Lexington VA Federal Immigration Appeal Lawyer — Can You Appeal a Denial?
If your visa, green card, or asylum application was denied, a Lexington VA Federal Immigration Appeal Lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the decision. Federal immigration appeals are heard by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides focused immigration help for Lexington residents facing complex appeals.
What Is a Federal Immigration Appeal?
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Federal immigration appeals are formal requests for a higher authority to review and reverse an unfavorable decision made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an Immigration Judge, or a Customs and Border Protection officer. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and related federal regulations. As a former prosecutor and firm founder, Mr. Sris brings a strategic understanding of government procedures to these complex cases.
Official Government Resources
Understanding the formal appeal process is critical. You can review the Immigration and Nationality Act (official USCIS) and the procedures of the Board of Immigration Appeals (official U.S. Department of Justice).
The Appeal Process for Lexington Residents
For Lexington residents, a denied application typically starts an appeal clock. A key local procedural fact is that while applications are filed with USCIS offices like the Washington District Office in Fairfax, appeals of Immigration Judge decisions from the Arlington Immigration Court go to the Board of Immigration Appeals in Falls Church, VA.
- File a Notice of Appeal: You typically have 30 days from the decision date to file Form EOIR-26 or Form I-290B, depending on the case type.
- Submit a Detailed Brief: Your lawyer must draft a legal brief arguing why the initial decision was incorrect in law or fact.
- Await BIA Review: The BIA will review the record and the brief. They may affirm, reverse, remand, or dismiss the appeal.
- Consider Further Review: If the BIA denies appeal, you may petition for review at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Potential Outcomes and Timelines
In Lexington, a federal immigration appeal can reverse a denial, remand the case for new proceedings, or result in affirmation, with processing times ranging from several months to over a year.
| Appeal Type | Reviewing Body | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| USCIS Denial (Form I-290B) | USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) | 6-12 months | $675 |
| Immigration Judge Removal Order | Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) | 12-24 months | $110 (EOIR-26) |
| BIA Denial | U.S. Court of Appeals | 18-36+ months | $505 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Immigration Appeal
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, our team understands the high stakes of federal appeals. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems is a unique advantage in cases involving complex financial evidence. We provide direct immigration help and clear guidance through a stressful process.
Case Results and Client Focus
While we maintain 14 total documented case results across all practice areas for Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate, every case is unique. Of Counsel Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, also assists with specific family-based petition appeals (I-130/NOID).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Lexington VA Federal Immigration Appeal Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding I-81 corridor. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 60, serving neighborhoods throughout Lexington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Lexington Immigration Appeal FAQs
How much does a green card cost?
Yes, there are specific government fees. I-485 (adjustment of status) costs $1,440. A family petition (I-130) is $675. Biometrics are $85. Total government fees are around $2,200 before attorney fees. Fee waivers on Form I-912 are available for income-eligible applicants. Processing is at the USCIS Washington District Office.
How long does it take to get a green card?
It depends on the category. An immediate relative green card takes 8-14 months. Family preference categories vary, with some having 5-20+ year backlogs. Employment-based cases can take 12-36+ months. Applications for Lexington residents are processed at the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax.
What happens if I get a deportation notice?
Removal proceedings for Lexington residents are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court. You have the right to an attorney, but one is not government-provided. Options include cancellation of removal, asylum, voluntary departure, or appeal. A Lexington VA Federal Immigration Appeal Lawyer can assess your defense.
Can I appeal a visa denial?
Yes, in many cases. For denials of immigrant petitions (like I-130) or nonimmigrant visas, you can often file a Form I-290B, Motion to Reopen/Reconsider, with USCIS. The appeal must be filed within 30 days and argue a mistake of law or fact. An immigration consultation is crucial to determine the best path.
What is the difference between a motion and an appeal?
A motion to reopen or reconsider is filed with the same office that made the decision, asking them to correct their own error. An appeal is filed with a higher authority, like the BIA, asking them to review and reverse the lower decision. A visa lawyer can advise which is appropriate.
Related Legal Help in Lexington
If you need other services, our firm also provides criminal defense in Lexington, DUI defense, and family law assistance. For more immigration resources, visit our Virginia immigration lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.