{"id":4400,"date":"2026-11-08T04:02:45","date_gmt":"2026-11-08T04:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abogadaadrianagomez.com\/resources\/removal-defense\/removal-defense-motion-to-reopen-houston\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T11:30:52","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T11:30:52","slug":"removal-defense-motion-to-reopen-houston","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/abogadaadrianagomez.com\/resources\/removal-defense\/removal-defense-motion-to-reopen-houston\/","title":{"rendered":"Motion to Reopen After a BIA Decision: Deadlines and Limits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Motion to Reopen After a BIA Decision: Understand the Deadlines and Limits<\/h1>

A Board of Immigration Appeals decision is not always the end of your case. Our team focuses on removal defense and BIA appeals, and we can explain how a motion to reopen may fit your situation.<\/p>

Book a Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Adriana Gomez \u00b7 Published November 7, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Motion to Reopen Immigration Court Houston: BIA Deadlines<\/h2>\n

A motion to reopen asks the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to take up a case it has already decided. The deadlines are short, so timing matters as much as the reasons.<\/p>\n

If you’re researching a motion to reopen after a Board decision, this guide explains the rules in plain words.<\/p>\n\n

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If a BIA dismissal has you worried about a family member's next steps, we can talk through the timeline and the options with you. Talk it through with our team — we can walk you through how a situation like yours is usually handled and what your options are.<\/p>

Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What a Motion to Reopen Is After a BIA Dismissal<\/h2>\n

A motion to reopen is a written request asking the BIA to reopen a case it has decided. The rule says a request from the affected party must be a written motion to the Board (8 C.F.R. \u00a7 1003.2<\/a>).<\/p>\n

This option is for people whose BIA appeal was dismissed, or whose removal order is final.<\/p>\n

It is not a new trial. The Board decides whether to grant it. The Board can deny a motion even when the person shows a prima facie case for relief.<\/p>\n

The motion must state the new facts that would be proven at a hearing. It must also include affidavits or other evidence that supports those facts.<\/p>\n

Deadlines: The 90-Day Rule and Its Exceptions<\/h2>\n

In most cases, a motion to reopen must be filed within 90 days of the final administrative order of removal.<\/p>\n

There are exceptions, and each one is narrow:<\/p>\n