USCIS Status: “Motion to Reopen Was Received”
A motion to reopen has been filed and received by USCIS, which may affect the status of your case
What does this status mean?
A motion to reopen was received by USCIS, which means that a request to reopen your case has been filed and is being processed. This can be done by filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. The motion will be reviewed, and a decision will be made to either reopen or deny the motion
What should you do next?
- 1Log into my.uscis.gov and check your case status using your receipt number
- 2Submit a service request through your my.uscis.gov account if your case is outside normal processing times
- 3Update your address with USCIS if you have moved, by filing Form AR-11 and informing USCIS within 10 days of moving
Typical timeline
The processing time for a motion to reopen varies by service center and form type, but it can take several months to a year or more for a decision to be made
Frequently asked questions
I have heard that my case is being reopened, what does this mean?
It means that a motion to reopen has been filed and received by USCIS, and your case will be reviewed again. You can check your case status on my.uscis.gov using your receipt number, and you can submit a service request if your case is outside normal processing times. For more information, you can visit the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283
How can I respond to the motion to reopen?
You can respond to the motion to reopen by filing additional evidence or a brief in support of your case. There is no specific time limit for responding to motions to reopen, but it is recommended that you respond as soon as possible. You can file your response online through your my.uscis.gov account or by mail to the address listed on your receipt notice
What are my next steps after receiving a motion to reopen?
After receiving a motion to reopen, you should log into your my.uscis.gov account and check your case status. You can also submit a service request if your case is outside normal processing times. Additionally, you should update your address with USCIS if you have moved, by filing Form AR-11 and informing USCIS within 10 days of moving. For more information, you can visit the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283
Legal guidance
Questions about your case?
When a case status is unclear or has been pending for a while, a quick consultation with an immigration attorney can clarify your options.
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Set up free alert →Last updated: 2026-06-25