Adverse · Denied / closed · terminal
Case Was Rejected
What it means
The filing was returned without being accepted. Rejection is very different from denial: it happens at intake, typically because of an incorrect fee, a bounced payment, an outdated form edition, a blank required field, or a missing signature. No officer evaluated your eligibility, and a rejected filing is treated as never filed, so it does not preserve a filing date.
When it usually appears
During intake and form-level review, usually within weeks of delivery.
How long it usually lasts
The package is normally mailed back within a few weeks together with a notice stating the rejection reason.
What you need to do next
Work through the rejection notice item by item: use the current form edition from the USCIS website, confirm the fee amount and payment method, sign by hand wherever required, and leave no mandatory field blank. Refile promptly, since the filing date will be the date USCIS receives the corrected package, which can affect status continuity or priority dates. If the timing collides with an expiring status, speak to an attorney first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rejected and denied?
Rejected means never accepted, for formal or fee reasons. Denied means accepted, adjudicated and refused on the merits.
Do I get my fee back?
Filings that are not accepted are normally returned along with the uncashed payment, as described in the rejection notice.
Does refiling keep my original date?
No. The new receipt date applies, which is the main practical harm caused by a rejection.
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General information only, not legal advice. Official USCIS notices in writing always take precedence.
About this information
- · MyCases is an independent product and is not affiliated with USCIS or any US government agency.
- · Information comes from publicly available USCIS channels.
- · It is informational only — not legal advice, and not a prediction of approval or timing.
- · Official written notices and USCIS records control.