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Unfavorable decision

“Case Was Denied”on your I-140 · Employment-based green card petition

The I-140 was denied.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision · here
Approval notice mailed

What to do, in 4 steps

Read the denial letter and note every deadline.
Talk to an immigration attorney or accredited representative as soon as possible.
Ask whether an appeal, motion to reopen or new filing fits your case.
Check how the denial affects your current status or work permit.
letter
Your deadlineThe one on your letter. Do not miss it.
In this statusThis is a decision status; any deadline to respond is in the denial letter, often about 30 days.

What it means for your I-140

The I-140 was denied. The decision explains the reasons, such as qualifications, the job requirements or ability to pay. The employer or self-petitioner may be able to file an appeal or motion with Form I-290B, or file a new petition. Strict deadlines apply, so talk to an immigration attorney quickly.

In general, on any form:

USCIS denied your application or petition. A decision letter explains the reasons and any options. Some denials can be appealed or reopened, and some can be filed again. Deadlines for these options are short.

Avoid these mistakes

Waiting too long and missing the appeal or motion deadline.
Refiling the same application without fixing the reason for denial.
Ignoring the effect on your legal status.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Denied" mean on an I-140?

The I-140 was denied. The decision explains the reasons, such as qualifications, the job requirements or ability to pay. The employer or self-petitioner may be able to file an appeal or motion with Form I-290B, or file a new petition. Strict deadlines apply, so talk to an immigration attorney quickly.

Can I appeal a USCIS denial?

Some denials can be appealed or challenged by motion. The letter tells you which options apply.

Can I apply again after a denial?

Often yes, but you should fix the reason for the denial first.

Will a denial affect my legal status?

It can. Talk to an attorney or accredited representative quickly about your situation.

How long does an I-140 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 20 to 22 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-140

Case Was ApprovedDecisionCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecisionCase Approval Was Certified By USCISDecisionCase Was Sent To The Department of StateDecisionCase Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-140 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationN-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for NaturalizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.