Short answer: a motion to reopen/reconsider asks the same deciding body based on new facts or legal error; an appeal goes to a higher body. Both have strict deadlines and formats and do not fit every refusal type.
Motions to Reopen/Reconsider vs Appeals
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
Motions to the same body; appeals to a higher body; strict deadlines.
FAQ
Status during a motion?
Depends whether the decision is final and any stay exists.
Appeal and motion together?
Sometimes — counsel decides strategy.
Need a lawyer?
Strongly recommended given format and grounds rules.