BIA NOTICE OF APPEAL AND BRIEF SHELL

(EOIR-26 + MERITS BRIEF OUTLINE)

Appeal Snapshot

• Respondent: [NAME], A#: [A-NUMBER]
• IJ decision date: [DATE]; Court: [CITY, STATE]
• Relief denied/granted: [ASYLUM/WITHHOLDING/CAT/OTHER]
• Filing deadline for EOIR-26: [DATE]; Fee/fee waiver: [DETAIL]
• Stay: [AUTOMATIC IF REMOVAL ORDER?/REQUESTED]

Packet Order (suggested)

1) Form EOIR-26 (Notice of Appeal) with concise reasons.
2) Filing fee or fee waiver (EOIR-26A) and proof of service on DHS.
3) Motion to extend brief deadline (if needed) and transcript request.
4) Appearance (EOIR-27) if not on record.
5) Brief (when due) following outline below with table of authorities.
6) Appendix: key record cites, IJ decision, exhibits if permitted by rule.

Brief Outline (sample)

1) Issues presented.
2) Jurisdiction and standard of review.
3) Procedural history and facts (record citations).
4) Argument headings:
- Legal error (misapplied standard, due process, credibility errors).
- Factual findings not supported by substantial evidence.
- Application of law to facts (nexus, PSG, burden, CAT).
- Relief eligibility and discretionary factors (if applicable).
5) Remedy requested (remand/terminate/grant).
6) Conclusion.

Practice Notes

• File EOIR-26 on time; late appeals are jurisdictionally barred.
• Keep reasons on EOIR-26 concise; expand in brief.
• Serve DHS; use proper filing channel (ECAS if available).
• Check page/word limits and formatting in BIA Practice Manual.
• Request transcript promptly; track briefing schedule; seek extension if needed with good cause.