BIA decision

What is this?

The Board of Immigration Appeals can decide an appeal or motion. The result describes that matter; it does not always resolve every issue in a person’s immigration history.

What does it generally mean?

A remand sends the matter back for further action. Dismissal, affirmance and sustaining an appeal are distinct outcomes. Determine whose appeal was being decided before interpreting the result.

What to look at on the document

• Decision date, appeal or motion type and filing party
• Whether it says dismissed, sustained, remanded or another disposition
• The reasoning and any instructions to the immigration court
• Mailing/service information and any further-review instructions

Which system to check

Read the complete decision and compare it with the official record. A subsequent court notice may matter after a remand. Historical BIA percentages on this site cannot interpret an individual order.

Common next questions

What happens after remand? Read the instructions in the decision and verify new court scheduling. Does a sustained appeal mean asylum was granted? Not necessarily; the issue and filing party matter.

Official sources

• Respondent Access: case records and access questions
• EOIR case information and official verification
• EOIR: find qualified legal representation

Where to get help

Find a lawyer, accredited representative or pro bono resource