What are the requirements for a motion to reopen?

Asked by: Adrienne Gutmann  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (60 votes)

(2) Content — A motion to reopen must state the new facts that will be proven at a reopened hearing if the motion is granted, and the motion must be supported by affidavits or other evidentiary material. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(3) .

What is the basis for motion to reopen?

A motion to reopen is based on documentary evidence of new facts. Alternatively, a motion to reconsider is based on a claim of incorrect application of law or policy to the prior decision. The regulations for motions to reopen and motions to reconsider are located at 8 C.F.R.

How to write a motion to reopen a case?

A motion to reopen “shall state the new facts that will be proven at a hearing to be held if the motion is granted and shall be supported by affidavits and other evidentiary material.” 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(7)(B). It must be accompanied by the application for relief and all supporting documents.

What is motion to reopen the evidence?

(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.

What happens if a motion to reopen is denied?

(a) You may appeal the decision denying a motion to reopen to the authority head by filing a notice of appeal with the authority head within 15 days after the ALJ denies the motion. The timely filing of a notice of appeal must stay the initial decision until the authority head decides the issue.

What is a Motion to Reopen?

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What are the grounds for reopening a civil case?

Grounds for Reopening a Case

New Evidence: One of the most compelling reasons for reopening a case is the emergence of new evidence that was not available or known at the time of the original trial. This evidence must be material and such that, had it been presented initially, it could have led to a different verdict.

What is the success rate of motions to reconsider?

This is roughly a 5 percent success rate for all motions. Of the requests related to the initial institution decision, only 3.5 percent (six of 169) have been successful.

How much is a motion to reopen?

(1) Motions to reopen or reconsider - When a filing fee is required, the fee for motions to reopen or reconsider is $145. The fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security in advance. The fee receipt and motion are then filed with the immigration court.

Can a case be reopened without new evidence?

You cannot reopen a personal injury case without strong legal arguments and new evidence. The challenges involved in these legal aspects are that the court may scrutinize the grounds of your request as will the other party and their insurance company since they will have to pay more for your injuries and other losses.

How many times can you file a motion to reopen?

Responses to motions to reopen are due within ten (10) days after the motion was received by the immigration court, unless otherwise specified by the immigration judge. (d) Number Limits — A party is permitted only one motion to reopen. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(1) .

How do you win a motion to reopen?

A motion to reopen is a request to the office that issued the unfavorable decision to review its decision based on new facts. The motion must state new facts and be supported by affidavits or other documentary evidence demonstrating your eligibility at the time you filed the underlying application or petition.

How to write a letter to a judge to reopen a case?

Format
  1. full mailing address of the sender.
  2. date on which letter is written.
  3. address of person to whom letter is addressed.
  4. subject line.
  5. salutation.
  6. body (the main message)
  7. complimentary closing.
  8. signature line (be sure to sign your letter)

How do I make a motion to reconsider?

After a Decision is Issued
  1. Step 1: File the Notice of Appeal.
  2. Step 2: Pay the filing fee.
  3. Step 3: Determine if/when additional information must be provided to the appeals court as part of opening your case.
  4. Step 4: Order the trial transcripts.
  5. Step 5: Confirm that the record has been transferred to the appellate court.

What are the two circumstances that would allow you to reopen or rescind an in absentia removal order?

There are two main situations where individuals who were ordered removed or deported in absentia can reopen their cases: (1) they did not receive notice of the hearing, and (2) they did not appear at their hearing because of exceptional circumstances.

What is a Rule 37 motion?

Failure to Make Disclosure or Cooperate in Discovery: Sanctions. (a) Motion For Order Compelling Disclosure or Discovery . A party, upon reasonable notice to other parties and all persons affected thereby, may apply for an order compelling disclosure or discovery as follows: (1) Appropriate Court.

What is a Rule 30 motion?

(a) When Depositions May be Taken; When Leave Required. (1) A party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination without leave of court except as provided in paragraph (2).

How long after a case is closed can it be reopened?

Once your case is closed, it cannot be reopened, so it is always a good idea to invest in a good lawyer who can identify and quantify all of the damages to which you have a legal claim.

When evidence Cannot be used in court?

Under certain circumstances, relevant evidence will be inadmissible if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice , confusing the issues, misleading the jury, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative.

What is it called when a case Cannot be reopened?

In the state of California, judicial proceedings may result in the dismissal of a case, a decision that can take two forms: with prejudice or without prejudice. When a case is dismissed with prejudice, it is finalized and cannot be reopened, leaving no room for further legal action on the same matter.

Can you file a motion in court without a lawyer?

In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.

How does a case get reopened?

Your attorney may need to file a motion with the court to reopen your case. If the court grants your motion, there will typically be a hearing to review the new evidence and arguments. The judge will decide whether your case should be reopened or if the plea deal should stand.

What is the processing time for motion to reopen?

The estimated time to reopen a motion before USCIS may vary depending on the following factors: A motion generally takes 90 days to process. The appeal process can take up to 180 days.

What happens after a motion to reopen is approved?

If a motion to reopen a case is granted, it means an unfavorable decision will be reconsidered based on new facts. The petition must state this updated information to demonstrate eligibility for reevaluation of eligibility. These new facts must be relevant to the motion to reopen.

What are the three grounds for the Motion for Reconsideration?

Generally a Motion for Reconsideration is filed under three grounds: The availability of new evidence not previously available; An intervening change in controlling law; or. The need to correct a clear error of law or to prevent manifest injustice.

What is the difference between a motion to reopen and a motion to reconsider?

A motion to reopen is when there are new facts that were not discovered at the hearing or at the time the decision was made. A motion to reconsider is when the person argues that the government didn't apply the facts of the case correctly.