
Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. The chart does not display all components of the agencies or
offices displayed, nor does it represent their relative authority. See Chapters 1.2 (Function of the Board) and 1.3
(Composition of the Board). These components were selected because of the practical importance to persons
appearing before the Board.

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Board of Immigration Appeals

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Practice Manual

Appendix D

APPENDIX D
Deadlines
This table is provided for general guidance only. To determine the particular deadlines in a given case,
parties must consult the pertinent regulations and the text of this manual. Note that this table contains
only the most common deadlines for filings before the Board.

Type of Filing

Must be filed within

Chapter

5 days of the alien’s change of
address

2.2(c)

representative

promptly

2.3(i)

Notice of Appeal
(Form EOIR-26)

30 days of the decision being
rendered orally or mailed

4.5(a)

appeal brief
(by appealing party)

Changes of address

alien

21 days of the date of the briefing
notice

4.7(a)

21 days of the appealing party’s
briefing deadline
17
, 20
er 5
response brief
ctob
4.7(a)
(by opposing party)
21 days of date of ed on O notice if
briefing
hivby a detained
Immigration Judge
the appeal o arc
is filed
9a
Decision Appeals
alien 033
7
14No.
ons, 21 days of the filing of the response
essi
brief, with motion
4.6(h)
v. S
nez
ti
reply brief
Mar
in
cited (by appealing party) 14 days of the expiration of the
briefing schedule, if the appeal is
4.7(a)(ii)
filed by a detained alien, with motion
cross appeal brief
(by either party)

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90 days of a final administrative
order by the Board, with certain
exceptions

5.6(c)

motion to
reconsider

30 days of a final administrative
order by the Board

5.7(c)

motion brief

filed with motion

5.4

response brief

Bond Appeals

4.7(a)

motion to reopen
Motions before the
Board

21 days of the date of the briefing
notice (both parties)

13 days of the date of service of the
motion brief

5.4

appeal of
Immigration Judge
decision

30 days of the decision being
rendered orally or mailed

7.3(a)(ii)

appeal of DHS
decision

10 days of the date of the DHS
decision

7.3(a)(ii)

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Appendix D

Board of Immigration Appeals

Type of Filing

Must be filed within

Chapter

response to a
Notice of Intent to
Discipline

15 days after date of service of
default order

11.7(b)(ii)

30 days of the decision being
rendered orally or mailed

11.7(d)

DHS Fine Decision

15 days after date of mailing of the
DHS decision

10.3(b)(iii)

30 days after service of the decision
or mailed

9.3(c)(iii)

visa revocation

15 days after service of the
revocation notice

9.4(c)

visa revalidation
denial

Visa-related Appeals

motion to set aside
default order

visa petition denial

Fines Appeals

11.7(b)

appeal of final order
of discipline

Discipline Cases

30 days from the date of service of
the Notice of Intent to Discipline

30 days after service of the decision

9.5(c)

7
Note: The construction of “day” is discussed in Chapter 3.1(b)(i). 1
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cite

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Practice Manual

Appendix E

APPENDIX E
Forms
This appendix contains a list of frequently requested immigration forms and the best sources for
obtaining copies of those forms.
Online copies of forms. Many forms can be downloaded or printed from the website of the
agency responsible for that form.
For example, forms beginning with “EOIR-“can be found
at www.justice.gov/eoir. The forms required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
may be obtained at their website www.uscis.gov.
Paper copies of forms. If an immigration form is not available online, the best source for
obtaining one is the agency that is responsible for that form. The table below identifies those agencies.
(Local offices often provide forms on a walk-in basis.) Other sources for forms include voluntary agencies
(VOLAGs), public service organizations, law offices, and certain Government Printing Office Bookstores.
See 8 C.F.R. § 299.2, 299.3.
Reproducing forms. Forms may be photocopied, computer-generated, or downloaded, but they
must comply with the requirements for that form. See Chapter 12.2 (Obtaining Blank Forms).

Abbreviations
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17

AAO

=

a
3 9
Administrative Appeals3Office, DHS
4-70

USCIS

=

ess
U.S. .Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS
v S

o. 1
ns, N

tinez

ar
in M
BIA cited =

io

Board of Immigration Appeals

DHS

=

Department of Homeland Security

EOIR

=

Executive Office for Immigration Review

OLAP

=

Office of Legal Access Programs

IC

=

Immigration Court

IJ

=

Immigration Judge

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Appendix E

Board of Immigration Appeals

Purpose

Form

Name

Get From

accredited
representative
application

Form EOIR-31

Request for Recognition as a
Nonprofit Religious, Charitable,
Social Service, or Similar
Organization Established in the
United States

OLAP

adjustment of
status

Form I-485

Application to Register
Permanent Residence or
Adjust Status

USCIS

appeal of attorney
discipline decision

Form EOIR-45

Notice of Appeal from a
Decision of an Adjudicating
Official in Practitioner
Discipline Case

IC
BIA

appeal of IJ
decision

Form EOIR-26

Notice of Appeal from a
Decision of an Immigration
Judge

IC
BIA

appeal of DHS
decision (AAO
Jurisdiction)

Form I-290B

5
Notice of Appeal or Motion , 20
ber

appeal of DHS
decision (BIA
jurisdiction)

9a
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cto

chiv

nO
ed o

-7
. 14
, No Notice of Appeal to the Board
Form EOIR-29 ns
o
essi
of Immigration Appeals of a
v. S
tinez
Mar
USCIS Officer
in

USCIS

USCIS

appearance as
representative
(before the BIA)

Form EOIR-27

Notice of Entry of Appearance
as Attorney or Representative
before the Board of
Immigration Appeals

IC
BIA

appearance as
representative
(before an IJ)

Form EOIR-28

Notice of Entry of Appearance
as Attorney or Representative
before the Immigration Court

IC

asylum

Form I-589

Application for Asylum and for
Withholding of Removal

IC
USCIS

attorney /
representative
complaint form

Form EOIR-44

Immigration
Practitioner/Organization
Complaint Form

cancellation of
removal
(non-permanent
residents)

Form EOIR-42B

Application for Cancellation of
Removal and Adjustment of
Status for Certain
Nonpermanent Residents

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E-2

IC
BIA
IC
USCIS

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Appendix E

Purpose

Form

Name

Get From

cancellation of
removal
(permanent
residents)

Form EOIR-42A

Application for Cancellation of
Removal for Certain
Permanent Residents

change of address
(cases pending
before BIA)

Form EOIR-33/BIA

Alien’s Change of Address
Form / Board of Immigration
Appeals

change of address
(cases pending
before an IJ)

Form EOIR-33/IC

Alien’s Change of Address
Form / Immigration Court

fee waiver
(appeals or
motions)

Form EOIR-26A

Fee Waiver Request

IC
BIA

motion to reopen
or any other kind
of motion

None

There is no official form for
motions filed before an IJ or 7
1
the BIA. Do not use the er 5, 20
Notice
tob
of Appeal (Form on Oc
EOIR-26) for
ved
motion. o archi
a

N/A

339
4-70
o. 1
ns, N Application

IC
USCIS

IC
BIA
IC

NACARA
Form I-881 sio
es
suspension of
v. S
nez
i
deportation/special in Mart
ited
c
rule cancellation

for Suspension of
Deportation or Special Rule
Cancellation of Removal

USCIS

return to
unrelinquished
domicile

Form I-191

Application for Advance
Permission to Return to
Unrelinquished Domicile

USCIS

suspension of
deportation

Form EOIR-40

Application for Suspension of
Deportation

IC
USCIS

temporary
protected status

Form I-821

Application for Temporary
Protected Status

USCIS

visa petition
(employmentbased)

Form I-140

Immigrant Petition for Alien
Worker

USCIS

visa petition
(family-based)

Form I-130

Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS

waiver of
inadmissibility

Form I-601

Application for Waiver of
Grounds of Inadmissibility

USCIS

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Board of Immigration Appeals

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Appendix F

APPENDIX F
Sample Cover Page
A. Torney, Esquire
1234 Center Street
Anytown, ST 99999

DETAINED

Filing party. If pro se, the alien should provide his or her own
name and address in this location. If a representative, the
representative should provide his or her name and complete
business address.

Detention Status. If the alien is detained, the
word
“DETAINED”
should
appear
prominently in the top right corner,
preferably highlighted.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
Court. The Board prefers that
filings be addressed in017 way.
2 this

cto
on O

ber

5,

)
ed
rchiv
In the Matter of:
)
ao a
39
) 4-703
o. 1
s, N ) File Nos.:
Jane Smith
A012 345 678
sion
Ses
v.
John Smith
)
A012 345 679
tinez
Mar
Jill Smith ited in
)
A012 345 680
c
)
In removal proceedings
)
A numbers. The alien registration
)
number of every person included in
the appeal or motion should be listed.

Names and type of proceeding. The full name of every alien
included in the appeal or motion should be listed.

RESPONDENTS’ MOTION TO REOPEN
Filing title. The Board prefers that the title of the brief or
motion be placed in the middle and bottom of the page.

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Appendix G

APPENDIX G
Sample Proof of Service
By law, every appeal, motion, or other document filed with the Board must be filed with a “Proof
of Service” (or “Certificate of Service”). This Appendix provides guidelines on how to satisfy this
requirement.
What is required. To satisfy the law, you must do both of the following:
1.

Serve the opposing party. Every time you file an appeal, motion, or other
document with the Board, you must give, or “serve,” a copy on the
opposing party. If you are an alien in proceedings, the opposing party is
the Department of Homeland Security.

2.

Give the Board a completed Proof of Service. You must submit a signed
“Proof of Service” to the Board along with your document. The Proof of
Service tells the Board that you have given a copy of the document to the
opposing party.
r5
tobe

, 20

17

Sample Proof of Service. You do not have to use the sample contained in this Appendix. You
Oc
d on
hive if you use this sample, you will
may write up your own Proof of Service if you like. However,
c
o ar
39a
satisfy the Proof of Service requirement.
703
14-

No.
ons,
ssiyou have to supply a Proof of Service, be sure to staple or
Sending the Proof of Service. z When
. Se
e v
artin motion, or document that you are serving.
otherwise attach it to the form,
in M
cited

Forms that contain a Proof of Service. Some forms, such as the Notice of Appeal (Form
EOIR-26), include a Proof of Service (or Certificate of Service) as part of the form. You must
complete that part of the form to satisfy the Proof of Service requirement for that form.
Forms that do not contain a Proof of Service. Forms that do not contain a Proof of Service are
treated like any other document, and therefore you must supply the Proof of Service.

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Appendix G

Board of Immigration Appeals

Sample Proof of Service

__________________________
(Name of alien or aliens)

______________________________
(“A number” of each alien)

PROOF OF SERVICE
On _____________________________, I, __________________________________
(date of mailing or delivery)
(printed name of person signing below)
mailed or delivered a copy of this __________________________________________
17
,
(name of document being served) 20
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and any attached pages to _______________________________________________
39a
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, No
ons
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tinez
at the following iaddress:_________________________________________________
Mar
d n
cite
____________________________________________________________________
(address of party served)

by __________________________________________________________________
(method of delivery, for example: overnight courier, hand-delivery, first class mail)

__________________________________
(signature)

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(date)

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Appendix H

APPENDIX H
Sample Certification of Translation

Certificate of Translation
I, _____________________________, am competent to translate from
(name of translator)
____________________________ into English and certify that the translation
(language)
is true and accurate to the best of my abilities.
ive
arch

cited

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17

9ao
033
___________________________________
14-7
o.
(signature of translator)
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ssio
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___________________________________
(typed/printed name of translator)

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Appendix I

APPENDIX I
Telephonic Information

Do you want to know the status of
your case before an Immigration
Judge or the Board of Immigration
Appeals?

Need information on how to file an
appeal, motion, or anything else
with the Board of Immigration
Appeals?

Automated Case
Information Hotline

BIA TIPS

[phone]
[phone]

[phone]

17
, 20
er 5
Call the ctoBoard of
b
nO
Appeals Telephonic
ed o
iv
arch

Immigration
Instructions
and
Procedures
System
for
recorded information on how to file
an appeal, motion, brief, change of
address, and other documents with
the Board.

The Automated Case Information
9ao
033
Hotline
contains
information
14-7
o.
regarding your case, includingions, N
ss
e
your next hearing date,nez v. S
asylum
arti
proceeding,
the in MImmigration
cited
Judge’s decision, or your case
appeal.
This service is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
This service is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.

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Appendix J

APPENDIX J
Citation Guidelines1

When filing papers before the Board, parties should keep in mind that accurate and complete
legal citations strengthen the argument made in the appeal, motion, or brief. This Appendix
provides guidelines for frequently cited sources of law.
The Board generally follows A Uniform System of Citation (also known as the “Blue Book”), but
digresses from that convention in certain instances. The Board appreciates but does not
require citations that follow the examples used in this Appendix. The citation categories are:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.

Cases
Regulations
Statutes/laws
Legislative history
Treaties and international materials
Publications and communications by governmental agencies, and
17
, 20
Commonly cited commercial publications
er 5

tob
n Oc
ed o
Note that, for the convenience of filing parties, some of archiv
the citation formats in this Appendix are
o
39a cases. Once a source has been cited in
less formal than those used in the Board’s published
-703
. 14
full, the objective is brevity without compromising clarity.
, No
ons
essi
v. S
This Appendix concerns thenez
arti citation of legal authority. For guidance on citing to the record and
nM
other sources, review iChapter 3.3(e) (Source Materials) and Chapter 4.6(d) (Citation).
ited
c

As a practice, the Board prefers italics in case names and publication titles, but underlining is an
acceptable alternative.

1

The Board wishes to thank Thomas Hutchings and Wan Chen of the Immigrant and Refugee Appellate
Center (IRAC) for their invaluable assistance in preparing the original appendix.

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Board of Immigration Appeals

I. Cases
General Guidance: Abbreviations in case names. As a general rule, well-known agency
abbreviations (e.g., DHS, FBI, Dep’t of Justice) may be used in a case
name, but without periods. If an agency name includes reference to the
“United States,” it is acceptable to abbreviate it to “U.S.” However, when
the “United States” is named as a party in the case, do not abbreviate
“United States.” For example:
INS v. Smith

not I.N.S. v. Smith

U.S. Dep’t of Justice v. Smith

not United States Department of Justice v.
Smith

United States v. Smith

not U.S. v. Smith

Short form of case names. After a case has been cited in full, a
shortened form of the name may be used thereafter. For example:
full:

Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990)

short:

Taylor, 495 U.S. at 598

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17

c
on O
ived
Matter of Nolasco, 22 I&NhDec. 632 (BIA 1999)
c
o ar
39a
703
Nolasco,o. 14
short:
N 22 I&N Dec. at 635
ons,
essi
v. S
nez
Board Decisions:
Published decisions. Board precedent decisions should be cited in the
arti
in M
The citation must identify the
ited “I&N Dec.” form illustrated below.
c

full:

adjudicator (BIA, A.G., etc.) and the year of the decision. Note that there
are no spaces in “I&N” and that only “Dec.” has a period. For example:
Matter of Balsillie, 20 I&N Dec. 486 (BIA 1992)

Unpublished decisions. Citation to unpublished decisions is discouraged
because these decisions are not controlling on any other case. When
citation to an unpublished case is necessary, a copy of the case should
be provided, and the citation should include the alien’s full name, the alien
registration number, the adjudicator, and the precise date of the decision.
Italics, underlining, and “Matter of” should not be used. For example:
Jane Smith, A012 345 678 (BIA July 1, 2014)

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Appendix J

“Interim Decision.” In the past, the Board issued precedent decisions in
slip opinion or “Interim Decision” form. See Chapter 1.4(d) (Interim
Decisions). Because all published cases are now available in final form
(as “I&N Decisions”), citations to “Interim Decisions” are no longer
appropriate and are disfavored.
“Matter of” and not “In re.” All precedent decisions should be cited as
“Matter of.” The use of “In re” is not favored. For example: Matter of
Yanez, and not In re Yanez.
Federal and
State Courts

Generally. Federal and state court decisions should generally be cited
according to the standard legal convention, as set out in the latest edition
of A Uniform System of Citation (also known as the “Blue Book”). For
example:
Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575 (1990)
Singh v. Holder, 749 F.3d 622 (7th Cir. 2014)

cit

Velasquez-Escovar v. Holder, _F.3d_, No. 10-73714 (9th Cir. 2014)
17
, 20
er 5 2007)
United States v. Madera, 521 F. Supp. 2d 149 (D.tob
Conn.
n Oc
ed o
rchiv
U.S. Supreme Court. The 39ao a
Supreme Court Reporter citation (“S.Ct.”)
03
14-7
should be used onlyo.when the case has not yet been published in the
,N
ons
e si
United StatessReports (“U.S.”).
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in
e

Unpublished cases. Citation to unpublished cases is discouraged. When
citation to an unpublished case is necessary, a copy of the case should
be provided, and the citation should include the docket number, court,
and precise date. For example:
Stokes v. INS, No. 74 Civ. 1022 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 10, 1976)

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II. Regulations

General Guidance: Regulations generally. There are two kinds of postings in the Federal
Register: those that are simply informative in nature (such as “notices” of
public meetings) and those that are regulatory in nature (referred to as
“rules”). There are different types of “rules,” including “proposed,”
“interim,” and “final.” The type of rule will determine whether or not (and
for how long) the regulatory language contained in that rule will be in
effect. Generally speaking, proposed rules are not law and do not have
any effect on any case, while interim and final rules do have the force of
law and, depending on timing, may affect a given case.
Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations appear
first in the Federal Register (Fed. Reg.) and then in the Code of Federal
Regulations (C.F.R.). Once regulations appear in a volume of the C.F.R.,
do not cite to the Federal Register unless there is a specific reason to do
so (discussed below).
r5
tobe

C.F.R.:

cit

17

Oc
d on
hive always identify the volume,
c
For the Code of Federal Regulations,
o ar
39a
703
section number, and the -year. The year need not be given after the
4
o. 1
citation, unless ions, N
a subsequent citation refers to a regulation published
s
Ses
different v.
nez year. Always use periods in the abbreviation “C.F.R.”
ti
Mar
example:
ed in

full:

the
first
in a
For

8 C.F.R. § 1003.1 (2014)

short:

Fed. Reg.:

, 20

8 C.F.R. § 1003.1

Citations to regulatory material in the Federal Register should be used
only when:
o
o

the rule contains regulatory language that will be, but is not yet, in
the C.F.R.;

o

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the citation is to information that will never appear in the C.F.R.,
such as a public notice or announcement;

the citation is to information associated with the rule, but which will
not appear in the C.F.R. (e.g., a preamble or introduction to a
rule); or

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Appendix J

o

the rule contains proposed or past language of a regulation that is
pertinent in some way to the filing or argument.

The first citation to the Federal Register should always include (i) the
volume, (ii) the abbreviated form “Fed. Reg.”, (iii) the page number, (iv)
the date, and (v) important identifying information such as “proposed
rule,” “interim rule,” “supplementary information,” or the citation where the
rule will appear. For example:
full:

67 Fed. Reg. 52627 (Aug. 13, 2002) (proposed rule)

full:

67 Fed. Reg. 38341 (June 4, 2002) (to be codified at 8 C.F.R. §§ 100,
103, 236, 245a, 274a, and 299)

short:

67 Fed. Reg. at 52627-28; 67 Fed. Reg. 38343

Since the Federal Register does not use commas in its page numbers, do
not use a comma in page numbers. Use abbreviations for the month.
When citing the preamble to a rule, identify it exactly as it is titled in the
17
Federal Register, e.g., 67 Fed. Reg. 54878 20(Aug. 26, 2002)
,
er 5
tob
(supplementary information).
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III. Statutes / Laws
General Guidance: Full citations. Whenever citing a statute for the first time, be certain to
include all the pertinent information, including the name of the statute, its
public law number, statutory cite, and a parenthetical identifying where
the statute was codified (if applicable). The only exception is the
Immigration and Nationality Act, which is illustrated below.
Short citations. The use of short citations is encouraged, but only after
the full citation has been used.
Special rule for U.S.C. and C.F.R. There are two abbreviations that never
need to be spelled out: “U.S.C.” for the U.S. Code and the “C.F.R.” for the
Code of Federal Regulations.
Always use periods with these
abbreviations.
Special rule for the INA. Given the regularity with which the Immigration
and Nationality Act is cited before the Board, there is generally no need to
provide the Public Law Number, the Stat. citation, or 2017
U.S.C. citation. The
,
er 5 language of the Act
Board will presume INA citations refer to theccurrent
tob
nO
ed o
unless the year is provided.
rchiv
39a

03
14-7

oa

Sections of law. ,Full. citations are often lengthy, and filing parties are
o
ns N
sometimes Sessio
uncertain where to put the section number in the citation. For
v.
tinez
theasake of simplicity, use the word “section” and give the section number
M r
in
cited in front of the full citation to the statute. Once a full citation has been
given, use the short citation form with a section symbol ”§.” This practice
applies whether the citation is used in a sentence or after it. For example:
The definition of the term “alien” in section 101(a)(3) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act applies to persons who are not
citizens or nationals of the United States. The term “national of the
United States” is expressly defined in INA § 101(a)(22), but the term
“citizen” is more complex. See INA §§ 301-309, 316, 320.

INA:

full: section xxx of the Immigration and Nationality Act
short: INA § xxx

ADAA:

full: section xxx of Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, Pub. L. No. 100-690, 102 Stat.
4181

short: ADAA § xxx

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Appendix J

full: section xxx of Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L.

AEDPA:

No. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214

short: AEDPA § xxx

full: section xxx of Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-395, 114 Stat.

CCA:

1631

short: CCA § xxx

full: section xxx of Adam Walsh Child Protection Act and Safety Act of 2006,

CPSA:

Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587.

short: CPSA § xxx
short: Adam Walsh Act § xxx
r5
tobe

CSPA:

cit

IIRIRA:

, 20

17

Oc
d on
hive
arc
Protection of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-208, 116 Stat.
full: section xxx of Child Status 39ao
703
14No.
927
ons,
si
Ses
z v.
neCSPA § xxx
ti
short:
Mar
ed in

full: section xxx of Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
of 1996, Division C of Pub. L. No. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-546

short: IIRIRA § xxx

IMFA:

full: section xxx of Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986, Pub. L.
No. 99-639, 100 Stat. 3537

short: IMFA § xxx

IMMACT90:

full: section xxx of Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-649, 104 Stat. 4978
short: IMMACT90 § xxx

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INTCA:

Board of Immigration Appeals

full: section xxx of Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of
1994, Pub. L. No. 103.416, 108 Stat. 4305, amended by Pub. L. No. 105-38, 111 Stat.
1115 (1997)

short: INTCA § xxx

IRCA:

full: section xxx of Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Pub. L.
No. 99-603, 100 Stat. 3359
short: IRCA § xxx

LIFE:

full: section xxx of Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act, Pub. L. No. 106553, 114 Stat. 2762 (2002), amended by Pub. L. No. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763 (2000)

short: LIFE Act § xxx

MTINA:

NACARA:

17

0
5, 2
full: section xxx of Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization
ber

cto
Amendments of 1991, Pub. L. No. 102-232, ed on O 1733
105 Stat.
chiv
o ar
39a
short: MTINA § xxx 14-703
o.
ns, N
ssio
. Se
ez v
artin
in M
cited full: section xxx of Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act,
Pub. L. No. 105-100, tit. II, 111 Stat. 2193 (1997), amended by Pub. L. No. 105-139,
111 Stat. 2644 (1997)

short: NACARA § xxx

TVPRA:

full: section xxx of William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-457, 122 Stat. 5044

short: TVPRA § xxx

USA PATRIOT:

full: section xxx of Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272

short: USA PATRIOT Act § xxx

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VAWA:

Appendix J

full: section xxx of Violence Against Women and Department of Justice
Reauthorization Act of 2013, Pub. L. No. 113-4, 127 Stat. 54

short: VAWA § xxx

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Board of Immigration Appeals

IV. Legislative History
General Guidance: Difficult to locate. Because sources of legislative history are often difficult
to locate, err on the side of providing more information, rather than less.
If a source is difficult to locate, include a copy of the source with your
filing (or an Internet address for it) and make clear reference to that
source in your filing.
Sources. To locate legislative history, including committee reports,
consult the Library of Congress web site, www.loc.gov, or commercial
services. Citation to common electronic sources is encouraged. Copies
of the U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News (U.S.C.C.A.N),
which compiles many legislative documents, are available in some public
libraries.

Provide the following information the first time a bill is cited: (i) the bill
number, (ii) the number of the Congress, (iii)5, the 7 session of that
201
r
tobe bill, if applicable, (v) the
Congress, (iv) the specific section numbern ofcthe
o O
ved
Congressional Record volume, (vi)hithe Congressional Record page or
c
o ar
39a
pages, (vii) the date of that0Congressional Record, and (viii) the edition of
7 3
14No.
the Congressional ,Record, if known. For example:
ons
si

Bills:

cited

ez
artin

in M full:

v. S

short:

Reports:

es

S. 744, 113th Cong., 1d Sess., 159 Cong. Rec. 4499-01 (daily ed.
June. 17, 2013)
159 Cong. Rec. at 4499-01

Provide the following information the first time a report is cited: (i) whether
it is a Senate or House report, (ii) the report number, (iii) the year, and (iv)
where it is reprinted (a reference to where the document is available
electronically is acceptable). The short form may refer either to the page
numbers of the report or the page numbers where the report is reprinted.
For example:
full:
short:

H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 104-828, at 5

full:

S. Rep. No. 98-225 (1983), reprinted in 1984 U.S.C.C.A.N. 3182

short:

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H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 104-828 (1996), available in 1996 WL 563320

1984 U.S.C.C.A.N. at 3183

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Hearings:

Appendix J

Provide the following information the first time a hearing is cited: (i) name of the
hearing, (ii) the committee or subcommittee that held it, (iii) the number of the
Congress, (iv) the session of that Congress, (v) the page or pages of the hearing,
(vi) the date or year of the hearing, and (v) information about what is being cited
(such as the identity of the person testifying and context for the testimony). For
example:
Operations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR):
Hearing before the Subcomm. on Immigration and Claims of the House
Comm. on the Judiciary, 107th Cong., 2d Sess. 19 (2002) (testimony of
EOIR Director)

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V. Treaties and International Materials
CAT:

full:
short:

Article xxx of the United Nations Protocol Relating to the
Status of Refugees, Jan. 31, 1967, [1968] 19 U.S.T. 6223

short:

cited

UNHCR Handbook ¶ xxx
[use paragraph symbol “¶” or abbreviation “para.”]

full:

U.N. Convention
Refugees:

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status
Under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of
Refugees (Geneva 1992)

short:
U.N. Protocol
on Refugees:

Convention Against Torture, art. 3

full:

UNHCR
Handbook:

Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture, Dec. 10, 1984, S. Treaty
Doc. No. 100-20 (1988)

U.N. Refugee Protocol art. xxx
r5
tobe

, 20

17

Oc
d on
Article xxx of the United Nations Convention Relating to
hive
rc
the Status of Refugees, ao a 28, 1951, 19 U.S.T. 6259
39 July
703
14No.
ons,
U.N.sRefugee Convention art. xxx
short:
es i
v. S
nez
arti
in M

full:

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Appendix J

VI. Publications and Communication by Governmental Agencies
General Guidance: No universal citation form. In immigration proceedings, parties cite to a
wide variety of administrative agency publications and communications,
and there is no one format that fits all such documents. For that reason,
use common sense when citing agency documents, and err on the side of
more information, rather than less.
Difficult to locate material. If the document may be difficult for the Board
to locate, include a copy of the document with your filing.
Internet material. If a document is posted on the Internet, identify the
website where the document can be found or include a copy of the
document with a legible Internet address.

Practice Manual:

cited

Forms:

The BIA Practice Manual is not legal authority. However, if there is
reason to cite it, the preferred form is to identify the specific provision by
017
5, 2
erbottom of the page on
chapter and section along with the date at cthe
tob
nO
which the cited section appears. For iexample:
ed o
hv
c
o ar
39a
703
BIA Practice4Manual, Chapter 8.5(a)(iii) (Aug. 8, 2014)
full:
1 No.
ons,
essi
v
short:. S Practice Manual, Chap. 8.5 (a)(iii)
nez
arti

in M

Forms should first be cited according to their full name and number. A
short citation form may be used thereafter. See Appendix E (Forms) for a
list of common immigration forms. For example:
full:

Notice of Appeal from a Decision of an Immigration Judge (Form
EOIR-26)

short:

Notice of Appeal or Form EOIR-26

If a form does not have a name, use the form number as the citation.

Country reports:

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State Department country reports appear both as compilations in
Congressional committee prints and as separate reports and profiles.
Citations to country reports should always contain the publication date
and the specific page numbers (if available). Provide Internet address
when available. The first citation to any country report should contain all

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Board of Immigration Appeals

identifying information, and a short citation form may be used thereafter.
For example:

full:

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Dep’t of State,
Nigeria Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2013 (Feb. 27, 2014),
available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2013/af/220146.htm

short: 2013 Nigeria Country Reports
full:

Committees on Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs, 110th Cong.,
2d Sess., Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2008 xxx
(Joint Comm. Print 2010)

short: 2008 Country Reports at page xxx
full:

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Dep’t of
State, Trafficking in Persons Report 2014 xxx (June 2014)

short: 2014 Trafficking Report at page xxx

Visa Bulletin:

Foreign Affairs
Manual:

17
, 20
er 5 should include the
Citations to the State Department’s VisaOctob
Bulletin
n
ed o specific issue being cited. For
volume, number, month, and yearrchivthe
of
oa
39a
example:
-703
. 14
, No
ons
U.S.sDep’t of State Visa Bulletin, Vol. X, No. 74 (Nov. 2014)
e si
full:
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in short: Visa Bulletin (Nov. 2014)
cite

Citations to the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual should include
the section number, and if applicable, the note number. For example:

full:

Vol. 9, Foreign Affairs Manual § 41.81 note 9.1

short: 9 FAM 41.81

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Appendix J

Internal Documents: Any citation to an internal government document, such as a memo or a
cable, should contain as much identifying information as possible. Be
sure to include any identifying heading (e.g., the “re” line in a memo) and
the precise date of the document being cited. Include a copy of the
document with the filing or indicate where it has been reprinted publicly.
For example:

full:

Memorandum from Donald Neufeld, Acting Assoc. Dir. Of
Domestic Operations, USCIS, to Field Leadership, re: Applicability
of Section 245(k) to Certain Employment-Based Adjustment of
Status Applications filed under Section 245(a) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, at x (July 14, 2008), available
at http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memor
anda/Static_Files_Memoranda/Archives%2019982008/2008/245%28k%29_14jul08.pdf

short: Neufeld Memo (July 2008)

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Appendix J

Board of Immigration Appeals

VII. Commonly Cited Commercial Publications
General Guidance: No universal citation form. In immigration proceedings, parties cite to a
wide variety of commercial texts and publications. Use common sense
when citing these documents. If a document is difficult to locate, include
a copy of the document with your filing (or an Internet address for it) and
make clear reference to that document in your filing.
No endorsements or disparagements. The following list contains citations
to specific publications that are frequently cited in filings before the Board.
Their inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of the publication, nor is
omission from this list a disparagement of any other publication.
Use of quotation marks, italics or underlining, and first initials. For
purposes of appeals, motions, briefs, and other filings, the Board
recommends using a single format for all publications – quotation marks
around any article title (whether in a book, law review, or periodical),
italics or underlining for the name of any publication17
(whether a book,
0
5, 2
treatise, or periodical), and reference to authors’erlast names only (use of
tob
n Oc
first initials is appropriate where multiple authors share the same last
ed o
chiv
o ar
name).
39a
03
4-7

1
No.
ons,

Shortened names. Many publications have long titles. It is acceptable to
ssi
. Se
ez v
use ranshortened form of the title after the full title has been used. Use a
a ti
in M
ited short form that clearly refers back to the full citation. Always use page
c
and/or section numbers, whether the publication is cited in full or in
shortened form.

Articles in Books:

Articles in books should identify the author (by last name only), title of the
article, and the publication that contains that article (including the editor
and year). For example:
full:

short:

www.justice.gov/eoir

Massimino, “Relief from Deportation Under Article 3 of the United
Nations Convention Against Torture,” in 2 1997-98 Immigration &
Nationality Law Handbook 467 (American Immigration Lawyers
Association, ed., 1997)
Massimino at 469

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Appendix J

Immigration
Briefings:

This publication should be cited by author (last name only), article, volume,
publication, month, and year. For example:
full:
short:

Immigration Law
And Procedure:

Elliot, “Relief From Deportation: Part I, “ 88-8 Immigration Briefings
(Aug. 1988)
Elliot at 18

Citations to treatises require particular attention to detail because their
pagination is often complex. The first citation to this treatise must be in full
and contain the volume number, the section number, the page number, the
edition, and year. For example:
full:

2 Gordon, Mailman & Yale-Loehr, Immigration Law and Procedure
§ 51.01(1)(a), at 51-3 (rev. ed. 1997)

short:

Interpreter
Releases:

2 Immigration Law and Procedure § 51.01(1)(a), at 51-3
17
, 20
er 5
tob
n Oc
ed o
chiv
o ar
Citations to this publication should indicate volume, title, page, number(s),
39a
3
4-70
and precise date. ns, No. 1 a parenthetical explanation for the citation when
Provide
sio
appropriate.. Ses example:
v For
tinez
Mar
d in
cite

full:

75 Interpreter Releases 275-76 (Feb. 23, 1998) (regarding INS
guidelines on when to consent to reopening of proceedings)

short:

75 Interpreter Releases at 276

If an article has a title and named author, provide that information. For
example:
full:

short:

www.justice.gov/eoir

Wettstein, “Lawful Domicile for Purposes of INA § 212(c): Can It
Begin with Temporary Residence,” in Interpreter Releases 1273
(Sept. 26, 1994)
Wettstein at 1274

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Appendix J

Law Reviews:

Board of Immigration Appeals

Law review articles should identify the author (by last name) and the title
of the article, followed by the volume, name, page number(s), and year of
the publication. For example:
full:
short:

Sutherland:

Hurwitz, “Motions Practice Before the Board of Immigration
Appeals,” 20 San Diego L. Rev. 79 (1982)
Hurwitz, 20 San Diego L. Rev. at 80

Citations to this treatise should include the volume number, author, name
of the publication, section number, page number(s), and edition. For
example:
full:

2A Singer, Sutherland Statutory Construction § 47.11, at 144 (4th ed.
1984)

short:

2A Sutherland § 47.11

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Appendix K

APPENDIX K
Where to File a Motion
This Appendix provides guidance on where to file a motion in removal proceedings. Parties
should still review the pertinent regulations and must be careful to observe the rules regarding
motions, especially time and number limits. See Chapters 5.2(a) (Jurisdiction), 5.3 (Motion
Limits).

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Board of Immigration Appeals

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Indices

WORD INDEX
A separate Citation Index – containing cases, statutes, and regulations – follows this index.

A

amicus curiae (cont.)
appearance by ................................................ 30, 103
A number (alien registration number)
briefs ...................................................................... 64
briefs ....................................................................... 58
motions .................................................................. 75
consolidated appeals ........................................ 58, 63
oral argument ....................................... 103, 105, 108
inquiries .................................................................. 12
Appeal Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A)......... see fees
motions ............................................................. 75, 77
appeal waiver ..................................................... see appeals
multiple ............................................................. 58, 77
appeals
Notice of Appeal ..................................................... 55
aff'd without decision .......... see summary affirmance
required for inquiries .............................................. 12
appeal waiver .................. see waiver of appeal below
AAO ............... see Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
bond appeals .................................. see bond appeals
accredited representatives
briefing ............................................................. 50, 57
accreditation ..................................................... 25, 26
circuit court ............................................................ 56
attorneys, same rules as ......................................... 26
concurrent consideration of ................................... 68
eRegistry, required to practice ............................... 25
consolidated ................ see consolidated proceedings
immigration specialists, compared to ..................... 26
cross-appeals .......................................................... 64
17
, 20
misconduct ............................................................. 26
deadlines ....................................................57, App. D
er 5
tob
Notice of Appearance ............................................. 25
decisions on Oc on parties .................................... 52
served
ed
qualifications..................................................... 25, 26
chiv
departure while appeal pending ............................ 70
o ar
39a departure while appel pending .............................. 94
recognized organizations ........................................ 25
03
14-7
register to practice .................................................. 17.
detained aliens ....................................................... 57
, No
s
sion
registration (eRegistry), not required ...................... 25
DHS appeals............................................................ 70
Ses
v
tinez
removal from list of ................................................ 26
evidence ................................................................. 67
Mar
in
ited
signatures ......................................................... 26, 38
extensions ........................................... see extensions
c
verification .............................................................. 26
facts, assertions of.................................................. 60
address obligations
failure to oppose .................................................... 70
alien (represented) ................................................. 23
fine appeals .......................................see fine appeals
alien (unrepresented) ....................................... 18, 19
form ........................................... see Notice of Appeal
attorney ............................. see representative below
frivolous appeals .................................................... 73
change of address ............................................. 23, 24
grounds for appeal ................................................. 55
change of address form ...................... 18, 19, 23, 134
how to file ........................................................ 50, 54
compound changes of address ............................... 23
Immigration Judge decisions .................................. 49
detained alien ......................................................... 19
intention to file a brief ........................................... 55
representatives ....................................................... 23
interlocutory appeals ....................................... 51, 71
adjustment of status ......................................... 6, 46, 78, 85
motion to reconsider, as opposed to ..................... 49
administrative closure ................. see motion to recalendar
new authority / new law after appeal .................... 68
administrative notice ........................................................ 68
non-opposition to appeal ....................................... 70
advance parole ................................................................... 7
Notices of Appeal ...................... see Notice of Appeal
advisory opinion ................................................................. 9
order of documents ............................ see documents
affirmed without opinion.............. see summary affirmance
parties .................................................................... 53
Airborne Express ............................................... see couriers
process ................................................................... 49
alien I.D. number ............................................see A number
proof of service ...................................................... 36
alien registration number ...............................see A number
rejected .................................................................. 50
amicus curiae
remand, after ......................................................... 85
appeals .................................................................... 54
representatives ...................................................... 53

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

attorneys (cont.)
appeals (cont.)
substitution of counsel ................................... 23, 104
right to appeal................. see waiver of appeal below
suspension ............................................. see discipline
severed appeals ...................................................... 69
withdrawal of counsel ............................................ 24
stays ............................................................. see stays
Automated Case Information Hotline ............ 12, 65, App. B
summary dismissal ................. see summary dismissal
third parties ............................................................ 54
types of ................................................................... 49
B
unrelated appeals ............................................. 56, 58
battered spouses ............................................................ 112
untimely ................................................ 33, 34, 57, 76
BIA .................................. see Board of Immigration Appeals
visa petition .........................see visa petition appeals
BIA TIPS ............................................................ 13, 1, App. B
visa revocation ................ see visa revocation appeals
Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
waived............................. see waiver of appeal below
Board Members .................................................... 3, 4
waiver of appeal ................................. 53, 70, 73, 117
case .......................................................................... 3
withdrawal of appeal ................ 69, 85, 114, 115, 119
case screening .......................................................... 3
withdrawal of opposition ........................................ 70
Chairman .................................................................. 4
appearance .................................. see Notice of Appearance
Clerk's Office.................................... see Clerk's Office
applicants for temporary admission ............................... 112
decisions, types of .................................................... 7
applications for relief ............................................. see relief
Department of Justice, relation to ............... 2, App. C
asylum........................................... 5, 11, 44, 45, 81, 82, 101
en banc decisions ..................................................... 4
attorney complaints ........................................ see discipline
function .................................................................... 1
attorney discipline .......................................... see discipline
mailing address ............................................. see mail
Attorney General .................................. 2, 8, 9, 61, 114, 119
17
panel decisions ......................................................... 4
, 20
attorneys
er 5
b
panel systemOcto
attorney of record........................ see representation
n ............................................................ 3
ed o
rolei........................................................................... 1
Attorney registration (eRegistry) ............................ 20
ch v
o ar
39a single Board Member decisions ............................... 4
bar admission .......................................................... 21
03
14-7
Vice Chairmen .......................................................... 4
change of address ................. see address obligations.
, No
ns
ssio
bond appeals
dismissal of counsel ................................................ 24
. Se
ez v
briefing ................................................................... 96
EOIR ID number .......................................... 18, 20, 21
artin
in M
deadlines ....................................................95, App. D
ited
fees excessive ....................................... see discipline
c
fee .............................................................. 44, 45, 95
filing on behalf of another ........... see representation
how to file .............................................................. 95
free legal services ....................... see pro bono below
interlocutory appeals, different from..................... 71
law firms ..................................................... 21, 22, 38
jurisdiction .......................................................... 6, 93
misconduct ........................................... see discipline
moot ....................................................................... 97
multiple representation ............... see representation
procedure ............................................................... 95
new counsel ............................................................ 23
stays ................................................................. 89, 95
new law firm ........................................................... 22
transcripts ........................................................ 51, 96
Notice of Appearance ....................................... 20, 21
briefing schedule
primary ................................................................... 22
bond appeals .......................................................... 96
primary attorney ......................................... 21, 22, 23
fine appeals .................................................. 118, 119
pro bono ................................................................. 20
interlocutory appeals ............................................. 71
Pro Bono Program................................................... 18
oral argument ............................................... 100, 106
qualifications........................................................... 20
removal appeals ..................................................... 50
referrals to practicing attorneys ............................. 20
briefs ............................................................ see documents
register to practice ............................................ 17, 20
A number ................................................................ 58
release of counsel ................................................... 23
amicus curiae.......................................................... 64
right to counsel ....................................................... 20
bond appeals .......................................................... 96
sanctions ............................................... see discipline
briefing notice ........................................................ 57
service of papers ..................................................... 23
briefing schedules .................... see briefing schedule
signatures ............................................................... 21
briefing waiver........................................................ 67
state bar numbers ................................................... 21

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Indices

cases, specific .................................. see citations, Matter of
briefs (cont.)
CAT ......................................................... see United Nations
caption .................................................................... 59
CBP ................ see Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
chronologies ........................................................... 60
cellular telephones ............................ see electronic devices
citations .................................................. see citations
Certificate of Service .............................. App. G, see service
citing text in ............................................................ 62
Certificate of Translation ................................. see language
conformed copies ................................................... 35
certification
consolidated appeal .......................................... 58, 63
by the Immigration Judge ....................................... 73
cover page .................................................. 41, 58, 59
review by the Board ................................................. 6
deadlines .............................................. 50, 64, App. D
signer's ................................................................... 38
decision not to file .................................................. 67
translations...................................................... App. H
evidence .................................................................. 68
translator's ............................................................. 37
extensions ........................................... see extensions
certified record
failure to file................................................ 55, 67, 72
citation to ............................................................... 63
filing receipts .............................................. 35, 56, 65
CFR ................................................................... see citations
fine appeals ................................................... 117, 118
change of circumstance.... see motion to reopen; motion to
format ..................................................................... 58
remand
how to file ............................................................... 57
CIS.................. see Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
improperly filed ...................................................... 34
citations
interlocutory appeals .............................................. 71
Attorney General .................................................... 61
late-filed brief, motion to accept ...................... 34, 67
Board decisions ........................................... 61, App. J
length ................................................................ 40, 58
cases ........................................................... see App. J
motion briefs .......................................................... 80
17
, 20
certified record ....................................................... 63
multiple briefs ......................................................... 60
er 5
tob
CFR .................................................................... App. J
new argument......................................................... 63
n Oc
ed o opinions ................................................ 61
concurring
new authorities ....................................................... 63
chiv
o ar
39a Congressional hearings......................................App. J
no fee required ....................................................... 57
03
14-7
Congressional record .........................................App. J
oral argument ............................................... 100,, 106.
No
s
sion
Congressional reports .......................................App. J
pagination ......................................................... 40, 58
Ses
.
ez v
Country Reports ................................................ App. J
recommended contents.......................................... 59
artin
in M
ited
DHS decisions ......................................................... 61
rejection of........................................................ 34, 65
c
exhibits ................................................................... 62
removal appeals ................................................ 55, 57
federal court cases ...................................... 62, App. J
reply briefs ................................................. 64, App. D
Federal Register................................................. App. J
response briefs .......................................... 63, App. D
forms ................................................................. App. J
signatures ............................................................... 58
governmental memorandum ................................. 43
source law ............................................................... 43
hard-to-find source law .......................................... 43
source of factual information ................................. 43
I&N Decisions ..................................................... 61, 2
statement of facts ............................................. 59, 60
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) ..............App. J
summary dismissal ................. see summary dismissal
Immigration Judge decision.................................... 62
supplemental briefs ............................ 40, 41, 63, 109
In re, use of.................................................. 61, App. J
unrelated appeals ................................................... 58
visa petition appeals ..................................... 112, 113
INA ..........see Immigration And Nationality Act above
where to file ............................................................ 57
Interim Decisions (Int. Dec.) ..................................... 8
writing guidelines .................................................... 57
international materials .............................. 12, App. J
law ............................................................... 60, App. J
legislative history.................................................... 10
C
Matter of, use of ......................................... 61, App. J
cables ................................................................ see citations
memoranda ............................................................ 43
calls ................................................................... see inquiries
Practice Manual................................................. App. J
captions ....................................................... see documents
record of proceedings ............................................ 60
case management ................... see Board of Immig. Appeals
regulations................................................... 62, App. J
Case Status Information.............................................. App. I
state court cases..................................................... 62

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Board of Immigration Appeals

deadlines
citations (cont.)
appeals ................................ 34, 57, 95, 112, 114, 117
statutes ....................................................... 62, App. J
bond appeals .......................................................... 95
transcript ................................................................ 62
briefs ................................... 34, 50, 63, 64, 65, 67, 74
treaties .................................................................... 12
computing .............................................................. 33
UNHCR Handbook ............................................. App. J
couriers................................................................... 33
unpublished Board decisions ...................... 61, App. J
Visa Bulletin .................................................. App. J
cross-appeals .......................................................... 64
Citizenship and Immigration Services ...................... see DHS
day meaning of ....................................................... 33
classified information ....................................................... 11
deadlines ............................................. see extensions
Clerk's Office
delivery delays ........................................................ 33
conformed copies ................................................... 35
extension requests ..................................... 34, 65, 66
FOIA ...................................................................... 137
failure to meet ........................................................ 33
inquiries ................................ 13, 35, 65, 92, 114, 119
fine appeals .......................................................... 117
record of proceedings ..................................... 11, 137
legal holidays .......................................................... 33
role ............................................................... 5, App. C
motions .................................................................. 34
collect calls........................................................ see inquiries
overnight delivery ............................................ 32, 33
compelling circumstances........................................... 32, 92
rejection, effect of .................................................. 34
complaint about attorney ............................... see discipline
removal appeals ..................................................... 57
compound motions............................................. see motion
reply briefs ............................................................. 64
concurrence ...................................................... see citations
response briefs ....................................................... 63
concurrent consideration of appeals ................. see appeals
timely meaning of .................................................. 33
concurring opinions .......................................... see citations
transcription request, effect on ............................. 51
17
confidentiality ........................................................... 11, 128
, 20
visa petition appeals ............................................. 112
er 5
ob
conformed copies ..................................... see filing receipts
visa revalidationt appeals ...................................... 115
n Oc
ed o
consolidated proceedings ................................................. 46
visa irevocation appeals ........................................ 114
ch v
o ar
39a weekends ............................................................... 33
A numbers ............................................................... 58
3
4-70
briefs ................................................................. 58,No. 1
decisions
, 63
s
sion
consolidation, meaning of ...................................... 68
decisions ................................................. see citations
Ses
.
ez v
fees ......................................................................... 46
I&N Decisions ................................................. 8, 9, 61
artin
in M
Notice of Appeal, number of................................... 54
ited
Interim Decisions (Int. Dec.) ............................... 8, 61
c
number of copies .................................................... 40
judicial review .........................................3, 9, 10, 115
requests for consolidation ...................................... 68
precedent ............................................................. 8, 9
Convention Against Torture (CAT) ..... 6, see United Nations
published ................................... see precedent above
copies .................... see no. of copies; record of proceedings
sent by regular mail ................................................ 52
Country Reports ........................ see Dep't of State; citations
service on parties .............. 8, 21, 49, 86, 97, 114, 119
couriers ................................................................. 31, 32, 33
slip opinions ........................................................... 61
courts .............................................. see Immigration Courts
unpublished decisions .............................................. 9
cover page .................................................................. 58, 78
defective filings ................................................................ 34
credibility findings............................................................... 7
defective payment .................................................. see fees
credible fear
defective transcrpts ...................................... see transcripts
stays ........................................................................ 89
delay
credible fear determinations .............................................. 7
duty to avoid .......................................................... 66
criminal convictions ........................................ 44, 78, 83, 86
delivery .................................................................... see mail
custody ..................................................... see bond appeals
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Customs and Border Protection............................... see DHS
Administrative Appeals Office ...................... 3, App. C
appeal, right to ....................................................... 53
application fees ...................................................... 46
D
Board, relationship to ........................................... 1, 2
day
bond decisions.................................................. 94, 95
meaning of .............................................................. 33
briefing .......................... 111, 112, 113, 117, 118, 119
de novo review ............................. 7, see review, see review
Customs and Border Protection ....................... App. C

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Indices

discipline (cont.)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (cont.)
duty to report ................................................. 20, 125
duties of .................................................................... 9
EOIR Disciplinary Counsel .....124, 125, 126, 127, 129,
filing fees, DHS exempt from .................................. 45
130
filing fees, when to pay DHS ................................. 112
excessive fees ....................................................... 122
Immigration and Customs Enforcement .......... App. C
failing to act with reasonable diligence ................ 123
Immigration Court, relationship to ........................... 2
failing to appear for scheduled hearings .............. 123
motion limits ..................................................... 82, 84
failing to communicate with client ....................... 123
party, deemed a ...................................................... 53
failing to disclose legal authority to adjudicator .. 123
references ............................................................... 59
failing to follow client's decision .......................... 123
relationship to ......................................................... 59
failing to provide competent representation ....... 123
remands to .............................................................. 85
failing to submit completed Notice of Appearance
stays ........................................................................ 89
.............................................................................. 123
U.S. Citzenship and Immigration Services ........ App. C
failing to submit filings ......................................... 123
visa petitions ......................................................... 111
failure to answer notice ....................................... 127
Department of State
failure to register .............................................. 20, 25
Country Reports .................................... 43, 68, App. J
failure to report ...................................................... 21
Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) ................................. 62
false certifications ................................................ 122
Visa Bulletin ...............................................79, App. J
false statments ..................................................... 122
departure
filing deadlines ..................................................... 129
effect on appeal .......................................... 70, 94, 97
filings after discipline.............................................. 24
voluntary departure ............. see voluntary departure
frivolous behavior................................... 73, 121, 122
detained aliens
17
, 20
guilty of crime....................................................... 125
address obligations ................................................. 19
er 5
tob
hearing ................................................................. 127
appeal deadlines ..................................................... 57
n Oc
ed o
imm. specialists ............... see immigration specialists
briefing deadlines ................................................... 65
chiv
o ar
39a Immigration Judges .............................................. 122
cover page .............................................................. 78
03
14-7
ineffective assistance of counsel .................. 122, 124
legal representation by ........................................... 29.
, No
s
sion
interim suspension ............................................... 126
motion .................................................................... 78
Ses
.
ez v
jurisdiction .............................................................. 24
oral argument ....................................................... 105
artin
in M
ited
law graduates ......................................................... 28
DHL ................................................................... see couriers
c
law students ........................................................... 28
disbarment...................................................... see discipline
list of disciplined practitioners ............................. 129
discipline ....................................... see excessive fees above
mailings after discipline .......................................... 24
accredited representative defined........................ 121
misconduct ............................................................. 28
accredited representatives ................................... 121
motions ................................................................ 128
appeals .................................................................. 127
nolo contendere plea ........................................... 125
authority to discipline ........................................... 121
notarios ........................... see immigration specialists
boilerplate language in filings, use of ................... 123
notary public ................... see immigration specialists
bribery .................................................................. 122
Notice of Appearance ............................................. 21
censure ................................................................. 128
Notice of Intent to Discipline .........125, 126, 127, 128
coercion ................................................................ 122
Office of the General Counsel (OGC) ............ 2, 3, 124
complaint form ..................................................... 124
pending cases, effect on ............................... 128, 129
complaint, how to file ........................................... 125
petition for immediate suspension ...................... 125
confidentiality ....................................................... 128
contempt of court ................................................. 123
practitioner defined ............................................. 121
criminal convictions ...................................... 122, 125
prejudicial to administration of justice................. 123
default order ......................................................... 127
procedure ............................................................. 125
DHS attorneys ....................................................... 121
public disclosure ................................................... 128
recognized organizations.............................. 121, 123
DHS Disciplinary Counsel ..... 124, 125, 126, 127, 129,
reinstatement ....................................................... 129
130
resignation............................................................ 125
disbarment ................................ 20, 21, 122, 125, 128
runners, use of ..................................................... 123
duty to advise clients ............................................ 128

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

electronic devices
discipline (cont.)
cellular telephones ............................................... 104
sanctions ............................................................... 128
laptop computers ................................................. 104
solicitation ............................................................ 123
oral argument ....................................................... 104
state bar number .................................................... 21
recording devices, use of ...................................... 104
suspension ................................................ 20, 21, 125
tablets................................................................... 104
unauthorized practice of law ................................ 122
e-mail ...................................................................... see mail
unethical ............................................................... 121
employer sanctions ........................................................ 2, 7
unprofessional conduct ........................................ 121
English language .............................................. see language
visa consultants................ see immigration specialists
envelopes ................................................................ see mail
dissent............................................................... see citations
EOIR ................see Executive Office for Immigration Review
dissenting opinion............................................. see citations
EOIR ID number ... 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 29, see representation
document fraud .................................................................. 2
aliens .................................................... see A number
documents
representatives ............................ see representation
binding .................................................................... 41
EOIR-26................................................ see Notice of Appeal
captions ...................................................... 41, 59, 77
EOIR-27........................................ see Notice of Appearance
certified copies........................................................ 42
EOIR-28........................................ see Notice of Appearance
cover pages ............................. 40, 41, 59, 135, App. E
EOIR-29................................................ see Notice of Appeal
criminal convictions .......................................... 44, 78
EOIR-45............................................................ see discipline
fonts ........................................................................ 41
eRegistry........................................................................... 14
footnotes .......................................................... 41, 60
accredited representatives ..................................... 25
handwritten filings .................................................. 39
administrative suspension ...................................... 25
headings .................................................................. 60
17
, 20
attorneys ................................................................ 20
highlighting ....................................................... 43, 78
er 5
ob
change inon Ofirm .................................................. 22
law ct
hole-punching ......................................................... 41
ed address ............................................ 23, 25
change of
line spacing ............................................................. 41
chiv
o ar
39a eFiling ..................................................................... 33
number of copies .................................................... 40
03
14-7
law graduates ......................................................... 27
one-sided ................................................................ 43.
, No
s
sion
representation........................................................ 17
order of documents ................................................ 39
Ses
.
ez v
eSignatures ....................................................................... 38
original .................................................................... 42
artin
in M
evidence
page limits ......................................................... 40, 58
cited
admitted into the record ........................................ 67
paper size and quality ............................................. 40
affidavits ........................................................... 34, 78
photocopies ...................................................... 42, 43
criminal conviction ........................................... 44, 78
photographs...................................................... 42, 43
declarations ...................................................... 34, 78
source of law ........................................................... 43
language ................................................................. 78
stapling ................................................................... 41
motion to accept late filing .................................... 34
supporting documents .............. 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 77
motion to reconsider .............................................. 83
tabs ......................................................................... 41
motion to remand ............................................ 67, 84
translations ............................................ see language
motion to reopen ............................................. 81, 82
draft orders ....................................................................... 79
duty to report discipline ................................. see discipline
motion to stay ........................................................ 91
new evidence on appeal ......................... 67, 113, 118
newly available ........................................ see motions
E
statements made in brief ....................................... 68
eFiling.................................................................... 14, 18, 33
statements made in motion ............................. 68, 78
filings, represetanatives should submit .................. 18
supplemental evidence .......................................... 78
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27) . 18, 20, 25, 33,
unavailability of .............................................. 85, 113
56, 112, 118, 134
visa petitions .......................................................... 79
registered representative ....................................... 33
excessive fees .................................................. see discipline
service upon DHS .............................................. 18, 37
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) ................ 1
eInfo .................................................................................. 15
Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) ........... see Board

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Practice Manual

Indices

Federal Express ................................................. see couriers
Executive Office for Immigration Review (cont.)
Federal Register .................................................. 141, App. J
Clerk's Office ................................... see Clerk's Office
FedEx ................................................................. see couriers
forms .........................................................133, App. E
fee waiver ................................................................ see fees
Fraud Program .................................................. 3, 122
fee waiver form ....................................................... see fees
Office of Communications and Legislative .............. 99
fees
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs....3,
amount of payment................................................ 46
103
Appeal Fee Waiver Request ...... see fee waiver below
Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) ................... 3
appeal of Immigration Judge decision ........ 44, 46, 56
Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Office
application for relief, amount ................................ 46
(OCAHO)....................................................... 2, App. C
application for relief, paid to DHS .......................... 46
Office of the Chief Immigration Judge ...................... 1
application for relief, when filed with motion ........ 79
Office of the General Counsel (OGC) ... 2, 137, App. C
application for relief, when paid ...................... 47, 79
rulemaking ............................................................ 141
attaching................................................................. 46
exhibits
attorney fees .........................................see attorneys
citation to................................................................ 62
bond appeal...................................................... 45, 95
oral argument ....................................................... 106
bounced check ....................................................... 46
tabbing .................................................................... 41
briefs ........................................................... see briefs
expedite requests ........................................... 15, 41, 47, 92
cash ........................................................................ 46
extensions
checks ..................................................................... 46
appeals .................................................................... 57
credit cards ............................................................. 46
briefing ........................................................ 50, 65, 66
currency......................................... see payable below
caption on request .................................................. 66
17
, 20
defective payment...................................... 34, 46, 50
defective filings ....................................................... 34
er 5
tob
DHS filings............................................................... 45
extension request pending, effect of ...................... 34
n Oc
ed o between filing and application ........ 44, 46
difference
failure to file brief after extension .......................... 67
chiv
o ar
39a excessive .............................................................. 122
rejected filings ........................................................ 50
03
14-7
failure to pay ............... see defective payment above
request, effect of pending ...................................... 34.
, No
s
sion
fee required ...................................................... 44, 45
requests, content of................................................ 66
Ses
.
ez v
fee waiver ........................................ 39, 45, 56, 78, 86
substitution of counsel, basedtion ........................... 23
ar n
in M
fee waiver form .....................................45, 56, 78, 86
timely filed, must ited
be ............................................... 66
c
fine appeals .......................................................... 118
unopposed requests ............................................... 34
FOIA ...................................................................... 138
forgot to pay................ see defective payment above
F
form of payment .................................................... 46
false statements ............................................. see discipline
joint motion ............................................................ 45
FAM .............................................. see Department of State
missing......................... see defective payment above
families
money orders ......................................................... 46
children .............. see petitions below; representation
motion to reconsider ........................................ 44, 45
consolidated proceedings ........................... 46, 68, 75
motion to reopen ............................................. 44, 45
family-based ......................................................... 111
motion to stay deportation .............................. 45, 91
filings, including every name on ....................... 53, 75
motion to stay removal .................................... 45, 91
guardians ..................................... see representation
motion while appeal pending ................................. 45
motion .................................................................... 75
motions generally ............................................. 46, 78
non-party family members ............................... 54, 75
number of payments .............................................. 46
Notice of Appeal ..................................................... 53
payable in U.S. dollars only .................................... 46
parents ......................................... see representation
reimbursement....................................................... 45
petitions, family-based ......................................... 111
relief .......................... see application for relief above
represented by family member ... see representation
stays ................................................................. 45, 91
signatures .................................... see representation
visa petition appeals ............................................. 112
faxes ............................................................................ 14, 32
visa petition filing fee ............................................. 79
federal court remands .............................. 10, 19, 43, 65, 74
visa revocation appeals ........ see visa petitions above

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

forms (cont.)
fees (cont.)
computer generated ............................................ 134
waived fees ............................... see fee waiver above
DHS forms......................................................... App. E
when filing fee is not required ................................ 45
eFiling ................................................. 134, see eFiling
when filing fee is required ...................................... 44
EOIR forms................................................ 133, App. E
wrong amount, rejected for .................................... 46
fee waiver ...................................................... see fees
fiancées ............................................................................... 7
FOIA ......................... see Freedom of Information Act
filed
motions .................................................... see motion
meaning of .............................................................. 34
non-form filing...................................................... 135
filing on behalf of ................................... see representation
originals ................................................................ 135
filing receipts
photocopies .......................................................... 134
briefs ................................................................. 56, 65
requesting ................................................ 133, App. E
conformed copies ............................................. 35, 65
signature............................................................... 135
fine appeals ........................................................... 119
free legal service .................................... see representation
motions generally ................................................... 79
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
motions to reconsider ....................................... 13, 79
classified information ........................................... 138
motions to reopen ............................................ 13, 79
Clerk's Office......................................................... 137
Notice of Appeal ..................................................... 56
costs ..................................................... see fee below
timeliness, adjudication of ...................................... 35
denials .................................................................. 139
visa petition appeals ............................................. 113
fee ........................................................................ 138
when issued ...................................................... 35, 50
filing deadlines, effect on ..................................... 138
when not issued ...................................................... 35
form ...................................................................... 137
fine appeals
17
, 20
how to file request ............................................... 137
adjudication .......................................................... 119
er 5
tob
information required ............................................ 138
briefing .................................................. 117, 118, 119
n Oc
ed o
limitations............................................................. 138
deadlines .................................................. 117, App. D
chiv
o ar
39a non-parties ..................................................... 11, 137
evidence ................................................................ 118
03
14-7
Office of the General Counsel (OGC) ................ 3, 137
fee ......................................................................... 118.
, No
s
sion
parties .................................................................. 137
filing receipts ........................................................ 119
Ses
.
ez v
privacy .................................................................. 138
form ...................................................................... 117
artin
in M
ited
processing times ................................................... 138
how to file ............................................................. 117
c
purpose of ............................................................ 137
invalidation of appeal ........................................... 120
requests .................................................................. 11
jurisdiction ........................................................ 6, 117
statutory exemptions ........................................... 138
motions ................................................................. 119
who may file a request ......................................... 137
personal interviews............................................... 120
frivolous appeal ............................................... see discipline
processing ..................................................... 117, 118
frivolous behavior ........................................... see discipline
remands ........................................................ 118, 120
representation ...................................................... 118
standing ................................................................ 117
G
status inquiries ...................................................... 119
Government Printing Office (GPO) ......................... 134, 141
waiver of appeal ................................................... 117
guardian ................................................. see representation
withdrawal of appeal ............................................ 119
FOIA ...................................see Freedom of Information Act
fonts ............................................................. see documents
footnotes .................................................................... 41, 60
foreign student advisors ................................................... 30
forms
appeals ....................................... see Notice of Appeal
blank forms ...............................................133, App. E
Certificate of Service ............................................... 36
colors .................................................................... 134
completed forms................................................... 135

www.justice.gov/eoir

H
H nonimmigrant visas ......................................................... 7
hand delivery ........................................................... see mail
Handbook ............................................... see United Nations
handwritten filings ....................................... see documents
harmless error .................................................................. 72
headings ....................................................... see documents
highlighting................................................... see documents

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Practice Manual

Indices

hole-punching .............................................. see documents
holidays ........................................................... see deadlines
Homeland Security............. see Dep't of Homeland Security

I

jurisdiction (cont.)
appeals, type of .................................................... 5, 6
application for new relief ....................................... 47
attorney discipline ................................. see discipline
bond appeals ...................................................... 6, 93
deportation proceedings .................................... 5, 49
employer sanctions .................................................. 7
exclusion proceedings ........................................ 5, 49
fines and penalties ........................................... 6, 117
immigrant petitions (employment-based) ............... 7
immigrant petitions (family-based) .................. 6, 111
Immigration Judge decisions .................................. 49
Immigration Judge vs. Board .................................. 49
in absentia proceedings............................................ 6
motions ...................................................6, 76, 82, 84
orphan petitions ....................................................... 7
removal proceedings .......................................... 5, 49
revalidation appeals ................................................. 6
stays ....................................................................... 90
visa petition appeals ......................................... 6, 111
visa revalidation appeals ...................................... 115
visa revocation appeals .................................... 6, 114
17
, 20
voluntary departure ................................................. 5
er 5
ob
waivers of n Oct
o inadmissibility ......................................... 6

I&N Decisions ................................................... see decisions
3
I 14
ICE ................. see Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
immigrant petitions
appeals .................................see visa petition appeals
employment based ................................................... 3
employment-based ........................................... 7, 111
family-based ............................................. 6, 111, 115
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).............. see citations
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Board, relationship to ............................................... 2
Immigration Courts ................................................... 1, 2, 59
Immigration Judges......................................... 1, 2, 9, 49, 59
immigration specialists ........................... 17, 26, 28, 29, 122
in absentia proceedings .................................... 6, 51, 82, 89
In re
use of ...................................................................... 61
INA .................................................................... see citations
ed
inadmissibility ........................ see waivers of inadmissibility
rchiv
ao a
ineffective assistance of counsel .................... see discipline
339L
4-70
o. 1
inquiries
s, N
sion
automated calls ..... see Automated CaseeInformation
L nonimmigrant visas ......................................................... 7
S s
.
ez v
Hotline
language
artin
in M
calls ............................................................ 12, App. B
Certificate of Translation ................................. App. H
ited
c
filing tips ................................................. see BIA TIPS
certified translations ........................................ 37, 78
identity of assigned Board Member(s)...................... 5
English requirement ......................................... 37, 78
necessary information for making .......................... 12
motions ............................................................ 37, 78
oral argument ......................................................... 99
Notice of Appeal ..................................................... 37
projected processing times ..................................... 13
supporting documents ..................................... 37, 78
specific staff members, directed to ........................ 13
translations................................... see certified above
status inquiries .......... 12, 13, 113, 114, 119, 1, App. B
translators .............................................................. 37
visa petition appeals ............................................. 113
laptop computers .............................. see electronic devices
INS.................... see Immigration and Naturalization Service
late-filed briefs ...................................................... see briefs
Int. Dec............................................................. see decisions
law firms .......................................................... see attorneys
Interim Decisions ............................................. see decisions
law graduates ................................................................... 27
Interlocutory Appeals ........................................ see appeals
law library............................................................. see library
Internet .................................................14, 133, 141, App. B
law students ..................................................................... 27
legal advice ....................................................... see inquiries
legal services ................................................... see attorneys
J
legislative history ............................................. see citations
joint motion .................................. see fee; motions; service
library ................................................................5, 8, 10, 141
judicial review ..................................................................... 9
limited appearances ............................... see representation
jurisdiction
LLIRC ..................................................................... see library
advance parole.......................................................... 7
appeal vs. motions to reconsider ...................... 49, 53

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

M

motion (cont.)
detained alien ......................................................... 78
mail
draft orders ............................................................ 79
Airbourne Express ................................... see couriers
evidence ..................................................... 68, 78, 83
attention ("attn.") line .......................... 14, 31, App.A
fee .............................................................. 45, 46, 78
attorney misconduct ............................................... 24
fee waivers ............................................................. 45
Board's mailing address ................................... App. A
filed, when deemed................................................ 31
change of address ................. see address obligations
filing receipts .......................................................... 35
couriers ................................................... see couriers
fine appeal ............................................................ 119
delivery delays ........................................................ 33
form ........................................................................ 77
DHL.......................................................... see couriers
format .................................................................... 77
eFiling ......................................................... see eFiling
grounds for motion ................................................ 77
e-mail ...................................................................... 15
how to file .............................................................. 76
envelopes .............................................. 14, 31, 32, 35
joint motion ...................................................... 45, 82
express mail ..................................................... App. A
jurisdiction .............................................................. 76
faxes ............................................................. see faxes
language ........................................................... 37, 78
Federal Express ....................................... see couriers
new circumstances ................................................. 81
first class mail............................................. 33, App. A
new eligibility for relief........................................... 84
hand delivery ....................................... 31, 36, App. A
new evidence ......................................................... 81
mailbox rule ..................................... see mailbox rule
new facts .......................................................... 81, 83
overnight delivery .......................... 31, 32, 33, App. A
new law .................................................................. 83
postage ................................................................... 31
newly available evidence........................................ 81
17
priority mail ...................................................... App.A
, 20
non-opposition ....................................................... 87
er 5
ob
return receipt requested ................................. App. A
Notice of on Oct improper ............................... 42, 77
Appeal
d
eof Appearance ............................................. 75
separate envelopes ................................................. 32
Notice
chiv
o ar
39a number limits ......................................................... 79
special delivery ................................................ App. A
03
14-7
United Parcel Services............................. see couriers.
number of copies ................................................... 40
, No
s
sion
unrelated cases ....................................................... 32
number of pages .................................................... 40
Ses
.
ez v
mailbox rule ................................................................ 31, 57
opposition to motion.............................................. 80
artin
in M
mailings
oral argument ................................................... 79, 99
cited
primary attorney ..................................................... 21
order of documents ............................ see documents
Matter of
parties .................................................................... 75
[case name]....................................................... App. J
proof of service ................................................ 36, 78
use of ...................................................................... 61
reinstatement ....................................................... 130
motion
reply briefs ....................................... see briefs above
appeal affirmed wiithout opinion ........................... 77
representatives ...................................................... 75
appeal form, do not use ........................................ 133
response briefs ................................. see briefs above
appeal outside Board's jurisdiction ................... 76, 77
return to practice ................................................. 129
appeal pending, filed when................................... 114
stays ....................................................................... 89
applications for relief, underlying ............... 46, 78, 79
subsequent to remand ........................................... 76
automatic stays ....................................................... 89
summary affirmance ........... see summary affirmance
briefs ................................................................. 64, 80
time limits............................................................... 79
caption .................................................................... 77
transcripts .............................................................. 80
cases already decided by the Board........................ 76
untimely ................................................................. 34
cases never before the Board ................................. 76
visa petition appeal .............................................. 114
cases pending at the Board ..................................... 76
visa revalidation appeal ........................................ 115
changed circumstances .......... see new circum. below
visa revocation appeal .......................................... 115
compound motions ................................................. 80
where to file ..................................................... App. K
construed by content, not title ............................... 77
motion to accept late-filed brief ...................................... 67
copy of Immigration Judge order ............................ 78
motion to accept supplemental brief
cover page .............................................................. 41
briefs ...................................................................... 63

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Practice Manual

Indices

motion to reopen (cont.)
motion to accept untimely filing ................................. 34, 67
appeal pending, while filed .................................... 82
motion to amend .............................................................. 86
automatic stays ................................................ 83, 89
motion to consolidate....................................................... 86
compound motions ................................................ 80
motion to expedite ........................................................... 92
criminal convictions ................................................ 83
motion to hold in abeyance .............................................. 86
deadline .................................... see time limits below
motion to join ................................................................... 86
DHS motions ........................................................... 82
motion to recalendar ............................................ 19, 83, 86
evidence ................................................................. 82
motion to reconsider
fee .............................................................. 44, 45, 78
appeal form, do not use ........................................ 133
filing receipts .............................................. 13, 35, 79
appeal pending, while filed ..................................... 84
form ........................................................................ 77
appeal, decision to .................................................. 49
how to file ................................................ see motion
automatic stays ....................................................... 84
in absentia ...................... see in absentia proceedings
compound motions ................................................. 80
joint motions .................................................... 45, 82
denial of late-filed brief motion .............................. 67
jurisdiction ........................................................ 76, 82
DHS motions ........................................................... 84
motion to recalendar, difference from............. 83, 86
fee ............................................................... 44, 45, 78
motion to remand, when treated as ...................... 83
filing receipts .............................................. 13, 35, 79
new facts ................................................................ 81
form ........................................................................ 77
Notice of Appearance ............................................. 75
how to file ................................................. see motion
number limits ................................................... 81, 82
identification of error.............................................. 84
pre-9/30/96 ............................................................ 82
jurisdiction ........................................................ 76, 84
purpose .................................................................. 81
motion to remand, when treated as ....................... 84
17
, 20
stays ................................................................. 83, 89
new law ............................................................. 83, 84
er 5
tob
time limits......................................................... 81, 82
Notice of Appearance ............................................. 75
n Oc
ed o .............................................................. 51
transcripts
number limits .................................................... 83, 84
chiv
o ar
39a unrepresented aliens.............................................. 19
pr-7/1/96 decision .................................................. 83
03
14-7
visa petition .......................................................... 114
pre-7/1/96 decision ................................................ 83.
, No
s
sion
motion to sever appeals ..................................... see appeals
purpose ................................................................... 83
Ses
v.
tinez
motion to stay ...................................................... 45, 90, 91
summary affirmance order ......................... 72, 77, 83
Mar
in
ited
motion to withdraw appeal .............................................. 69
time limits ......................................................... 83, 84
c
motion to withdraw as counsel .......................... 23, 24, 104
transcripts ............................................................... 51
motions ............................................ see motion; motion to
visa petition .......................................................... 114
filing receipts .......................................................... 79
motion to remand
Notice of Appeal improper ..................................... 56
appeal form, do not use ........................................ 133
multiple representation ......................... see representation
changed circumstances ........ see new evidence below
DHS remand to ........................................................ 85
evidence .................................................................. 84
N
fine appeal ............................................................ 118
new authority .................................................... see new law
form ........................................................................ 77
new evidence ................................................... see evidence
how to file ................................................. see motion
new facts .............................see motions; motion to reopen
motion to reconsider, treated as ............................ 84
new law
motion to reopen, treated as.................................. 83
after appeal has been decided ............................... 83
motion to withdraw appeal, difference from ......... 69
oral argument ....................................................... 106
new eligibility for relief ........................................... 84
while appeal is pending .................................... 63, 68
new evidence ...................................... 67, 84, 85, 113
new law office ................................................. see attorneys
purpose ................................................................... 84
news media ........................................................... see press
requirements .......................................................... 84
no reasonable fear determinations by IJ
time and number limits........................................... 85
stays ....................................................................... 89
motion to reopen
nonprofit organizations ........................................ 20, 25, 27
administratively closed cases .................................. 83
notarios ....................................... see immigration specialist
appeal form, do not use ........................................ 133

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27) (cont.)
notary public ............................... see immigration specialist
new counsel ........................................................... 23
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26)
oral argument ....................................................... 103
additional copies ..................................................... 54
pro se aliens ........................................................... 17
additional sheets ..................................................... 55
reputable individual ............................................... 29
address obligations ................................................. 19
required of all representatives ............................... 17
appeal package, part of .......................................... 39
service upon other party .................................. 18, 20
bond appeal ............................................................ 95
state bar number .................................................... 21
brief accompanying................................................. 55
unrepresented persons .......................................... 17
brief in support of ................................................... 55
visa petition appeals ............................................. 112
Certificate of Service ......................................... 36, 56
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-28) ............................. 20
completion of.......................................................... 55
Notice of Entry ............................ see Notice of Appearance
consolidated appeals .............................................. 54
number of copies ............................................................. 40
deadline .................................................................. 57
famalies................................................................... 54
families.................................................................... 53
O
filing receipts .................................................... 50, 56
OCAHO ................................................. see Executive Office
form not used for .................................................... 56
OCIJ ...................................................... see Executive Office
grounds for appeal ............................................ 55, 72
Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) ............... 3, 10, App. C
how to file ................................................ see appeals
Office of Information and Privacy .................................. 139
important data ........................................................ 55
Office of Professional Responsibility ............... see discipline
instructions ............................................................. 55
Office of the Chief Immg. Judge (OCIJ) . see Executive Office
language.................................................................. 37
17
Office of the Clerk ..................................... see Clerk's Office
, 20
motion, form not used ................................77, App. E
er 5
b
Office of the Generalcto
oral argument ......................................................... 99
n O Counsel (OGC) .... see Executive Office
ed o
OGC ...................................................... see Executive Office
original .............................................................. 42, 54
chiv
o ar
39a ................................ see Office of Immigration Litigation
OIL
required for appeal ................................................. 54
03
14-7 oral argument
signature ................................................................. 42.
, No
ons
amicus curiae................................................ 105, 108
essi
summary dismissal ................. see summary dismissal
v. S
z
argument and rebuttal ......................................... 108
Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-29) artine
in M
cellular telephones ............................................... 104
ited
color ...................................................................... 134
c
closed argument ........................................... 101, 102
fine appeals ........................................................... 117
delays ................................................................... 105
visa petition appeals ............................................. 112
electronic devices ................................................. 104
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27)
laptop computers ................................................. 104
accredited foreign government officials ................. 29
location................................................................. 101
accredited representatives ..................................... 25
motions ............................................................ 79, 99
amicus curiae .......................................................... 30
new law ................................................................ 106
attorneys ................................................................. 20
news media .......................................................... 103
change in law firm, used for.................................... 22
open argument ............................................. 101, 102
change of address, not used for alien ..................... 23
Oral Argument Coordinator ....................... 99, App. B
change of address, used for attorneys .................... 23
public access ................................................... 10, 101
color ...................................................................... 134
recording .............................................................. 103
difference from EOIR-28 ................................... 17, 20
recording devices, use of ...................................... 104
discipline information ............................................. 21
representation...................................................... 103
eFiling .............................. 18, 20, 25, 33, 56, 112, 118
representatives .................................................... 105
fine appeals ........................................................... 118
responding parties.................................................. 99
law graduates.......................................................... 27
seating .................................................................. 103
law students ............................................................ 27
selection of cases ........................................... 99, 100
motion to reconsider .............................................. 75
supplemental briefs ...................................... 106, 109
motion to reopen .................................................... 75
tablets................................................................... 104
motions generally ................................................... 75
order of documents...................................... see documents
multiple clients ....................................................... 23

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Indices

receipts..................................................... see filing receipts
reconsideration ............................ see motion to reconsider
record of proceedings
briefs, additions to ................................................. 65
citation to ......................................................... 60, 62
confidentiality ........................................................ 11
contents ............................................11, 52, 113, 119
copies ............................................................. 11, 137
defects in recorded record ..................................... 51
federal courts ........................................................... 9
FOIA ......................... see Freedom of Information Act
inspection by non-parties ....................................... 11
inspection by the parties ........................................ 11
P
management ............................................................ 5
page limits.................................................... see documents
oral argument ............................................... 102, 107
pagination ............................................................. see briefs
recording .......................................................... 51, 80
paper size ..................................................... see documents
removal of .............................................................. 11
paralegals .................................................................... 28, 38
stipulations ........................................ see stipulations
parent ............................. see visa petitions; representation
references
parties
cases ....................................................... see citations
generally .................................................. see appeals
Department of Homeland Security ........................ 59
omitted .................................... see motion to amend
Immigration Judges ................................................ 59
17
petitions .........................................see visa petition appeals
, 20
parties .................................................................... 59
er 5
ob
photocopies ...................................... see documents; forms
record of on Oct
proceedings ............................ see citations
ed ............................................................ 60
photographs ............................................................... 42, 43
thirdvparties
chi
o ar
39a
post-conviction relief ......................see criminal convictions
-703 regulations ....................................................... see citations
. 14
Practice Manual
rejected
, No
s
sion
authority ................................................................... 1
filing ........................................... 34, 36, 46, 50, 65, 76
Ses
.
ez v
citation to.......................................................... App. J
meaning of ............................................................. 34
artin
in M
copies .................................................................... 141
ited
no fee ..................................................................... 46
c
Internet ................................................................. 141
wrong fee ............................................................... 46
photocopying ........................................................ 141
relatives ............................................................. see families
public input ........................................................... 141
release of counsel ...........................................see attorneys
purpose ..................................................................... 1
relief
reproduction ......................................................... 141
application .............................................................. 78
revisions .................................................................... 1
application fee, amount ......................................... 46
updates ................................................................. 141
application fee, different from filing fee ................ 46
precedent decisions ......................................... see decisions
application fee, when paid ............................... 46, 79
press ..................................................... 3, 99, 101, 103, 104
forms ........................................................ 134, App. E
pro bono ......................................................... see attorneys
Immigration Courts .............................................. 2, 9
Pro Bono Program........................................... see attorneys
imminent eligibility for ........................................... 92
pro se ..................................................... see representation
jurisdiction .............................................................. 47
processing times ............................................................... 13
newly available eligibility for ...................... 46, 84, 85
Proof of Service................................................... see service
prima facie eligibility .............................................. 78
signatures ............................................................... 38
remand
published decisions.......................................... see decisions
motion ..................................... see motion to remand
reopening ........................................... see motion to reopen
reply briefs ............................................................ see briefs
R
representation
reasonable fear determinations ......................................... 7
accredited foreign government officals ................. 29
receipt rule ....................................................................... 31
appearance ........................ see Notice of Appearance

orders..........................................see decisions; draft orders
original
application for relief ............................................... 78
documents .............................................................. 42
forms ............................................................... 42, 135
motion .................................................................... 42
Notice of Appeal ............................................... 42, 54
signatures ......................................................... 37, 42
supporting documents ............................................ 42
orphan petitions ......................................................... 7, 111
overnight mail .......................................................... see mail

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

representation (cont.)
S
attorney discipline ................................ see discipline
sanctions ......................................................... see discipline
Attorney Registry (eRegistry) .................................. 25
see representation ......................................................... 142
child ........................................................................ 28
self-petitioners .............................. see visa petition appeals
communications ..................................................... 18
separate envelopes ................................................. see mail
discipline ............................................... see discipline
serverance of appeals ........................................ see appeals
entering an appearance .......................................... 17
service
EOIR ID numbers ..................................................... 20
Certificate of Service .............................................. 56
family member .................................................. 28, 39
eFiling ............................................................... 18, 37
fellow imates .......................................................... 29
joint motions .......................................................... 36
filing "on behalf of" ................................................. 22
method of delivery ................................................. 36
filings, representatives should submit .................... 18
motions ...................................................... 37, 78, 91
fine appeals ........................................................... 118
Notice of Appeal ............................................... 36, 56
former employees of the Department of Justice ....29
Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27) ................... 37
free legal services ................................. see attorneys
proof of service ...... 34, 35, 36, 37, 50, 56, 78, App. G
guardian .................................................................. 28
representation notice of......................................... 18
ID numbers ..................... see EOIR ID numbers above
representative, service of papers ..................... 23, 37
imm. specialists ................. see immigration specialist
required for all filings ............................................. 35
law firms ............................................... see attorneys
stays ....................................................................... 91
law graduates.......................................................... 27
timing ..................................................................... 36
law students ............................................................ 27
signatures
limited appearances................................................ 21
17
accredited representatives0
, 2 ............................... 26, 38
multiple representation ...................... 21, 22, 38, 103
er 5
tob
appeals ................................................................... 37
notarios ............................. see immigration specialist
n Oc
ed o
attorneys ................................................................ 21
notary public ..................... see immigration specialist
chiv
o ar
39a briefs ................................................................ 37, 58
notice to opposing party ......................................... 18
03
14-7
Certificate of Service .............................................. 36
on behalf of .................... see filing on behalf of above.
, No
s
sion
eSignatures ............................................................. 38
oral argument ....................................................... 103
Ses
v.
tinez
faxes ....................................................................... 38
parent ..................................................................... 28
Mar
in
forms .............................................................. 42, 135
primary attorneycited
......................................... 22, 23, 26
law firms ........................................................... 22, 38
pro bono ............................................... see attorneys
motions .................................................................. 37
Pro Bono Program................................. see attorneys
Notice of Appeal ..................................................... 42
pro se ...................................................................... 18
original.............................................................. 37, 42
register to practice .................................................. 17
paralegals ............................................................... 38
representative of record ......................... 75, 103, 104
proof of service ................. 38, see Certificates above
reputable individual .......................................... 28, 29
signature stamps .................................................... 38
signatures ............................................ see signatures
simulated ................................................................ 38
state bar numbers ................................. see attorneys
typed ...................................................................... 38
types of representatives ......................................... 17
single Board Member ........................................... see Board
visa consultants................. see immigration specialist
slip opinons ..................................................... see decisions
visa petition denials .............................................. 112
Spanish ............................................................ see language
reputable individual
state bar numbers ...........................................see attorneys
representation ........................................................ 28
State Department .......................... see Department of State
reputable individuals ......................... 28, see represenation
status inquiries ................................................. see inquiries
response briefs ..................................................... see briefs
statutes ............................................................ see citations
review, Board
stays
de novo ..................................................................... 7
adjudication ............................................................ 90
scope of review ......................................................... 7
appeal (direct appeal) ............................................ 89
right to counsel ................................................................. 20
appeal (in absentia order) ...................................... 89
appeal (removal decisions) ..................................... 89

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Indices

Torture Convention ................................ see United Nations
stays (cont.)
transcripts
automatic stays ....................................................... 89
bond appeals .................................................... 51, 96
bond appeals........................................................... 95
briefing deadlines, effect on................................... 51
discretion ................................................................ 90
briefing schedule, sent with ................................... 50
duration .................................................................. 90
citation to ............................................................... 62
emergency stays ............................ 91, App. B, App. B
correction requests ................................................ 51
federal court remands ............................................ 89
defect in ................................................................. 51
fee ..................................................................... 45, 91
Immigration Judge decisions .................................. 51
how to request........................................................ 90
interlocutory appeals ............................................. 51
motion required ...................................................... 90
motion to reconsider .............................................. 51
motion to reconsider .............................................. 84
motion to reopen ................................................... 51
motion to reopen .................................................... 83
motions generally ................................................... 80
non-emergency ....................................................... 92
oral argument ....................................................... 109
notice ...................................................................... 90
oral decisions .......................................................... 52
pending motions ..................................................... 90
requests for transcription................................. 51, 80
procedures for requesting ...................................... 91
stipulations ........................................ see stipulations
written order........................................................... 90
when prepared ....................................................... 51
stipulations ....................................................... 52, 113, 118
translation ....................................................... see language
sua sponte .................... see certification; motion to reopen
translators ....................................................... see language
substitution of counsel ................................... see attorneys
summary affirmance ............................................. 71, 77, 83
summary dismissal
U
17
, 20
appeal ............................. see failure to specify below
er 5
ob
unauthorized practice tof law ................................... 28, 122
attorney sanctions .................................................. 73
n Oc
ed o
UnitedrNations
concession of fact or law ........................................ 73
chiv
oa
39a Convention Against Torture (CAT) ..... 44, 45, 81, 101,
failure to file brief ....................................... 55, 67, 72
03
14-7
App. J
failure to file brief after extension request ............. 67.
, No
ns
ssio
Convention on Refugees ...................................App. J
failure to met appeal requirements ........................ 73
Se
z v.
Protocal on Refugees.........................................App. J
failure to specify groundsMarappeal ................ 55, 72
for tine
in
UNHCR ............................................................... App. J
ted
improper purposei................................................... 73
c
United Parcel Service (UPS) ............................... see couriers
jurisdiction, appeal outside Board's ........................ 73
unpublished decisions ......................see citations; decisions
meaning of .............................................................. 72
unrelated appeals............................................... see appeals
relief granted .......................................................... 73
untimeliness .................................................... see deadlines
sanctions ............................................... see discipline
untimely appeals ................................................ see appeals
supplemental authorities .................................. see new law
untimely briefs ...................................................... see briefs
supplemental briefs ............................................ 40, 63, 106
US Code ............................................................ see citations
suspension from practice................................ see discipline
USCIS ............. see Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

T
tabs .............................................................. see documents
telephone calls .................................................. see inquiries
telephone inquiries .......... see Automated Case Information
Hotline; inquiries
Temporary Protected Status ............................................... 5
third parties ............................ 18, 54, 60, 75, 111, 114, 115
time
how to compute...................................................... 33
timely
meaning of .............................................................. 33
TIPS ................................................................... see BIA TIPS

www.justice.gov/eoir

V
Virtual Law Library ............................................... see library
Visa Bulletin ................................... see Department of State
visa consultants ......................... see immigration specialists
visa petition appeals
adjudication .......................................................... 114
briefing ......................................................... 112, 113
deadline ....................................................112, App. D
employment based ................................................... 3
employment-based petitions ........................... 7, 111
evidence ............................................................... 113

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

visa revocation appeals (cont.)
deadline ....................................................114, App. D
fee ............................................ see how to file below
how to file ............................................................ 114
jurisdiction ............................................................ 114
motions ................................................................ 115
processing ............................................................ 115
self-petitioners ..................................................... 114
standing ................................................................ 114
voluntary departure
jurisdiction .......................................... see jurisdiction
length of ................................................................... 6

visa petition appeals (cont.)
family-based petitions .............................................. 6
federal court remands .......................................... 115
fee ......................................................................... 112
filing receipts ........................................................ 113
how to file ............................................................. 112
jurisdiction ............................................................ 111
motion to remand ................................................. 113
motions ................................................................. 114
nquiries ................................................................. 113
processing ............................................................. 113
record on appeal ................................................... 113
representation ...................................................... 112
standing ................................................................ 111
visa revalidation appeals
briefing .................................................................. 115
deadline ................................................................ 115
how to file ............................................................. 115
jurisdiction ............................................................ 115
motion .................................................................. 115
processing ............................................................. 115
standing ................................................................ 115
visa revocation appeals
briefs ..................................................................... 114

W
waived appeals ................................................... see appeals
waived fees ............................................................. see fees
waiver of appeal ................................................. see appeals
waivers of inadmissibility ....................................... 6, 7, 112
web site ............................................................. see Internet
widows/widowers .......................................................... 112
withdrawal of appeal ......................................... see appeals
17
withdrawal of counsel .....................................see attorneys
, 20
er 5
t b
withholding of removalo
n Oc ............................. 5, 44, 45, 81, 101

339

4-70

in
cited

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Mar

tin

.S
ez v

o. 1
ns, N

rch
ao a

ived

o

o
essi

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Indices

CITATION INDEX
A separate Word Index precedes this index.

Statutes

Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.)
212(d)(3)(A)(ii).................................................................... 7
240(b) ................................................................................. 8
240(b)(5)......................................................................... 104
240(c)(7)(C)(iv) ................................................................. 97
240B ................................................................................... 8
242B ........................................................................... 8, 104
244(e) ................................................................................. 8
273 ................................................................................. 136

204 ..................................................................................128
204(a)(1)(A)(ii) ................................................................129
204(a)(1)(A)(iii) ...............................................................129
204(a)(1)(A)(iv)................................................................129
204(a)(1)(B)(ii).................................................................129
204(a)(1)(B)(iii)................................................................129
204(l)...............................................................................129
212(d)(3)(A) ....................................................................129

Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. et seq.)

033

-7
. 14
, No
552 ..................................................................................137
ons
essi
v. S
tinez
Mar
d in
cite

9ao

ive
arch

d on

Oc

r5
tobe

, 20

17

552(b)(1)-(9) ................................................................... 138

Cases
Matter of
“Beechcraft B-95, #N21JC”, 17 I&N Dec. 147 (BIA 1979) ...................................................................................... 120
Air India “Flight No. 101”, 21 I&N Dec. 890 (BIA 1997) ......................................................................................... 120
Chirinos, 16 I&N Dec. 276 (BIA 1977) ...................................................................................................................... 96
Coelho, 20 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 1992) ........................................................................................................................ 84
Fedorenko, 19 I&N Dec. 57 (BIA 1984) .................................................................................................................... 60
Gadda, 23 I&N Dec. 645 (BIA 2003) ...................................................................................................................... 128
Guzman, 22 I&N Dec. 722 (BIA 1999)...................................................................................................................... 82
H-A-, 22 I&N Dec. 728 (BIA 1999)............................................................................................................................ 79
Joseph, 22 I&N Dec. 660 (BIA 1999) ........................................................................................................................ 96
K-, 20 I&N Dec. 418 (BIA 1991)................................................................................................................................ 71
Krivonos, 24 I&N Dec. 292, 293 (BIA 2007) ........................................................................................................... 130
Lopez, 22 I&N Dec. 16 (BIA 1998)............................................................................................................................ 76
Mladineo, 14 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 1974).................................................................................................................... 76
Patino, 23 I&N Dec. 74 (BIA 2001) .......................................................................................................................... 53
Ramirez-Sanchez, 17 I&N Dec. 503 (BIA 1980)........................................................................................................ 68

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

Matter of
Rosales, 19 I&N Dec. 655 (BIA 1988) ....................................................................................................................... 24
Rosenberg, 24 I&N Dec. 744, 745 (BIA 2009) ........................................................................................................ 126
Sano, 19 I&N Dec. 299 (BIA 1985) ......................................................................................................... 111, 114, 115
Shih, 20 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 1993) ............................................................................................................................ 53
Soriano, 19 I&N Dec. 764 (BIA 1988)............................................................................................................. 113, 118
Taerghodsi, 16 I&N Dec. 260 (BIA 1977) ................................................................................................................. 69
Velarde, 23 I&N Dec. 253 (BIA 2002) ...................................................................................................................... 79
Zaidan, 19 I&N Dec. 297 (BIA 1985) ...................................................................................................................... 114

Regulations
8
1001.1(f) ................................................................... 20, 129
1003.1(e)(7)...................................................................... 99
1003.1(f) ......................................................................... 121
1001.1(j).................................................................. 129, 130
1003.1(g) ............................................................................ 8
1003.0(a).............................................................................2
1003.1(h) ............................................................................ 9
1003.1(a)(2)(i)(E).................................................................4
1003.1(j) ......................................................................... 121
1003.1(a)(4) ........................................................................5
1003.2(a) .................................................................... 82, 84
1003.1(a)(5) ........................................................................4
17
, 20
1003.2(b)(1)...................................................................... 84
1003.1(a)(6) ........................................................................5
er 5
ctob
1003.2(b)(2)ed on O
.......................................................... 34, 83, 84
1003.1(b) ........................................................................ 6, 9
chiv
1003.2(b)(3)................................................................ 72, 83
1003.1(b)(1) ........................................................................5
o ar
39a
1003.1(b)(13) ..................................................................121 14-703 1003.2(c) .................................................................... 81, 82
o.
1003.2(c)(1) ................................................................ 78, 81
1003.1(b)(2) ........................................................................5
ns, N
ssio
e
1003.2(c)(2) .......................................................... 34, 81, 82
1003.1(b)(3) ........................................................................5
v. S
tinez
Mar
1003.2(c)(3) ................................................................ 81, 82
1003.1(b)(4) ........................................................................9
in
cited
1003.2(c)(3)(i)................................................................... 82
1003.1(b)(5) ........................................................ 9, 111, 114
1003.2(c)(3)(ii) .................................................................. 82
1003.1(b)(7) ......................................................................93
1003.2(c)(3)(iii) ................................................................. 82
1003.1(c) .............................................................................6
1003.2(c)(3)(iv) ................................................................. 82
1003.1(d)(1) ........................................................................1
1003.2(c)(4) ...................................................................... 83
1003.1(d)(1)(i) .....................................................................9
1003.2(f) ........................................................................... 89
1003.1(d)(2) ......................................................................55
1003.2(g)(1) ................................................................ 20, 36
1003.1(d)(2)(i) ............................................................. 72, 73
1003.2(g)(2)(i) ............................................................ 44, 45
1003.1(d)(2)(i)(A) ..............................................................72
1003.2(g)(2)(ii)........................................................ 114, 119
1003.1(d)(2)(i)(D) ..............................................................73
1003.2(g)(3) ........................................................ 80, 87, 100
1003.1(d)(2)(i)(E) ........................................................ 67, 72
1003.2(h) .......................................................................... 99
1003.1(d)(2)(i)(G) ........................................................ 34, 53
1003.3 ........................................................................ 44, 45
1003.1(d)(2)(iii) ................................................. 73, 121, 122
1003.3(a) .......................................................................... 50
1003.1(d)(3)(i). ....................................................................7
1003.3(a)(1) .......................................................... 36, 54, 56
1003.1(d)(3)(ii). ...................................................................7
1003.1(d)(3)(iii). ..................................................................7
1003.3(a)(2) ............................................................ 112, 117
1003.1(d)(3)(iv) ........................................................... 67, 68
1003.3(a)(3) ................................................................ 20, 37
1003.1(d)(4) ........................................................................1
1003.3(b) .......................................................................... 72
1003.1(d)(5) ....................................................................121
1003.3(c) .......................................................................... 36
1003.3(c)(1) ................................................................ 57, 64
1003.1(d)(7). .......................................................................8
1003.3(c)(2) ............................................................ 112, 118
1003.1(e).............................................................................3
1003.3(d) .......................................................................... 74
1003.1(e)(4) ......................................................................72
1003.3(e) .......................................................................... 70
1003.1(e)(4)(ii) ..................................................................72

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Indices

8 C.F.R. Executive Office for Immigration Review
1003.4 ......................................................................... 69, 70
1003.105(a) .................................................................... 125
1003.5(b) ........................................................................111
1003.105(c)(1) ................................................................ 126
1003.5(d)(2) ....................................................................127
1003.105(c)(2) ................................................................ 127
1003.6 ...............................................................................89
1003.105(c)(3) ................................................................ 127
1003.7 ...............................................................................73
1003.105(d) .................................................................... 127
1003.8 ................................................................... 44, 45, 56
1003.105(d)(2)................................................................ 127
1003.8(a)...........................................................................46
1003.106 ........................................................................ 127
1003.8(b) ........................................................................112
1003.106(a)(1) ........................................................ 126, 127
1003.19 .............................................................................93
1003.106(a)(1)(i) ............................................................ 127
1003.19(f) .........................................................................93
1003.106(c) ............................................................ 127, 128
1003.19(g) .........................................................................19
1003.107(a) .................................................................... 129
1003.19(h)(2)(i) .................................................................94
1003.107(a)(2) ................................................................ 129
1003.19(h)(4)(i) .................................................................94
1003.107(a)(3) ................................................................ 129
1003.19(i)(1) .....................................................................96
1003.107(b)(1)........................................................ 129, 130
1003.19(i)(2) .....................................................................96
1003.107(b)(3)................................................................ 130
1003.23(b)(1)(v) ................................................................89
1003.107(c)(1) ................................................................ 130
1003.23(b)(4)(ii) .......................................................... 82, 89
1003.107(c)(2) ................................................................ 130
1003.23(b)(4)(iii) ...............................................................82
1003.108 ........................................................................ 128
1003.23(b)(4)(iii)(C) ..........................................................89
1003.108(c) .................................................................... 128
1003.27 ...........................................................................102
1003.110 ........................................................ 121, 124, 128
17
1003.27(a).......................................................................101
1003.111 ........................................................................ 121
, 20
er 5
1003.27(b) ......................................................................102
1003.111(a)(1) ................................................................ 126
tob
n Oc
ed o
1003.28 ...........................................................................103
1003.111(a)(2) ................................................................ 126
iv
arch
1003.31(d) ......................................................................102
9ao
31003.111(a)(3) ................................................................ 126
703
1003.32(b) ........................................................................40 . 141103.3(c) ............................................................................ 8
, No
ns
1003.33 ....................................................................... 37, 78
1103.7 .......................................................... 44, 45, 46, 112
ssio
e
v. S
1003.37 .............................................................................49
1205.1 ............................................................................ 114
nez
ti
Mar
1003.38 .............................................................................93
1205.2(d) ........................................................ 111, 114, 115
d in
cite
1003.38(b) .................................................................. 34, 57
1208.6 ............................................................................ 102
1003.38(e)................................................................... 18, 23
1236 ................................................................................... 6
1003.39 .............................................................................53
1236.1 .............................................................................. 93
1003.41 ....................................................................... 44, 78
1236.1(d)(3)................................................................ 94, 95
1003.46 ...........................................................................102
1236.1(d)(3)(i) .................................................................. 93
1003.101 ............................................................. 26, 28, 125
1236.1(d)(4)...................................................................... 95
1003.101(a)............................................................. 121, 128
1240.10(b) ...................................................................... 102
1003.101(b) ......................................................................25
1240.11(c)(3)(i)............................................................... 102
1003.102 ................................................................. 121, 123
1240.32 .......................................................................... 102
1003.102(h) ....................................................................125
1240.33(c)(1) .................................................................. 102
1003.102(j)......................................................................122
1246 ................................................................................... 6
1003.102(j)(1) ...................................................................38
1280 ........................................................................... 6, 117
1003.102(k) ............................................................. 122, 124
1280.1 ............................................................................ 117
1003.102(m) ...................................................................122
1280.12 .......................................................................... 120
1003.103(a).....................................................................126
1280.13(a) ...................................................................... 117
1003.103(a)(1) ................................................................126
1280.13(b) .............................................................. 117, 120
1003.103(a)(4) ................................................................126
1291.(a)(4) ...................................................................... 121
1292.1 .................................................................. 17, 26, 54
1003.103(c) .....................................................................125
1292.1(a)(1) ...................................................................... 20
1003.104(a)(1) ................................................................124
1292.1(a)(2) ................................................................ 27, 28
1003.104(a)(2) ................................................................124
1292.1(a)(3) ...................................................................... 28
1003.104(b) ....................................................................124

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citation index-3

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Indices

Board of Immigration Appeals

8 C.F.R. Executive Office for Immigration Review
1292.1(a)(4) ......................................................................25
1292.1(a)(5) ......................................................................29
1292.1(c) ...........................................................................29
1292.1(d) ..........................................................................30
1292.1(f) ............................................................... 17, 20, 25
1292.11 ..................................................................... 25, 121
1292.12 .............................................................................25
1292.13 .............................................................................26
1292.13) ..........................................................................130

1292.19(a) ...................................................................... 124
1292.2(a) .......................................................................... 26
1292.3 ........................................................................ 6, 121
1292.4(a) ........................................................................ 112
1292.5(a) .................................................................... 23, 37
1293.3 .................................................................... 125, 126
1299 ............................................................................... 133
1299.1 ............................................................................ 134

8 C.F.R. Department of Homeland Security
103.2 ........................................................................... 3, 111
103.3 ............................................................................... 3, 7
103.3(c) ...............................................................................8
204.2 ...............................................................................111
214.2(k)(5) ......................................................................115
292.3 ....................................................................... 121, 125
292.3(a)...........................................................................121
292.3(b) ..........................................................................121

292.3(c) .......................................................................... 126
292.3(c)(4) ...................................................................... 125
292.3(d) .......................................................................... 124
299 ................................................................................. 133
299.2 .................................................................................. 1
299.3 .................................................................................. 1
299.4(a) .......................................................................... 134
17

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39

ived

on

be
Octo

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20

3
28 C.F.R. Department of Justice
4-70
o. 1

s, N
sion
Ses
16.1 .................................................................................160
v.
tinez
16.3(c) .............................................................................160
Mar
in
cited
16.9 .................................................................................161

www.justice.gov/eoir

68.53(a) .............................................................................. 9
68.55 .................................................................................. 9

citation index-4

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Practice Manual

Table of Changes

Table of Changes
This Practice Manual is updated periodically. The tables below are arranged by most recent
date of change, and contain within each table the section amended and nature of the change
made to the Practice Manual. Page numbers throughout the Practice Manual may have
changed as the result of updates.

February 3, 2017
Section
amended

Nature of Change

Introduction

Updated Board Member information

Table of Contents
(Summary List)

Renamed Chapter 11

1.2(a)
1.2(g)-(k)
1.3(g)-(i)
1.4(h)
1.6(e)(iii)
2.3(i)
2.3(k)

Technical correction – chanted text “apply” to “applying”
Updated information related to Board’s appellate authority
Renamed and renumbered subsection
Included information related to EOIR offices (Office of General Counsel, Office of
Communications and Legislative Affairs, and Office of Legal Access Programs)
Renumbered subsection
7
Moved information related to EOIR offices (Office of General 201
, Counsel, Office of
er 5
Communications and Legislative Affairs, and Office oftob Access Programs)
Oc Legal
d on
hive
c
Updated reference
o ar
39a
703
4Updated information No. 1 to R & A Program
related
ons,
essi
v. S
Technical correction – deleted second “a new”
nez
arti
in M
ited
c
Updated reference

2.4

Updated information related to R&A Program

2.4(j)

Added citation

2.4(k)

Updated information related to R&A Program

4.1

Updated reference

5.9(d)

Technical correction – added “or” between “deportation removal” and corrected
typo in reference to Chapter 6

5.9(j)

Updated reference

6

Technical correction - typo “Expedite”

11

Updated title of Chapter

11.1-11.8
11.10
11.12

www.justice.gov/eoir

Updated information related to discipline of practitioners and recognized
organizations
Updated information related to discipline of practitioners and recognized
organizations
Updated information related to discipline of practitioners and recognized
organizations
Table of Changes-1

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Table of Changes

Board of Immigration Appeals

February 3, 2017
Appendix B

Updated information related to R&A Program

Appendix E

Updated information related to OLAP
Updated title of Form EOIR-44

April 26, 2016
Section
amended

Nature of Change

Introduction

Updated Board Member information

1.3(a)

Updated information related to the number of Board Members

1.3(g)
2.3(f)
3.1(a)(vi)
3.3(c)
3.3(c)(x)
3.3(d)(iv)

Technical correction – changed office name to Office of Communications and
Legislative Affairs
Updated information regarding Board’s need to switch service of mailings from
primary attorney to a secondary attorney
Updated information related to electronic filing of documents
17
, 20
er 5 media
Updated information related to Board not acceptingcelectronic
tob
nO
ed o
Updated information related to Boardanot iaccepting photographs submitted on
ch v
o r
39a
electronic media
-703
Updated information No. 14 to Board not accepting odd-sized materials submitted
, related
ns
on electronic ssio
emedia
v. S
Updated information related to Board not accepting supporting documents on
tinez
Mar
d in electronic media
cite

3.3(e)

Technical correction - added text “and publicly” and “free of charge”

4.3(d)

Updated information related to third party submissions received by the Board

8.1
8.5(a)(i)

Technical correction – changed office name to Office of Communications and
Legislative Affairs
Renamed subsection
Updated information related to when oral argument is open to the public

8.5(a)(ii)

Deleted

8.5(a)(iii)-(v)

Renumbered

8.5(c)
Appendix B

www.justice.gov/eoir

Technical correction – changed office name to Office of Communications and
Legislative Affairs
Technical correction – changed office name to Office of Communications and
Legislative Affairs

Table of Changes-2

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Practice Manual

Table of Changes

November 2, 2015
Section
amended

Nature of Change

2.10

Updated information regarding amicus curiae

4.2(e)

Technical correction – deleted text “Parties may”

4.6(i)

Updated information regarding amicus curiae

4.19(c)

Renamed subsection
Added subsection on information related to representation

4.19(d)

Renamed subsection

9.6(c)

Added subsection on information related to representation

July 27, 2015
Section
amended

Nature of Change

1.4(b)
1.5(b)(i)
2.3(i)
3.1(a)(iii)
4.7(a)(iii)

cited

17
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er 5 reasonable fear
Updated information regarding Board’s jurisdiction related to
tob
n Oc
determinations
ed o
chiv
o ar
Updated zip code
39a
-703
. 14
, No
ons
Updated information regarding filing EOIR-27
essi
v. S
ez
artin
Updated zip code
in M

Added federal court remand subsection

4.19(c)

Updated information related to briefing

6.2(a)

Updated information regarding automatic stays

8.1

Updated zip code

11.5(c)(i)

Updated zip code

13.2(b)(i)

Updated zip code

Appendix A

Updated zip code

Appendix E

Technical correction – typo related to Form I-191

www.justice.gov/eoir

Table of Changes-3

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Table of Changes

Board of Immigration Appeals

May 11, 2015
Section
amended

Nature of Change

1.4(a)

Updated information regarding Board’s jurisdiction over section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii)
waivers

1.4(h)

Updated information regarding federal court remands

1.6(b)
1.6(e)(ii)
1.6(e)(iii)
1.6(e)(iv)
2.1(b)(ii)
2.1(b)(iii)
2.2(c)(iv)
2.3(c)
2.4(b)
2.4(c)

Updated information regarding EOIR’s Automated Case Information Hotline
(previously referenced as “ASQ”)
Renamed subsection
Updated to include information regarding EOIR’s Internet Immigration Information
3
(I )
Added subsections regarding eRegistry, eFiling, and eInfo
Renamed subsection
Updated information
Renamed subsection
Technical correction – changed text to read “Access and instructions . . .”
7
201
Technical correction – changed subsection text to read ber 5,
“eFiling”
to
n Oc
ed o
Added federal court remand subsection chiv
o ar
39a
703
14Technical correction, – changed text to read “Access and instructions . . .”
No.
ons
essi
v S
Technical .correction – changed text to read “Access and instructions . . .”
nez
arti
in M
ited
c
Technical correction – changed text to read “…his or her eRegistry information…”

2.4(g)

Technical correction – changed text to read “contact the R&A Program Coordinator”

2.4(k)

Added reference to Appendix B (Directory)

2.10

Updated information regarding amicus curiae

3.1(d)(i)

Technical correction – changed text to read “Automated Case Information Hotline”

3.3(f)

Renamed subsection and added subsections
Updated information regarding federal court remands

4.2(f)(ii)

Updated information regarding digitally or cassette recorded hearings

4.6(d)(xi)

Added certified record subsection

4.6(i)

Updated information regarding amicus curiae

4.7(a)

Added reference to 4.19 (Federal Court Remands)

4.7(b)

Technical correction – changed text to read “Automated Case Information Hotline”

4.8(b) and (c)

Added citation

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Table of Changes-4

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Practice Manual

Table of Changes

May 11, 2015
4.19

Added federal court remands section

5.5

Updated information regarding digitally or cassette recorded hearings

6.2(c)

Added federal court remands subsection

8.7(d)(v)

Updated information regarding amicus curiae

9.6

Added federal court remands subsection

13.2(b)

Updated address information

App. B-1

Technical change – changed text to read “Automated Case Information Hotline”
Updated R&A Program Coordinator contact information

App. I-1

Technical change – changed text to read “Automated Case Information Hotline”

App. J

Updated information and citations throughout appendix

August 8, 2014
Section
amended
2.10
4.6(d)(vii)
4.6(i)

Nature of Change

ive
arch

d on

Oc

r5
tobe

, 20

17

9ao
033
Updated information regarding amicus curiae briefs
14-7
o.
ns, N
ssio
Updatedvinformation as to how to cite an audio recording if a transcript has not been
. Se
ez
prepared
artin
in M
cited
Updated information regarding amicus curiae briefs

4.12(c)

Technical change – changed text to read “. . . in adjudication of the appeal, that
withdrawal does not dictate that disposition of the appeal.”

4.15

Technical change – format corrected

4.16(d)

Technical change – format corrected

4.16(e)

Updated sanctions information as the result of summary dismissal of an appeal

5.2(g)
App. J II

Technical change – changed text to read “. . . in accordance with the requirements for
such relief.”
Technical change - changed text to read “. . . while interim and final rules do have the
force of law . . .”

App. J VI

Technical change – deleted “For example:”

App. J VII

Technical change – format corrected

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Table of Changes-5

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Table of Changes

Board of Immigration Appeals

October 1, 2013
Section
amended

Nature of Change

1.3(h)

Technical change – typo corrected

1.5(b)(i)

Updated Law and Immigration Research Center address

1.6(d)

Updated mailing information
Updated reference to Appendix A

2.3(f)

Technical change – typo corrected

2.3(f)(i)

Updated eRegistry information

2.4(c)

Updated eRegistry information
Updated to reflect changes made to the Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27)

2.4(d)

Technical change – typo corrected

2.4(k)

Updated reference to Appendix A

3.1(a)(i)

Updated reference to Appendix A
Oc
Renamed subsection
d on
hive
Updated Board address and mailing o arc
information
3 a
Updated reference to Appendix A9
703
14Removed section ns, two different mailing addresses
on No.
o
e si
Re-numberedssubsequent sections
v. S
nez
ti
Mar
d in Updated reference to Appendix A

3.1(a)(iii)
3.1(a)(iv)
3.1(b)

r5
tobe

, 20

17

cite
3.3(c)(i)(B) and (C)

Technical change – format corrected

4.7(b)

Technical change – typo corrected

4.10(a)

Technical change – typo corrected

5.9(k)

Technical change – typo corrected

8.1

Updated Board address and mailing information

11.3(c)

Technical change – typo corrected

11.5(c)(i)

Updated Office of the General Counsel address

13.2(b)(i)

Updated Office of the General Counsel address

14.3(a)

Updated reference to Appendix A

App. A

Updated Board address and mailing information

App. B

Technical change – typo corrected
Updated title of Recognition & Accreditation Program Corrdinator

www.justice.gov/eoir

Table of Changes-6

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Practice Manual

Table of Changes

June 10, 2013
Section
amended

Nature of Change

Board Member
Cover page

Updated Board Member Listing

1.2(a)

Updated information regarding the Board’s authority over disciplining and
sanctioning of representatives

1.2(c)

Updated to include reference to the Immigration Court Practice Manual

1.3(e)

Updated Clerk’s Office Information

1.3(g)

Updated Office of Legislative and Public Affairs

1.3(h)

Updated Office of the General Counsel information

1.3(i)

Added new Office of Legal Access Programs subsection

1.4(b)

Updated information regarding matters the Board has no jurisdiction

1.6(b)(i)(A)

Updated ASQ information

Added new E-filing subsection
17
, 20
Re-numbered subsequent subsection
er 5
tob
Added new subsections regarding registration requirement to practice before the
n Oc
2.1(b), (b)(i) - (iii)
ed o
Board and electronic filing by registeredchiv
o ar practitioners
39a
Added new subsection regarding registration requirement for attorneys
703
142.3(c) – (l)
No.
Re-numbered subsections
ons,
essi
Added new subsections regarding registration requirement for accredited
v. S
nez
2.4
representatives
arti
in M
ited
Re-numbered subsections
c
1.6(e)(iii)

2.5(b)(i) and (c)(1)

Updated to reflect changes made to the Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27)

2.9(a) and (c)

Updated to reflect changes made to the Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-27)

2.10

Updated Amicus Curiae information

3.1(a)(vii)

Updated E-filing subsection

3.2(f)

Updated to include electronic filing information

3.3(b)(i), (b)(ii)

Updated and added new subsection to include electronic filing information
Re-numbered subsequent sections

4.2(f)(ii)

Updated information regarding listening to digitally recorded hearings

4.6(c)(i)

Updated include use of EOIR ID number

4.8

Updated citation to Board precedent

4.10(c)

Updated citation to Board precedent

5.5

Updated information regarding listening to digitally recorded hearings

5.6(e)

Removed section on effect of departure

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Table of Changes-7

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Table of Changes

Board of Immigration Appeals

June 10, 2013
Re-numbered subsequent sections
5.6(e)(vi)

Add new subsection on exceptions to the limits on motions to reopen filed by
battered spouses, children, and parents
Re-numbered subsequent subsections

5.7(e)(ii)

Removed section on effect of departure

5.11

Removed section on effect of departure
Re-numbered subsequent section

6.2(a)

Updated to include certification of Immigration Judge decision

6.4(d)(i)

Updated telephone number

8.3(a)
8.7(b)

Updated Information updated to reflect current notification processes
Removed reference to the document “Questions and Answers Regarding Oral
Argument Before the Board”
Added new section addressing electronic devices
Re-numbered subsequent sections

9.3(c)(v)

Updated to include electronic filing information

10.3(b)(v)

Updated to include electronic filing information

11.4
11.5(c)(ii)
11.7
12.2(d)
App. B
App. C
App. I

17
, 20
er 5
tob
Updated to include additional conduct that may n Oc in discipline
result
ed o
chiv
o r
Updated information regarding whereato file complaints involving conduct before
39a
-703
DHS
. 14
, No
Updated information regarding procedures for filing complaints and imposing
ons
essi
v
sanctions . S
tinez
Mar
d in Updated to include electronic filing information
cite

Added telephone number for Emergency Stay Coordinator and Recognition &
Accreditation Coordinator
Updated telephone number for ASQ
Updated information regarding the Board of Immigration Appeals and the
Department of Homeland Security
Updated telephone number for ASQ

January 4, 2011
Section
amended

Nature of Change

13.2

Updated FOIA unit address

www.justice.gov/eoir

Table of Changes-8

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Practice Manual

Table of Changes

October 14, 2008
Section
amended

Nature of Change

Cover page

Updated Board Members

1.5(b)

Updated library address

1.5

Added “The Law Library does not accept any filings for any individual proceedings.
See Chapter 3 (Filing with the Board).”

2.3(c)(iii)

Deleted Section 2.3(c)(iii)

4.2(f)(iv)

Added new section 4.2(f)(iv) relating to corrected oral decisions

Indices

Technical changes

November 1, 2007
Section
amended

Nature of Change

Cover page

Updated Board Members

3.1(b)(v)
cited

Section
amended
3.4(a) and (b)
7.3(a)(iv)(B)

ive
arch

d on

Oc

r5
tobe

, 20

17

ao
339
Added new section 3.1(b)(v)-70
14 relating to filing delays caused by natural or manmade
o.
ns, N
disasters
ssio
. Se
ez v
artin
in M

April 5, 2007

Nature of Change
Changed text to read “a motion to reopen (except a motion that is based exclusively
on an application or claim for asylum)”
Updated in response to the regulation regarding Automatic Stays. See 71 Fed. Reg.
57873 (October 2, 2006) (codified at 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.6(c) and 1003.19(i)(2)).

8.1

Technical change

9.3(c)(iii)

Updated filing deadlines for visa petitions

www.justice.gov/eoir

Table of Changes-9

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Table of Changes

Board of Immigration Appeals

December 21, 2006
Section
amended

Nature of Change

1.3(a) and (c)

Updated to reflect changes to the regulation regarding Board composition. 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1003.1(a)(1) and (4)

4.16(d)

Technical correction

August 11, 2006
Section
amended

Nature of Change
Updated to reflect new Board policy regarding extension requests. See 71 Fed. Reg.
51856-7 (Aug. 31 2006)

4.7(c)

033

in
cited

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Mar

tin

.S
ez v

-7
. 14
, No
ns

9ao

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Table of Changes-10

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