Appealing to the AAO with a Spanish-Speaking Attorney

Q: How long does an AAO appeal take?

Most AAO decisions take between six months and one year, depending on case complexity. Your attorney can track the progress and keep you informed.

Q: Can I submit new evidence with my AAO appeal?

Yes. You can include new evidence that supports your case and addresses the reasons for the original denial.

July 30, 2024

Updated on October, 2025

Appealing to the AAO with a Spanish-Speaking Immigration Attorney

When USCIS denies an immigration application, it can feel devastating, especially after months or even years of effort. But a denial is not the end of your journey. In many cases, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Working with an experienced, Spanish-speaking immigration attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of your appeal.

At Immigration Universe Attorneys, we believe every client deserves to understand their case clearly, in their own language. Attorney Ileana Rivera and her bilingual team guide individuals and families through complex appeal processes with compassion, precision, and legal expertise.

What Is the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)?

The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) is a division of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) responsible for reviewing certain types of immigration denials. The AAO independently examines whether USCIS made a legal or factual error in your case.

You can appeal to the AAO for various petitions, such as:

Employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions
Waivers of inadmissibility (like I-601 or I-601A)
Applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Special immigrant and humanitarian classifications

Each case type has strict filing deadlines, typically 30 days from the date on your denial notice. Missing this deadline usually results in losing your right to appeal.

Common Reasons USCIS Denies Immigration Cases

Understanding why USCIS denied your case helps your attorney develop the right strategy for your appeal. Below are the most common reasons for denial:

Reason for Denial	Description	Possible AAO Focus
Insufficient Evidence	Documents or forms were incomplete or inconsistent	Provide additional or clarified evidence
Legal Ineligibility	Applicant did not meet the law’s criteria	Challenge legal interpretation
Misrepresentation	USCIS suspects inaccurate or false statements	Submit affidavits or corrections
Missed Deadlines	Late filing or response	Request reconsideration based on exceptional circumstances
Administrative Error	USCIS made a procedural mistake	Argue error in process or misapplied regulation

Each reason demands a tailored legal approach. A strong appeal requires both legal knowledge and a strategic review of all supporting evidence.

How a Spanish-Speaking Immigration Attorney Helps with an AAO Appeal

Filing an appeal with the AAO involves more than paperwork, it requires precise argumentation, understanding of immigration statutes, and effective communication between client and attorney.

A Spanish-speaking immigration lawyer ensures that you fully understand:

The reason your case was denied
The evidence and arguments needed for your appeal
The deadlines and expected processing time

Attorney Ileana Rivera is fluent in English and Spanish, offering clients bilingual representation throughout the U.S. Her firm prepares detailed legal briefs that highlight errors in USCIS’s reasoning and emphasize why the original decision should be reversed.

Working with a Spanish-speaking attorney also prevents costly misunderstandings. Many clients have lost valuable time because of translation issues or incomplete comprehension of legal notices. Immigration Universe Attorneys bridge that communication gap, ensuring your voice is accurately represented.

The AAO Appeal Process Step-by-Step

The appeal process follows strict procedural rules. Here’s how it generally works:

Receive the Denial Notice (Form I-292 or letter):
This document explains the reasons for denial and indicates whether the decision is appealable.
Determine Appeal Eligibility:
Not every decision can be appealed. Your attorney will confirm if the AAO has jurisdiction over your case.
File Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion):
The form must be filed within 30 days (33 if mailed) from the date of the denial.
Prepare the Legal Brief and Supporting Evidence:
This is where your attorney builds the argument. A detailed legal brief cites relevant statutes, case law, and USCIS policy memos.
Submit Additional Evidence (if applicable):
Depending on the case, new documentation or affidavits can strengthen your argument.
USCIS Review Before Forwarding to AAO:
USCIS first reviews the appeal. If it agrees with your attorney’s arguments, it may reopen and approve the case before sending it to the AAO.
AAO Decision:
The AAO will issue one of three outcomes: sustain (approve), dismiss (deny), or remand (send back for reconsideration).

The entire process can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on case complexity. Throughout that time, clear communication between attorney and client is essential.

What to Do After an AAO Denial

If the AAO denies your appeal, other legal remedies may still be available. You may be able to:

File a motion to reopen or reconsider with the AAO
Seek review in Federal Court under certain circumstances
Pursue alternative immigration benefits or waivers

Attorney Rivera will carefully assess whether these options apply to your situation and explain their potential risks and benefits in plain language.

Why Choose Immigration Universe Attorneys for Your AAO Appeal

At Immigration Universe Attorneys, we combine deep legal expertise with genuine compassion for our clients. We know that an AAO appeal can determine your future in the United States and we take that responsibility seriously.

Here’s what sets our firm apart:

Over a decade of experience in complex immigration matters
Bilingual team (English, Spanish, and Portuguese)
Honest evaluations of your case before proceeding
Personalized attention from Attorney Ileana Rivera herself
Proactive communication throughout every step of your appeal

We don’t make unrealistic promises; we provide clarity and commitment. Whether you are in Orlando, Kissimmee, or anywhere in the U.S., our firm can represent you remotely or in person.

Learn more about our full range of services here:
Immigration Services

How to Schedule a Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with Immigration Universe Attorneys is simple.

Here’s what to expect:

Initial Evaluation – You’ll meet directly with Attorney Rivera to discuss your denial notice and explore possible grounds for appeal.
Case Review – Our team examines your USCIS file, denial letter, and all supporting evidence.
Strategy Plan – We’ll outline the best approach for your appeal, estimated timelines, and expected costs.

Phone: +1 (407) 818-1244
Email: service@immigration-uni.com
Address: 7901 Kingspointe Blvd, Ste. 8, Orlando, FL 32819
WhatsApp: +1 (407) 720-8983

You’ll receive clear next steps and a personalized roadmap for your appeal.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a denial from USCIS can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. Many successful immigration stories begin with a well-prepared appeal. With an experienced Spanish-speaking immigration attorney by your side, you gain not only legal representation but also a partner who understands your challenges and speaks your language.

At Immigration Universe Attorneys, we help clients regain hope and move forward confidently, one case at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does an AAO appeal take?

Most AAO decisions take between six months and one year, though complex cases may take longer. Your attorney can monitor your appeal’s progress and provide updates.