If you’ve received a denial of your application for permanent residence, it may feel like your dreams have been shattered.
But don’t lose hope just yet.
You still have the right to appeal the decision and make your case for why you deserve to stay in the country you now call home.
Crafting a persuasive letter of appeal is key to getting your application reconsidered.
It’s your chance to humanize your story, clarify any misunderstandings, and provide additional evidence to support your eligibility.
A well-written appeal letter could make all the difference in getting your green card approved.
Here are 15 sample letters of appeal for permanent residence to guide you as you write your compelling appeal:
Sample Letters of Appeal for Permanent Residence
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence – Family-Based
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, based on my marriage to a U.S. citizen. I believe the decision was made in error and I respectfully request a review of my case.
My husband and I have been happily married for over three years. We met during my studies in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa and fell deeply in love. Our relationship is genuine, and we have built a life together here. The reason cited for the denial was insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage. However, I am attaching additional documentation that demonstrates the validity of our union, including:
- Joint bank account statements from the past 2 years
- Lease agreements with both our names
- Photos from our wedding and travels together
- Affidavits from friends and family attesting to our relationship
I understand the need for thorough verification, but I assure you our marriage is real. My husband is my soulmate and the U.S. has become my home. Being separated would cause us immense hardship.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my appeal. If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to a positive resolution of my case.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence – Employment-Based
To the USCIS Appeals Office,
I am submitting this appeal in response to the recent denial of my I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. The reason given was that my employer failed to demonstrate that they had the continuing ability to pay the proffered wage. However, I believe this conclusion was reached based on an incomplete assessment.
My company is in a strong financial position and has ample funds to support my role. The attached documents provide clear evidence of their fiscal health and continued growth:
- The company’s most recent tax returns show increasing revenue
- A letter from the CFO detailing cash reserves earmarked for payroll
- My employment contract guarantees my salary for the next 3 years
- 6 months of pay stubs confirming my wages are being met
Additionally, my role as a software engineer is highly specialized and I possess skills that are essential to my company’s success. My work on the firm’s core products has directly contributed to its profitability and competitive advantage.
Immigration to the U.S. has been a lifelong dream and this job is an incredible opportunity to apply my expertise. I am confident I exceed the requirements for the EB-2 visa category. Please reconsider your decision in light of this new evidence. I am happy to provide further documentation if needed.
Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence – Humanitarian Reasons
Dear Officer,
It is with great urgency that I submit this appeal of my humanitarian-based permanent residence application. I fear for my safety if I were to return to my home country of [country name].
As detailed in my original application, I fled to the U.S. after facing years of persecution and death threats due to my work as a journalist exposing government corruption. My family has also been targeted, with my brother being unlawfully detained and tortured by the authorities in an attempt to silence me.
Despite this clear danger, my application for permanent residence was denied on the grounds of insufficient evidence. I beg you to please review the enclosed documents which I believe indisputably establish my well-founded fear:
- A signed affidavit from my colleague corroborating the threats against me
- Medical records documenting the injuries my brother sustained in detention
- Screenshots of recent threatening messages I’ve received
- U.S. State Department reports on the attacks against press freedom in my country
Returning home would put my life in grave peril. The U.S. is my only haven. I implore you to reconsider your decision based on this supplemental evidence and grant me the protection I so desperately need.
My future is in your hands. Thank you for giving my case the utmost attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal After Denial of Permanent Resident Status
To Whom It May Concern,
I received notice that my application for permanent resident status in the U.S. (case number [insert number]) was denied. I am writing to appeal this decision, as I believe my case warrants further review.
The main reason cited for the denial was [state reason, e.g. “lack of sufficient financial resources”]. However, I would like to provide additional context and documentation to address this concern:
- [Explain how the reason for denial was inaccurate or has changed]
- [Attach supporting evidence such as bank statements, employment contracts, sponsor affidavits, etc.]
Additionally, I want to emphasize my strong ties to the U.S. and the hardship I would face if forced to leave:
- [Describe family, community, and economic connections in the U.S.]
- [Explain the lack of support system or safety concerns in your home country if applicable]
- [Note how long you’ve lived in the U.S. and the life you’ve built here]
I assure you I meet all eligibility requirements for permanent residence and have followed proper procedures throughout this process. Denying my application based on [reason] fails to fully account for my circumstances.
Please carefully review the attached evidence and explanation. I am willing to provide further documentation or attend an interview to clarify any issues. Gaining permanent resident status would mean the world to me and I kindly request your reconsideration of my case.
Respectfully yours,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter of Appeal for Permanent Resident Application Rejection
Dear USCIS Reviewing Officer,
I recently received the unfortunate news that my application for U.S. permanent residency (receipt number [insert number]) has been rejected. I am submitting this appeal letter to request a thorough review of the decision as I believe it was made erroneously.
My application appears to have been rejected because [state reason for rejection, e.g. “my employer’s ability to pay the offered wage was not sufficiently demonstrated”]. However, the following evidence clearly shows this conclusion is inaccurate:
- [List and attach documents that disprove the reason for rejection, e.g. company financial statements, job offer letter, pay stubs]
Furthermore, I exceed the requirements for the permanent resident category under which I applied. As shown in my original submission:
- [Highlight key eligibility criteria you meet, e.g. advanced degree, specialized skills, labor certification]
- [Attach additional supporting evidence if not included before, e.g. academic transcripts, professional certifications, reference letters]
Obtaining permanent residency in the U.S. is of the utmost importance to me. It would allow me to continue contributing my skills to the American workforce and pursuing my dreams. The rejection of my application based on [reason] does not fairly assess my qualifications and circumstances.
I am confident that upon further examination of the information I have provided, you will agree that I qualify for permanent resident status. If any additional documentation is needed, I am happy to supply it promptly.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your willingness to reevaluate my case.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Denial of Adjustment of Status
Dear USCIS Adjudicator,
I am writing to appeal the recent denial of my application to adjust my status to permanent resident (Form I-485). I believe the decision was made based on a misunderstanding of my situation and I kindly ask for a review of my case.
The denial notice stated that there were inconsistencies in my application regarding [state issue, e.g. “my marital status” or “my employment history”]. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify and provide additional proof:
- [Explain the perceived inconsistency and why it is inaccurate]
- [Include supporting documents, e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, employment records, contracts]
I have also enclosed further evidence of my eligibility to adjust my status, including:
- [List documents demonstrating you meet requirements, e.g. approved immigrant petition, proof of entry, medical exam, police clearance]
Becoming a permanent resident is crucial to my future and my family. I have made the U.S. my home and have been a productive, law-abiding member of society. Being denied the opportunity to permanently stay would result in severe personal and financial hardship.
I trust that upon reviewing the additional information and documentation I have provided, you will conclude that I am indeed eligible for adjustment of status. Please contact me should you require anything else to process my appeal.
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Denial of EB-1 Visa
To the USCIS Service Center,
I am filing this appeal in response to the denial of my I-140 petition for classification as an EB-1 alien of extraordinary ability. I strongly believe the evidence submitted in my original petition and this appeal demonstrates that I satisfy the criteria for this visa category.
The denial letter indicates that I did not meet at least three of the ten regulatory criteria. However, I am enclosing additional evidence that I believe establishes my eligibility under the following:
- [Criteria 1 met, e.g. Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards]
- [Supporting evidence]
- [Criteria 2 met, e.g. Membership in associations in the field that require outstanding achievements]
- [Supporting evidence]
- [Criteria 3 met, e.g. Published material about you in professional or major trade publications]
- [Supporting evidence]
[Add more criteria and evidence as applicable]
Furthermore, the enclosed expert letters from [names of industry experts] attest to my original scientific and scholarly contributions of major significance. My work in the field of [field of expertise] has been widely recognized as groundbreaking and influential.
My continued research and innovations will substantially benefit the United States. Denying me the opportunity to work in the U.S. permanently would be a great loss to my field and the institutions I collaborate with here.
In light of this new evidence, I urge you to reconsider your decision and approve my EB-1 petition. I am happy to provide any further information or documentation required.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Denial of National Interest Waiver
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting this appeal to urge the reconsideration of the recent denial of my I-140 petition for a national interest waiver. I believe the decision failed to fully weigh the substantial merit and national importance of my proposed endeavor.
As thoroughly documented in my petition, my work in [field of expertise] has the potential to greatly advance [specific area of national interest, e.g. public health, national security, education]. The denial did not adequately address the following key points:
- [Significant issues your work tackles and their national importance]
- [Your unique qualifications and expertise to address these issues]
- [Potential impact and practical applications of your work]
- [Urgency and pressing need for your contributions in the field]
To further bolster my case, I am attaching additional evidence of the national scope of my work and its potential to benefit the U.S.:
- [List and describe supporting documentation, e.g. research publications, expert testimonies, media coverage, grant funding]
Contrary to the denial’s conclusions, I firmly believe I have demonstrated that the national benefits of waiving the labor certification requirement considerably outweigh the national interests inherent in the labor certification process.
The U.S. stands to gain immensely by allowing me to continue my important work here on a permanent basis. I kindly request that you reevaluate your initial decision in light of the arguments and evidence presented in this appeal.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence Application Denial – Temporary Protected Status
Dear Director,
I am appealing the decision to deny my Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) based on my Temporary Protected Status (TPS). I believe the denial was made without proper consideration of my eligibility and circumstances.
I was granted TPS on [date] and have maintained continuous status since then, as evidenced by the enclosed proof of TPS approval and extensions. The denial letter states that my TPS was not a valid basis for adjustment of status. However, per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Policy Manual, individuals with valid TPS are indeed eligible to adjust status if they meet certain criteria:
- [Cite eligibility criteria from the USCIS Policy Manual and how you meet each one]
In addition to satisfying these legal requirements, I also have compelling humanitarian reasons to remain in the U.S. as a permanent resident:
- [Describe your ties to the U.S., length of residence, family situation, and hardships you would face if forced to return to your home country]
Granting me permanent residence will keep my family unified and allow me to continue supporting my community here while returning to [home country] would put me at risk due to the ongoing [state unsafe conditions that merit TPS designation].
I respectfully request that you reconsider the denial of my adjustment application and properly apply the policy allowing eligible TPS holders to become permanent residents. I am happy to provide further evidence or attend an interview if needed.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Denial of Permanent Residence – Diversity Visa Program
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my Diversity Visa application for permanent residence in the United States. I believe the decision was made in error and respectfully request a reevaluation of my case.
The reason provided for the denial was [state reason, e.g. “lack of required education or work experience”]. However, as demonstrated in my original application and supporting documents, I do meet the eligibility criteria for the Diversity Visa Program:
- [Explain how you meet the education/work experience requirements]
- [Attach proof, e.g. diplomas, transcripts, employment records, job letters]
Additionally, I have taken the following steps that show my commitment and readiness to immigrate to the U.S.:
- [List steps, e.g. payment of fees, completion of medical exams, obtainment of police certificates, securement of financial support]
The opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. through the Diversity Visa Program is life-changing. It would allow me to pursue my dreams and contribute positively to American society. Denying my application based on [reason] overlooks my qualifications and preparation for this move.
I kindly ask that you reconsider your decision in light of the information and evidence provided in this appeal. If you require any clarification or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence Denial – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Dear USCIS Adjudications Officer,
I am appealing the recent denial of my Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification. I believe the decision did not properly consider the evidence demonstrating my eligibility for SIJ status.
The denial notice states that I did not provide sufficient proof of [state reason, e.g. “parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment” or “the non-viability of reunification with one or both parents”]. However, I respectfully disagree and ask that you review the following enclosed evidence:
- [List and describe supporting documents, e.g. court orders, child welfare records, psychological evaluations, and personal statements]
The family court order included in my original petition made the requisite findings for SIJ eligibility:
- [Quote relevant parts of the court order addressing parental mistreatment, non-viability of reunification, and the best interests of the child]
*Obtaining SIJ classification and adjustment to permanent resident status
Obtaining SIJ classification and adjustment to permanent resident status is crucial to my safety, well-being, and future. As a young person who has suffered parental [abuse/neglect/abandonment], I need the protection and stability that permanent residence provides. Without it, I risk being returned to the dangerous situation from which I escaped.
I urge you to reconsider the denial of my SIJ petition in light of the strong evidence of my eligibility and compelling humanitarian factors. I am available to provide any further information or clarification you may need.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Permanent Residence Denial – Asylum Status
To the USCIS Asylum Office,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my adjustment of status application (Form I-485) based on my asylum status. I strongly believe that the decision failed to properly weigh the evidence of my continued eligibility for adjustment and the compelling circumstances of my case.
The denial notice indicates that my application was rejected due to [state reason, e.g. “changes in country conditions” or “failure to demonstrate ongoing fear of persecution”]. However, the following evidence clearly shows that I still merit asylum and adjustment of status:
- [Describe current country conditions and ongoing threats, with supporting country reports, expert statements, and personal accounts]
- [Explain how you continue to meet the definition of a refugee, concerning your original asylum claim and grant]
- [Attach any new evidence of continued persecution or well-founded fear, e.g. recent threats, harm to similarly-situated individuals]
Moreover, I have established significant ties to the U.S. that make my adjustment to permanent residence imperative:
- [Detail your length of residence, family ties, community involvement, and any exceptional hardships you would face if denied adjustment]
Asylum has been a lifeline for me, allowing me to escape [past persecution] and build a new life in safety. Denying me the ability to become a permanent resident would leave me in a precarious situation, at risk of being returned to the dangers I fled.
In light of the evidence of my ongoing eligibility and the serious consequences of a denial, I urge you to reconsider your decision and grant my adjustment application. I am happy to provide any additional information or documentation you may require.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Appeal Letter for Denial of Permanent Residence – Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Dear USCIS,
I am appealing the denial of my Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). I believe the decision misunderstood key aspects of my case and did not fully consider the evidence of my eligibility.
The denial letter states that I did not sufficiently demonstrate that I was battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by my U.S. citizen [spouse/parent]. However, as shown in my original petition and the additional evidence attached here, I suffered extensive abuse from my [spouse/parent], including:
- [Describe incidents of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse]
- [List supporting evidence, e.g. police reports, medical records, restraining orders, psychological evaluations, witness affidavits]
Additionally, the denial notice says I did not establish a qualifying relationship. But the enclosed documents prove my relationship with my abusive [spouse/parent]:
- [List evidence, e.g. marriage certificate, joint accounts, family photos, birth certificate, DNA results]
Obtaining permanent residence through VAWA is essential for my safety and independence. As a survivor of domestic violence, I need the security and resources that permanent residence provides to rebuild my life free from abuse. Denying my petition leaves me vulnerable to further harm and trauma.
I respectfully request that you reevaluate the denial of my VAWA petition, properly considering the full evidence of abuse and our qualifying relationship. I am eager to provide any further information you need to approve my petition.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter of Appeal for Self-Petition Denial Under the Cuban Adjustment Act
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my self-petition under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA). I believe the denial was based on a misapplication of the eligibility criteria and overlooked key facts of my case.
The denial notice states that I am ineligible for adjustment under the CAA because [state reason, e.g. “entry was not inspected and admitted or paroled” or “departure from Cuba was not for a permissible reason”]. However, this conclusion is inconsistent with the evidence submitted with my original petition:
- [Describe evidence of lawful entry/parole, e.g. I-94, parole stamp, other DHS records]
- [Explain permissible reasons for departure from Cuba, e.g. political persecution, reunification with family in the US, with supporting documents]
Furthermore, I satisfy all other requirements for CAA adjustment:
- [Confirm physical presence in the U.S. for at least 1 year since lawful entry/parole]
- [Verify admissibility and no statutory bars, with supporting docs like police clearances]
- [Demonstrate merit and discretionary factors, e.g. hardships in Cuba, family/community ties in the U.S., employment, good moral character]
The opportunity to become a permanent resident under the CAA is life-changing for Cuban nationals like me who have fled the repressive regime and made a new home in the U.S. Denying my petition based on [reason] ignores the clear evidence of my eligibility and the intent of this special law.
I urge you to reconsider the denial of my CAA self-petition and to approve my application for permanent residence. I am happy to provide any additional documentation or information you may need.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up Letters of Appeal for Permanent Residence
Receiving a denial of your permanent residence application is understandably distressing.
But an initial no doesn’t have to be the final answer.
You have the right to appeal the decision and make a compelling case for why you should be granted a green card.
As the sample letters above show, a persuasive appeal addresses the specific reasons for denial head-on.
It provides clear evidence to counter the initial findings and shed new light on your situation.
The letter is also an opportunity to humanize your application.
Highlighting your ties to the U.S., the hardship you would face if forced to leave, and your overall upstanding character reminds the reviewing officer that there is a real person behind the paperwork.
While writing an appeal letter may seem daunting, breaking it down into key components can help.
Be sure to include:
- A clear statement that you are appealing the decision and why you believe it was wrong
- A point-by-point rebuttal of the reasons for denial, with evidence
- Additional documentation to support your eligibility for permanent residence
- A personal statement on your equities in the U.S. and the impact a denial would have
- A respectful request for reconsideration and an offer to provide further information
With a well-crafted letter, you give yourself the best chance at getting a favorable outcome.
Remember, many denials are overturned on appeal.
Don’t give up on your American dream without a fight.
No matter where you are in your immigration journey, know that help is available.
If you need assistance writing an appeal letter or navigating the permanent residence process, reach out to an experienced immigration attorney.
With their expert guidance and advocacy, you can put forward the strongest case possible and get closer to securing your green card.