If the immigration judge denies your case and issues a removal order, you generally have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Filing within the deadline is critical, as late appeals are typically rejected. During the appeal process, removal may be temporarily paused, depending on the circumstances. The appeal focuses on legal errors made by the judge.

An appeal is not a new trial but a review of whether the judge applied the law correctly. Written briefs are submitted explaining why the decision should be reversed. If the BIA denies the appeal, further review may be possible in federal court. Strict timelines and procedural rules apply, so careful preparation is essential.