When the BIA denies or approves an appeal, it sends a copy of the decision by regular mail to the attorney of record and a copy to the immigrant at their last known address. This is one of the key reasons that you should keep the BIA updated about your address. Even if you are represented by an attorney, the BIA must know where you live.
You can also check the status of your appeal by checking the EOIR phone system. The phone number is 1-800-898-7180, and it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will have to know your A number. You should check this number periodically to determine the status of your appeal. You can also get answers to most of your questions by calling the BIA phone tree at 703-605-1007. This system provides information about:
- the BIA’s mailing address, location, and website information;
- Appeals and motions;
- Transcripts and briefs;
- Stays of deportation;
- BIA decisions; and
- Change of address.
Staying on top of your appeal is critically important, because the 30 day time period for filing a circuit court appeal is based on the date the BIA issues its decision, not the date you learned that your appeal was denied. Feel free to contact me if you have a BIA Appeal that has been denied.